As 5G technology has evolved, an increasing number of businesses are investing in private 5G networks.
According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), around 955 organisations were deploying private 5G networks in 2022, representing a significant increase from 2021.
However, the infrastructure required to support standalone private 5G networks is costly and complex. Hybrid 5G networks provide a solution where private on-premises 5G networks combine with public infrastructure to bridge standalone and public networks.
Here’s how hybrid 5G networks can cut costs and drive efficiencies without compromising security.
The Rise of Hybrid 5G Networks
As businesses invest in private 5G networks that support on-site workloads and edge computing with ultra-low latency, the standalone 5G network has risen in prominence.
As the name suggests, standalone 5G networks are entirely segmented from the public network, meaning they need their own infrastructure.
This provides businesses with private 5G networks, but scratch-building the infrastructure is time-consuming and expensive. What if they could use some of the 5G infrastructure nearby or share it with the public? That’s what hybrid 5G networks offer.
Hybrid networks provide businesses with their own private network slice from the public network while combining privately owned on-premises 5G infrastructure with public infrastructure.
The Middle Ground Between Standalone and Public 5G
Essentially, hybrid 5G networks occupy the middle-ground between a dedicated, standalone private network and a fully virtualised network slice that uses public infrastructure.
Public 5G networks are accessible to the public, which carries an inherent security risk for businesses looking to implement secure private networks. Plus, during periods of heavy traffic, all users could experience decreased performance.
On the other hand, private 5G networks offer enhanced security and are insulated from the performance issues that can arise during peak usage times.
This gives users more control and ensures a safer environment while retaining access to the public network.
Example of Hybrid 5G Networks
There are many existing examples of 5G networks in action.
For instance, at Southern Italy’s Nardò Technical Center (NTC), Vodafone has created a hybrid 5G network infrastructure that integrates a segregated private network into a new public network, meaning the local population can access enhanced 5G connectivity.
This is sensible when the area has non-existent or poor 5G connectivity, enabling telecom companies to kill the proverbial two birds with one stone. They can (1) fit new public 5G infrastructure and (2) provide the client with their own on-premises network.
Deutsche Telekom fitted a similar system at a BMW manufacturing plant, where a private network sits beside a public one to ensure seamless connectivity between devices inside and outside the private network.
Cost-Saving Potential of Hybrid Networks
When executed correctly, hybrid networks draw upon the benefits and uses of both standalone private 5G networks and public 5G networks. This has the potential to cut costs and enable new business processes.
Leverage Existing Infrastructure
The cost of building an entirely new 5G network from scratch can be prohibitive. Instead, hybrid networks leverage existing infrastructure.
Hybrid networks allow operators to utilise current network infrastructure, reducing the need for heavy initial investment.
Efficient Use of Resources
Secondly, hybrid networks make 5G resources more efficient.
Telecom companies can deliver solutions to both the public and private companies by providing public infrastructure alongside private infrastructure for seamless interoperability between the two.
Operational Expenditure (OpEx) Savings
Operating a standalone private network involves ongoing costs, including maintenance, upgrades, energy consumption, and personnel costs for network management.
By using a hybrid network, companies can offload some of their network management to public networks managed by third parties. This can lead to considerable operational savings.
Advantages of Hybrid 5G Networks
Security
While private standalone networks are perhaps the most secure, hybrid solutions deliver improved network segmentation compared to virtual private networks.
By keeping different types of data on separate parts of the network, operators can limit the potential damage if a part of the network is compromised. Dynamic routing is key here, as it enables businesses to segregate data and workloads while retaining access to public networks.
Dynamic Routing
Dynamic routing enables real-time response to changes in network conditions. For example, dynamic routing protocols can quickly reroute the data if a certain path becomes congested or a node goes down. In addition, there are more options for re-routing when private and public networks work side-by-side.
Moreover, based on the network conditions and the transmitted data type, dynamic routing protocols can determine whether to route the traffic through the private 5G network (for sensitive or high-priority data) or the public 5G network (for less critical data).
Flexibility
Mission-critical operations that necessitate high levels of security and reliability can be allocated to the private network.
At the same time, less sensitive operations can be delegated to the public network. This dual-network model ensures efficient use of resources, potentially enhancing overall network performance.
Moreover, the capacity of the private network can be scaled up or down based on demand, while the public network can continue to handle regular operations.
Disadvantages of Hybrid 5G Networks
Complex Management
Hybrid networks involve a blend of private and public network infrastructures. Managing these disparate elements can be challenging.
Additionally, different vendors might have different protocols, interfaces, and service agreements.
Compatibility Issues
Integrating multiple network technologies can lead to compatibility issues. For example, different network technologies may have different standards and protocols, which might not seamlessly interact.
Careful planning and technical expertise ensure that all components of the hybrid network can work together harmoniously.
Integration Challenges
Integrating private and public networks in a hybrid setup can be complex.
This could include advanced routers capable of dynamic routing, sophisticated firewalls for enhanced security, and installing comprehensive network management software for the entire network. It requires close collaboration.
Balancing the Pros and Cons
Hybrid 5G networks may offer the benefits and functions of both public and private networks without the drawbacks of either. However, in reality, getting these two systems to communicate efficiently is a tricky task.
With close collaboration between telecom companies and customers, hybrid 5G networks have the potential to balance the benefits of private and public networks without the complexity of building a fully standalone network.
