Infrastructure for private industrial 5G networks focuses on automation applications
Solution is already in use in Siemens factories and pilot customers, such as Salzgitter AG
5G is crucial for mobile robots, autonomous logistics, driverless transportation systems and edge devices
For the first time, Siemens launches an internally developed private infrastructure for the 5G mobile communications standard. The solution allows industrial companies to build their own local 5G networks, which will provide optimal support for automation applications. “By building their own 5G networks, industrial companies are entering the next phase of connected production,” says Axel Lorenz, CEO of Process Automation at Siemens. “5G is crucial for applications such as mobile robots, autonomous logistics and driverless transport systems in factories. Siemens’ private 5G infrastructure also gives users exclusive control over the data on their 5G network at all times, and they can customize the network for their applications.”
Private industrial 5G infrastructure for installing a local 5G network. Photo: Siemens Disclosure
Other possibilities for 5G wireless industrial technology include the integrated use of connected tablets, VR glasses and smart tools. Furthermore, edge devices can be used flexibly: for example, in brownfield applications where it is difficult to install cables. Unlike other wireless technologies, private 5G networks use a licensed frequency band and can therefore operate without interference.
5G Network Components from a Single Source
Siemens developed its 5G infrastructure specifically for customer needs and industrial applications. It consists of a 5G core and a radio access network (RAN). The RAN includes the central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), and radio units (RUs). Multiple 5G devices can connect to the 5G infrastructure and communicate on the private network. The all-in-one 5G solution is also designed for use in harsh industrial environments.
Before launch, Siemens extensively tested its private 5G infrastructure in real production environments, such as at the Siemens production site in Karlsruhe (Germany). By implementing and operating the prototype network in its own production facilities, Siemens was able to extensively test and refine the technology, thereby ensuring that it can meet the requirements of industrial production environments and support industrial applications. Siemens' private 5G infrastructure is now available in Germany and will soon reach other countries.
One of the pilot customers for the complete 5G solution is the German steel group Salzgitter AG: “We don't want to build just any 5G network, we want an industrial 5G that meets the huge demands of the steel industry”, says Gerd Baresch, Chief Technology Officer at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH. “Wherever we need to transmit data wirelessly reliably and securely – from real-time camera images to safety-relevant emergency stop signs in driverless transport systems – we need communications technology Future-proof. Siemens is a long-time trusted partner for network solutions and that is exactly why we decided to work with them.”
Highest data security with 5G infrastructure in campus networks (CAN)
Private 5G networks, also known as campus networks, are 5G networks that are restricted to a specific company premises, a specific area, or an individual building. From Siemens' point of view, private 5G networks offer many advantages for industry: companies build them on-site and can precisely modify them to meet their needs and applications. Companies also have full control over their data, as private 5G networks use their own local 5G spectrum. To build a local 5G network and make the 5G signal available on a company's premises, it is necessary to have a private 5G infrastructure like that offered by Siemens.
Since 2021, Siemens has been offering industrial 5G routers like the SCALANCE MUM853-1 and MUM856-1 to connect robots, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), and other industrial devices to a private 5G network. Such routers are the last components needed for efficient wireless connectivity in industrial environments.
SCALANCE M80000 industrial 5G radio unit. Photo: Siemens Disclosure
