Siemens Unveils Comprehensive Private 5G Solution For Industrial Applications

Siemens has developed an infrastructure tailored for private 5G networks in the industrial sector, with a specific emphasis on applications related to automation. This innovative solution is currently operational within Siemens' own facilities and is also being utilized by pilot customers, including Salzgitter AG. 5G technology plays a critical role in enabling applications like mobile robots, autonomous logistics, driverless transportation systems, and the seamless connectivity of edge devices, making it an indispensable component for modern industrial operations.

Unlike public 5G networks, which cater to the general consumer market, private 5G infrastructure offers exclusive, dedicated network solutions that provide enhanced security, reliability, and customization options. 

Siemens, a technology company, is introducing a unique in-house solution for the 5G mobile standard. This new technology allows industrial companies to create their own local 5G networks. These networks are specially designed to work really well with automation applications. It's the first time Siemens is offering this kind of solution.

"By building their own 5G networks, industrial companies are launching the next stage of connected production," says Axel Lorenz, CEO of Process Automation at Siemens. "5G is crucial for applications like mobile robots, autonomous logistics, and driverless transport systems in factories. Siemens' private 5G infrastructure also gives users sole control over the data in their 5G network at all times, and they can custom-configure the network for their applications."

How private 5G infrastructure empowers businesses?

This technology allows entities to build their own private 5G networks, offering a high level of control over connectivity, low latency, and the capacity to support a wide range of applications, including industrial automation, Internet of Things (IoT), and mission-critical communications. 

Other scenarios for industrial 5G wireless technology include the integrated use of connected tablets, VR glasses, and smart tools. In addition, edge devices can be used flexibly: for example, in brownfield applications where it’s difficult to lay cables. In contrast to other wireless technologies, private 5G networks use a licensed frequency band and can therefore be operated without interference.

5G network components from a single source

Siemens has developed its 5G infrastructure specifically for the requirements of industrial customers and industrial applications. It consists of a 5G core and a radio access network (RAN). The RAN includes the central unit (CU), the distributed unit (DU), and the radio units (RUs). Different 5G end-devices can connect to the 5G infrastructure and communicate in the private network. The all-in-one 5G solution is also designed for use in harsh industrial environments.

Before the market launch, Siemens extensively tested its private 5G infrastructure in real production environments like at the Siemens production site in Karlsruhe. By implementing and operating the prototype network in its own production facilities, Siemens was able to extensively test and refine the technology, ensuring that it can withstand the requirements of industrial production environments and support industrial applications. The private Siemens 5G infrastructure is now available in Germany, and other countries will follow. 

One of the pilot customers for the complete 5G solution is the German steel group Salzgitter AG:

"We don't just want to build any 5G network, we want an industrial 5G that meets the enormous requirements of the steel industry," says Gerd Baresch, Chief Technology Officer at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH. "Wherever we need to wirelessly transmit data reliably and securely – from real-time camera images to safety-relevant emergency-stop signals for driverless transport systems – we need future-proof communication technology. Siemens has been a longstanding reliable partner for network solutions, and this is precisely why we decided to work with them."

Highest data security with 5G infrastructure in campus networks

Private 5G networks, also known as campus networks, are 5G networks restricted to a defined company premises, a defined area, or an individual building. From Siemens' point of view, private 5G networks offer many advantages for industry: Companies build them locally at their locations and can precisely modify them to meet their needs and applications. Companies also have full control over their data, because private 5G networks use their own local 5G spectrum. A private 5G infrastructure like the one offered by Siemens is required for building a local 5G network and making the 5G signal available on the company’s premises.

Siemens has been offering industrial 5G routers like the SCALANCE MUM853-1 and MUM856-1 for connecting robots, AGVs, and other industrial devices to a private 5G network since 2021. These routers are the final components necessary for efficient wireless connectivity in industrial environments.

For more information on the Siemens industrial 5G offering, please visit www.siemens.com/private-5g-networks