The 5G campus network: What does 5G do for industry?

Web Editorial Team Editor

05.06.2023 7 min

The age of the 5G campus network has arrived and promises to revolutionize the way businesses, as well as institutions, build and operate their networks.

In an increasingly connected world, where demands for speed, capacity and reliability are constantly rising, the 5G campus network opens up a new era of connectivity.

What is a 5G campus network?

A 5G campus network is a local wireless communications network based on 5G technology and designed specifically for use in demarcated areas such as enterprises, educational institutions, healthcare, logistics and other institutions. Unlike the public 5G network, a campus network provides a private and secure infrastructure that meets the specific needs of each location.

Growing need for campus networks.

In an increasingly digitized world, businesses and institutions are faced with an exponential increase in the amount of data. Traditional networks are reaching their limits. The need for reliable, fast and secure connectivity for applications such as Industry 4.0, IoT devices, autonomous vehicles and smart cities is steadily increasing. This is where 5G campus networks come into play.

Benefits of 5G campus networks.

Higher speed and capacity.

5G campus networks offer speeds far beyond what was possible in previous mobile generations. With theoretical download speeds of up to 10 Gbps, 5G enables seamless transmission of large amounts of data in real time. It also offers significantly higher network capacity. This allows more users to access the network simultaneously without bottlenecks.

Low latency

One of the most impressive features of 5G is its extremely low latency. This refers to the amount of time it takes for a data transmission to arrive at its destination when it is sent. With latency of less than one millisecond, 5G campus network enables real-time communications that are critical for applications such as autonomous vehicles, robotic manufacturing and remote surgery.

Support for IoT devices.

The proliferation of IoT devices across enterprises and institutions requires reliable, high-capacity connectivity. 5G campus networks are ideally positioned to meet the connectivity needs of a large number of IoT devices to realize the full potential of the Internet of Things.

Improved security

Security of data and networks is a critical factor for businesses and institutions. 5G campus networks offer advanced security features, such as encrypted communications and authentication, to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Flexibility and scalability

5G campus networks are highly flexible and can be customized to meet the specific needs of a business or institution. The modular architecture of 5G allows the network to be easily expanded or adapted as needed to meet increasing demands.

Applications of 5G campus networks

5G campus networks are applied in various fields and enable innovative solutions for companies and institutions.

Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing

In a smart factory, production processes are increasingly automated and networked. 5G campus networks play a crucial role here by providing reliable and fast connectivity for smart machines, robotics and IoT devices. This enables more efficient production, improved process control and accurate real-time data analytics.

Smart cities and infrastructure management

Cities worldwide are turning to smart technologies to optimize their infrastructures and improve the quality of life for their residents. 5G campus networks provide reliable connectivity for various applications such as intelligent traffic management, public safety systems, energy efficiency, and environmental monitoring. By integrating 5G, cities can be made more efficient and sustainable.

Healthcare and telemedicine

Healthcare benefits from 5G campus networks through improved telemedicine. Real-time communications, remote monitoring, and medical data sharing are enabled by 5G's high speed and low latency. This enables faster diagnosis, more effective treatment, and improved patient care, especially in remote areas.

Educational institutions and campus networks

Educational institutions such as universities and schools are turning to 5G campus networks to meet the growing demand for connectivity. Fast access to online resources, real-time communication, and collaboration optimize learning. 5G-also makes it possible to introduce innovative teaching methods such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into the classroom.

Logistics and intelligent transportation systems

The logistics industry benefits from 5G campus networks by enabling seamless and efficient communication between vehicles, terminals, warehouses, and distribution centers. Real-time tracking, improved fleet management solutions, and precise analytics help optimize supply chain management.

Implementation of 5G campus networks

Implementing 5G campus networks requires careful planning and collaboration between enterprises, institutions and telecom providers.

To leverage the full capabilities of 5G campus networks, network infrastructures must be upgraded accordingly. This includes the installation of 5G base stations, antennas, fiber optic cables, as well as the integration of network technologies. In addition, planning and installing a 5G campus network requires detailed site analysis for optimal positioning of base stations, as well as ensuring comprehensive signal coverage.

Managing and monitoring a 5G campus network also requires advanced network management solutions. This includes monitoring network performance, managing user access, troubleshooting, and ensuring network security.

What role do 5G campus networks play at Bosch Rexroth?

Gunther May talks about the 5G campus network in our Tech Podcast

Dr. Gunther May and his team at Bosch Rexroth are researching new technologies for the future of industry. According to him, 5G is a practical technology for which he sees many different areas of application. Especially in industrial technology, critical features are enabled by a strong increase in reliability, as well as the improvement of real-time behavior. He pays particular attention to 5G campus networks. But what exactly is needed for these campus networks? In the podcast, Gunther May lays out what hardware is needed and who can operate this mobile network. He also explains which processes will be made possible by 5G wireless and how the technology can adapt a production to changing requirements. What are the advantages over Wifi6 and how does 5G integrate with TSN? We also look at how Bosch Rexroth is already using 5G - both in its own plants and in its own products.

Find out in our tech podcast episode "What does 5G do for the factory of the future?"

listen now (german)

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