The digital transformation has significantly changed the way the entire world used to connect and share information. We have come all the way to 5G, which offers unprecedented speeds, low latency, and massive connectivity to not only smartphones but also IoT devices, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and industrial automation.
5G helps create a highly interconnected world where billions of devices can be connected simultaneously, and the data flows seamlessly to industries, people, and businesses. 5G networks are 10 to 100x faster than 4G because they use shorter frequencies (millimeter waves between 30GHz and 300GHz). The high-band spectrum provides a boost in speed and capacity.
The security architecture of 5G networks is dependent upon advanced technologies like network slicing, virtualization, and cloud resources. However, the 5G network is not the same for all, as communication service providers can provide additional capabilities to address the networking needs of businesses and enterprises.
There is an even better option available: a private 5G network. Private 5G networks are weaving transformational experiences for businesses and enterprises and can handle the current networking needs that neither WiFi nor wired networks can handle. One of the aspects is security, and with built-in encryption and dedicated spectrum, private 5G networks can spearhead the protection of sensitive data and secure communication channels.
While 5G ensures reduced error rates, better bandwidth, and lower latencies, some gaps prevent enterprises and businesses from adopting it wholeheartedly. For instance:
1. Although 5G’s algorithm is comprehensive and includes critical components in its security architecture, it is still vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks. For example, the 5G RN standard does support end-to-end encryption.
2. Network slicing is a popular feature of 5G; however, it requires vigilance. When a virtual network is created for any specific functionality, the 5G software is exposed to hackers. If a breach occurs, it can spread to the entire carrier’s network, putting all the devices at risk.
3. According to Ericsson Mobility Report data, 5G coverage is expected to reach 55% by the end of 2024. The rollout of 5G technology has reached many urban areas; however, rural areas remain devoid of it or have limited coverage. Most industrial operations are based in rural areas, making it difficult for enterprises and businesses there to make the best use of 5G capabilities.
4. The proliferation of connected devices and IoT increases the number of entry points for hackers. Cybercriminals are leveraging new as-a-service attack models, and in 2023, around 49% of enterprises were victims of attacks.
5. Also, the WiFi network relies on shared and unlicensed spectrum, making it vulnerable to interference and cyber attacks. Hackers only need the SSID (network name) and password to enter the network.
All of these setbacks paved the way for private 5G networks, which emerged as the solution to transform enterprises’ data communication needs.
The above data reveals that enterprises are rushing to deploy 5G networks, but what makes them so transformative? One reason behind emerging adoption is the security benefits that most enterprises receive from private 5G network deployment. Private directly translates to security, indicating that a private 5G network is isolated from the rest of the world and restricted to the devices that are connected to it.
Private 5G offers advanced features, like SIM-based authentication, encryption, and dedicated infrastructure, creating a solid defensive shield to protect an enterprise’s IT infrastructure from cyber attacks. The private 5G networks deliver end-to-end security solutions to bridge the gap created by public and unlicensed networks.
Let’s understand the key security features that virtual operators offering private 5G networks provide:
● Edge-to-Core Protection: Data protection starts from the edge with SIM-based authentication, private SIMs, and secure segmentation.
● User Authentication and Accountability: It enhances security through two-factor authentication, role-based access, and detailed audit trails.
● Network Visibility and Control: To ensure consistent protection across the network, it includes real-time monitoring tools to identify security threats and enforce security policies
● Compliance with Industry Standards: Private 5G networks rely on different standards, like 3GPP, with advanced encryption and authentication protocols to comply with different industry standards.
Enterprises and businesses can ensure that their messages, communication, data transfer, and connected devices remain shielded from the vulnerabilities in the public network. With private 5G networks, enterprises can implement advanced security protocols that match their needs. You can deploy end-to-end encryption across all communication channels, customize security policies, and introduce rigorous access controls to manage device and user connectivity
Besides, organizations can have better control over their network as they easily manage and monitor the network access points, ensuring that only authorized employees and devices can connect to the network. This type of stringent security is essential in industries like manufacturing, where operations rely on the integration of IoT devices and automated machinery.
1. Improved Performance Dedicated resources power private networks, meaning enterprises will have their own licensed spectrum, base station, core networks, antennas, and backhaul connectivity. Dedicated resources for a single organization’s operations accelerate data transfer speeds and optimize network performance.
2. Custom Configuration Organizations have complete ownership and control of the infrastructure, and the settings can be configured according to their unique operational needs. From optimizing network settings to prioritizing traffic and implementing security protocols that align with compliance requirements, this custom setup supports streamlining organizational workflows.
3. Enhanced Access Controls The private 5G core network allows granular control over user access, keeping bad threats and actors at bay. Only authorized users and devices can access sensitive data and critical network resources, building a secure network environment with reduced risks associated with internal security breaches.
4. Better Reliability Private networks offer better reliability than WiFi networks, avoiding performance degradation due to high concurrent usage or distance from the hotspot or WiFi. Organizations can set up highly available, reliable, and consistent communication channels so that data is transferred seamlessly without any delay or downtime.
The Bottom Line
Staying vigilant is the only way to remain shielded from the consequences of cyber security attacks. Besides, we cannot overlook the fact that businesses need high-speed data transfer to assist decision-making in real-time. A private 5G core network becomes an integral component for implementing advanced technologies like edge computing, IIoT, and automationv While implementing a private 5G network in your premises might not be easy, you can connect with core network infrastructure platform service providers, like XIUS, to deploy end-to-end solutions so you can focus on your business activities.
Within a single packaged solution, you get all the components required to set up your own private network. A fully integrated end-to-end network solution ensures quick time to market, ensuring that your operations are up and running as soon as possible.
5G helps create a highly interconnected world where billions of devices can be connected simultaneously, and the data flows seamlessly to industries, people, and businesses. 5G networks are 10 to 100x faster than 4G because they use shorter frequencies (millimeter waves between 30GHz and 300GHz). The high-band spectrum provides a boost in speed and capacity.
The security architecture of 5G networks is dependent upon advanced technologies like network slicing, virtualization, and cloud resources. However, the 5G network is not the same for all, as communication service providers can provide additional capabilities to address the networking needs of businesses and enterprises.
There is an even better option available: a private 5G network. Private 5G networks are weaving transformational experiences for businesses and enterprises and can handle the current networking needs that neither WiFi nor wired networks can handle. One of the aspects is security, and with built-in encryption and dedicated spectrum, private 5G networks can spearhead the protection of sensitive data and secure communication channels.
Flaws in 5G, Leading to The Rise of Private 5G Networks
5G technology is backwards-compatible with EPC, which was developed for 4G LTE networks and supports the newer 5G Core network architecture. The 4G LTE EPC forms the foundation for the initial deployment of 5G and helps efficiently manage data routing, mobility management, quality of service, and security.While 5G ensures reduced error rates, better bandwidth, and lower latencies, some gaps prevent enterprises and businesses from adopting it wholeheartedly. For instance:
1. Although 5G’s algorithm is comprehensive and includes critical components in its security architecture, it is still vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks. For example, the 5G RN standard does support end-to-end encryption.
2. Network slicing is a popular feature of 5G; however, it requires vigilance. When a virtual network is created for any specific functionality, the 5G software is exposed to hackers. If a breach occurs, it can spread to the entire carrier’s network, putting all the devices at risk.
3. According to Ericsson Mobility Report data, 5G coverage is expected to reach 55% by the end of 2024. The rollout of 5G technology has reached many urban areas; however, rural areas remain devoid of it or have limited coverage. Most industrial operations are based in rural areas, making it difficult for enterprises and businesses there to make the best use of 5G capabilities.
4. The proliferation of connected devices and IoT increases the number of entry points for hackers. Cybercriminals are leveraging new as-a-service attack models, and in 2023, around 49% of enterprises were victims of attacks.
5. Also, the WiFi network relies on shared and unlicensed spectrum, making it vulnerable to interference and cyber attacks. Hackers only need the SSID (network name) and password to enter the network.
All of these setbacks paved the way for private 5G networks, which emerged as the solution to transform enterprises’ data communication needs.
Private 5G: How is it the Most Secure Option Available for Enterprises?
According to Analysys Mason’s Report, the number of private 5G networks will grow from over 4000 in 2022 to 60,000 by 2028. Besides, Nokia’s recently published report mentions that enterprises that have deployed private 5G networks have witnessed a clear return on their investment. 78% of the enterprises received a positive ROI within 6 months of deployment. 97% of them reported a reduction in operating expenditure and a 10% improvement in worker safety.The above data reveals that enterprises are rushing to deploy 5G networks, but what makes them so transformative? One reason behind emerging adoption is the security benefits that most enterprises receive from private 5G network deployment. Private directly translates to security, indicating that a private 5G network is isolated from the rest of the world and restricted to the devices that are connected to it.
Private 5G offers advanced features, like SIM-based authentication, encryption, and dedicated infrastructure, creating a solid defensive shield to protect an enterprise’s IT infrastructure from cyber attacks. The private 5G networks deliver end-to-end security solutions to bridge the gap created by public and unlicensed networks.
Let’s understand the key security features that virtual operators offering private 5G networks provide:
● Edge-to-Core Protection: Data protection starts from the edge with SIM-based authentication, private SIMs, and secure segmentation.
● User Authentication and Accountability: It enhances security through two-factor authentication, role-based access, and detailed audit trails.
● Network Visibility and Control: To ensure consistent protection across the network, it includes real-time monitoring tools to identify security threats and enforce security policies
● Compliance with Industry Standards: Private 5G networks rely on different standards, like 3GPP, with advanced encryption and authentication protocols to comply with different industry standards.
Enterprises and businesses can ensure that their messages, communication, data transfer, and connected devices remain shielded from the vulnerabilities in the public network. With private 5G networks, enterprises can implement advanced security protocols that match their needs. You can deploy end-to-end encryption across all communication channels, customize security policies, and introduce rigorous access controls to manage device and user connectivity
Besides, organizations can have better control over their network as they easily manage and monitor the network access points, ensuring that only authorized employees and devices can connect to the network. This type of stringent security is essential in industries like manufacturing, where operations rely on the integration of IoT devices and automated machinery.
How do Businesses Benefit From Private 5G Networks?
Private 5G core network not only comes bearing the benefit of enhanced security. There’s a lot that this method of deployment offers to businesses, like:1. Improved Performance Dedicated resources power private networks, meaning enterprises will have their own licensed spectrum, base station, core networks, antennas, and backhaul connectivity. Dedicated resources for a single organization’s operations accelerate data transfer speeds and optimize network performance.
2. Custom Configuration Organizations have complete ownership and control of the infrastructure, and the settings can be configured according to their unique operational needs. From optimizing network settings to prioritizing traffic and implementing security protocols that align with compliance requirements, this custom setup supports streamlining organizational workflows.
3. Enhanced Access Controls The private 5G core network allows granular control over user access, keeping bad threats and actors at bay. Only authorized users and devices can access sensitive data and critical network resources, building a secure network environment with reduced risks associated with internal security breaches.
4. Better Reliability Private networks offer better reliability than WiFi networks, avoiding performance degradation due to high concurrent usage or distance from the hotspot or WiFi. Organizations can set up highly available, reliable, and consistent communication channels so that data is transferred seamlessly without any delay or downtime.
The Bottom Line
Staying vigilant is the only way to remain shielded from the consequences of cyber security attacks. Besides, we cannot overlook the fact that businesses need high-speed data transfer to assist decision-making in real-time. A private 5G core network becomes an integral component for implementing advanced technologies like edge computing, IIoT, and automationv While implementing a private 5G network in your premises might not be easy, you can connect with core network infrastructure platform service providers, like XIUS, to deploy end-to-end solutions so you can focus on your business activities.
Within a single packaged solution, you get all the components required to set up your own private network. A fully integrated end-to-end network solution ensures quick time to market, ensuring that your operations are up and running as soon as possible.
