Private 5G on the Shop Floor: When Wi-Fi Isn’t Enough

Industrial networks are pushing the limits of wireless reliability. As factories deploy autonomous robots, real-time video inspection, and time-sensitive control, Wi-Fi often falls short in coverage, determinism, and mobility. That’s where private 5G networks come in — offering licensed spectrum, predictable latency, and end-to-end quality of service (QoS).

Why Private 5G

Unlike public 5G, private 5G gives enterprises full control over their radio access network (RAN) and core. It’s installed and operated locally — like a private Wi-Fi network, but with carrier-grade reliability.

Key Benefits

• Deterministic latency: below 10 ms for motion and vision systems.
• Better mobility: seamless handover for AGVs and AMRs moving across zones.
• Network slicing: isolate robot control, sensors, and video on separate logical slices.
• Security: SIM-based authentication prevents unauthorized devices.

When Wi-Fi Isn’t Enough

• Dense metal environments with RF reflections.
• Mobile robots crossing access point boundaries.
• High uplink bandwidth (e.g., 4K video streaming).
• Strict latency (<1 ms) for closed-loop control.

Case Example: Automotive Body Shop

An automotive plant deployed a private 5G network with 8 small cells to support 120 mobile welding robots. Compared to Wi-Fi 6E, latency improved by 60% and packet loss dropped to near zero, even during shift changes with high traffic loads.

Integration with OT Networks

Private 5G integrates with TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) for deterministic scheduling and with OPC UA for secure data exchange. Gateways translate 5G slices into Ethernet VLANs for seamless operation with PLCs and MES.

Related Articles

• URLLC, Slicing, and TSN Integration: What Matters for Robots
• 5G vs Wi-Fi 7 for Industrial Environments: A Decision Guide
• How to Run a 5G Pilot in a Factory in 60 Days

Conclusion

Private 5G doesn’t replace Ethernet — it complements it. For mobile, time-critical, or high-bandwidth applications, it provides the reliability and security Wi-Fi cannot. The future of industrial connectivity is hybrid, and private 5G is its wireless backbone.