Private Cellular Networks (LTE and 5G)
Predictable, secure wireless connectivity for industrial sites.
KNS Communication Consultants designs and supports private LTE and 5G networks for industrial environments. Our solutions provide controlled coverage, secure device onboarding, and consistent performance across large and complex sites.
Private Cellular Capabilities
- Private LTE/5G options, including CBRS where applicable
- Designed for outdoor industrial coverage and mobility, not office-only use
- Coverage and capacity planning based on terrain and application demand
- Backhaul engineered for uptime, using microwave, fiber, or hybrid architectures
- Integration with OT networks, SCADA, and existing radio systems
Private Cellular Networks Explained
What Is Private LTE/Private 5G?
Private LTE and private 5G are dedicated cellular networks operated by an organization for its own use. Unlike public carrier networks, private cellular allows direct control over coverage, capacity, security, and performance. These networks are well-suited for industrial environments.
What Is CBRS?
CBRS, or Citizens Broadband Radio Service, is a shared-spectrum band in the United States that supports private LTE and 5G deployments without requiring licensed carrier spectrum. It uses a coordinated access system to manage interference, making it a practical option for many industrial and rural deployments.
When Private Cellular Beats Wi-Fi Mesh
- Mobility: Maintains reliable connectivity for moving vehicles and handheld devices.
- Coverage Scale: Better suited for large outdoor areas and complex terrain.
Device Control: Supports stronger authentication, segmentation, and policy control.
What Private Cellular Solves for Industrial Operations
Reliable Mobility for Field Devices
Private LTE/5G supports continuous connectivity for moving vehicles, handhelds, tablets, cameras, and sensors across industrial environments.
Consistent Outdoor Coverage
Devices remain connected as they move across large outdoor footprints and complex terrain without frequent drops or reauthentication issues.
Predictable Performance
Through controlled spectrum use and engineered capacity, private LTE/5G delivers predictable latency and throughput for industrial IoT and field operations.
Segmentation & Policy Control
Private cellular enables different user groups, devices, and applications to operate on the same network with defined access and performance policies.
Coverage vs Capacity in Private Cellular Networks
Coverage describes where a signal reaches, while capacity determines how the network performs under real operational load. Industrial private cellular networks often struggle when designs focus solely on signal strength, or “bars,” rather than device volume, uplink demand, and application behavior.
Coverage Considerations
- Terrain, structures, and clutter
- Frequency band and antenna placement
Capacity Considerations
- Number of devices and uplink demand
- Application mix and performance targets
Design Outputs
- RF modeling assumptions
- Sector layout and performance criteria
Private Cellular Network Architecture
A private cellular network is built from modular components that work together to deliver reliable coverage and capacity across an industrial site. The architecture is selected based on operational requirements, performance targets, and long-term support needs.
- Radio Access Network (RAN): Outdoor radios, small cells, and sector antennas that provide LTE/5G coverage across the site.
- Core Network: On-premises or cloud-managed core selected based on latency, security, and operational requirements.
- Transport & Backhaul: Microwave point-to-point or point-to-multipoint links, fiber, or hybrid architectures used to connect radio sites reliably.
- Edge, Routers, & Device Modems: Industrial routers and modems that connect vehicles, handhelds, and IoT gateways to the network.
- Network Management & Monitoring: Centralized tools for alarms, key performance indicators, and operational dashboards.
Integration with OT, IT, & Existing Wireless Systems
KNS integrates private cellular networks into existing industrial environments without disrupting current operations.
- Coexistence: Operates alongside Wi-Fi, SCADA radios, and LMR voice networks.
- Segmentation and security: VLAN and VRF segmentation, QoS planning, and secure interconnects between OT and IT systems.
- Operational applications: Telemetry, work orders, video, and fleet connectivity.
- Cutover and operations: Planned transitions supported by clear operational runbooks.
Backhaul and Site Engineering
Reliable private cellular networks depend on properly engineered backhaul and site infrastructure.
- Backhaul planning: Microwave point-to-point or point-to-multipoint links, fiber, or hybrid designs based on availability and reliability targets.
- Resiliency and redundancy: Path diversity, ring or hub-and-spoke designs where appropriate.
- Power and grounding: Site power planning, grounding, and surge protection for outdoor installations.
Environmental considerations: Equipment selection and placement suited for weather exposure, vibration, and remote access.
Why KNS Communication Consultants
KNS brings an engineering-first approach to private cellular networks.
- Vendor-agnostic design: Solutions selected based on requirements, not vendor preference.
- Field-proven deployment: Experience commissioning and validating networks in challenging industrial environments.
- Cross-industry expertise: Mining-grade discipline applied to utilities, ports, public safety, and large campuses.
- Lifecycle focus: Documentation, monitoring, and expansion planning built into every deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between private LTE and private 5G?
Private LTE and private 5G use the same core architecture but differ in radio capabilities and performance characteristics. LTE remains well-suited for many industrial use cases, while 5G supports higher density and lower latency where required.
2. Is a private cellular network better than Wi-Fi for industrial sites?
Private cellular is often better suited for large outdoor areas, mobile assets, and environments requiring predictable performance and stronger device control. Wi-Fi can still play a role in localized or indoor use cases.
3. What spectrum options are available for private cellular?
Options include CBRS shared spectrum in the United States and licensed spectrum in some regions. Availability depends on location, use case, and regulatory requirements.
4. How does CBRS spectrum work?
CBRS uses a shared-access model managed by a spectrum-access system to coordinate usage and prevent interference. It allows organizations to deploy private LTE or 5G without owning licensed carrier spectrum.
5. Can private cellular integrate with existing OT and SCADA systems?
Yes. Private cellular networks can integrate with OT systems, SCADA platforms, and existing radios using secure segmentation and controlled interconnects.
6. What types of devices can connect to private LTE or 5G?
Common devices include vehicles, handhelds, tablets, cameras, sensors, and industrial IoT gateways equipped with compatible cellular modems.
7. How is performance verified after deployment?
Performance is validated through RF modeling, commissioning tests, and acceptance criteria defined during the design phase. Ongoing monitoring supports long-term reliability.
8. Can a private cellular network be expanded over time?
Private cellular networks are designed to scale, allowing additional coverage, capacity, and applications to be added as operational needs grow.