Are you ready to explore the power of 5G enterprise connectivity? Look no further than VMware Private Mobile Network. Designed specifically for enterprises, this solution offers seamless connections that enhance productivity and efficiency. At VMware Explore Las Vegas Sameer Naik, Senior Product Manager at VMware, and Kyle Allen, VP of Sales Engineering at Airspan Networks presented “VMware Private Mobile Network: Purpose Built Solution to Adopt Private 5G.” In this dynamic and informative session, they unveiled the latest developments in private mobile networks and strategic partnerships with managed service providers.
To gain in-depth insights into the session, watch the full video of the VMware Explore session for a more comprehensive understanding of private mobile networks and the immense benefits they offer enterprises.
Private mobile networks are redefining the network edge
The concept of the “edge” has evolved significantly, with businesses across various industries – from automotive to manufacturing – seeking to embark on their digital transformation journey. However, these new use cases demand ultra-reliable performance, high mobility, extensive coverage, and robust security. VMware Private Mobile Network can address these requirements with software-defined network infrastructure and edge computing capabilities.
While traditional LAN and Wi-Fi options have served their purpose, the demand for better applications, efficiency, and productivity continues to grow. Existing technologies may be limited in terms of Internet access, user capacity, and latency sensitivity. That’s where private mobile networks come in – complementing existing Wi-Fi technology to provide seamless connectivity for mobile and latency-sensitive devices.
Dedicated critical applications, security, and control are of utmost importance when deploying private networks. VMware Private Mobile Network helps guarantee the highest level of security and control to safeguard your information and optimize your operations.
Limitations of public networks and Wi-Fi
Public networks may seem like a viable option, but they come with limitations. With only a small portion of the network dedicated to enterprises, your bandwidth and latency requirements may not be fully met. Wi-Fi, while convenient, lacks the ability to guarantee service, throughput, and latency. This poses a challenge for devices such as drones that require guaranteed service.
Private mobile networks have dedicated spectrum exclusively used by your enterprise, giving you full control over your network’s capabilities. You can categorize users and devices based on their needs and allocate the highest bandwidth and lowest latency where it matters most. These abilities can help enterprise optimize manufacturing, bolster automotive operations, and prioritize security applications, for example.
The good news is that governments are relaxing spectrum regulations, offering more opportunities for private networks. The US provides unlicensed and semi-licensed bands, while European operators and enterprises have access to specific licensed spectrums like N77 and N78 in western Europe.
Components of a private mobile network
Building a private network shares similarities with a macro network, but it is condensed to fit the needs of an enterprise. The session broke the process down into the five pillars enterprises need to deploy:
Radio Access Network (RAN): Akin to a Wi-Fi access point, this is the backbone of your network.
Connectivity: The spectrum that connects the RAN to your devices.
Private converged core: The core that supports both 4G and 5G technologies. It processes device data and connects them to the internet.
Devices: From IoT devices to 4G and 5G enabled cameras, your network accommodates all endpoints used in manufacturing plants.
Management and orchestration: Seamlessly interconnect all devices and networks with cloud orchestration, providing a single pane of glass visibility.
Airspan radio technology
Kyle Allen noted that Airspan has been developing small cell radio technology for mobile carriers like AT&T and Verizon for many years and saw an opportunity to bring this technology to enterprises for private networks. He showcased Airspan’s progressive small cell RAN technology, and its open, deterministic, and modular nature. Allen discussed the expansive coverage and bandwidth of their 4G and 5G radios alongside the potential of shared spectrum, such as CBRS, in private networks.
VMware Private Mobile Network Orchestrator
The session zoomed in on VMware’s innovative Private Mobile Network Orchestrator, which serves as a unified central console for managing and orchestrating network components. With its multi-tenancy and role-based access control features, users are assigned varying privileges based on their roles, giving the orchestration process a personalized touch.
Private Mobile Network Orchestrator manages the RAN, packet core, provisioning, deployment, and day-to-day operations through a single pane of glass. Provisioning can be done from day zero to standup of the site, standup of the core, and standup of the RAN for subscribers.
The value proposition includes a unified central console for multi-tenant management, integration with existing VMware products, and network intelligence. Security is a top priority with a secure posture for LAN, private networks, and WAN connections to multi-cloud services.
The private open network is connected to leading RAN ecosystem partners like Airspan, while managed service partners offer customized support for enterprises with multiple sites and locations. The session also discussed partnerships with three managed service providers: Boingo Wireless, Betacom, and Federated Wireless. With these partnerships, the ultimate goal is to simplify the deployment and management of private networks for enterprises.
