The Benefits of Wireless Connectivity Via Private Networks and CBRS LTE

In the dynamic landscape of wireless communication, CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) and Private LTE/5G networks have emerged as significant breakthroughs for many businesses. If you are considering installing a private wireless network or updating your existing wireless network in 2024, it’s worth considering these new technologies.

In this article, we delve into both CBRS and 5G / Private LTE, explore their benefits for private companies, and discuss the optimal use cases for adopting CBRS instead of traditional Wi-Fi or public cellular networks.

Understanding CBRS and Private LTE/Private 5G

Citizens Broadband Radio Service was created to extend wireless service in large spaces. It operates in the 3.5 GHz band and is a shared spectrum, providing a unique blend of licensed and unlicensed spectrum access. This model differentiates CBRS from traditional Wi-Fi networks and public cellular services. Unlike Wi-Fi, CBRS offers a more predictable and controlled environment, while it distinguishes itself from public cellular networks by allowing organizations to manage their dedicated spectrum. This approach enhances reliability, security, and overall performance. CBRS advantages include:

• More secure than public LTE – With a private CBRS network, companies have greater control over security protocols and can implement customized measures to safeguard sensitive data.
• Improved performance and reliability – A CBRS private network allows companies to operate in a dedicated spectrum, minimizing interference and enhancing overall network performance.
• Predictable Connectivity – CBRS provides consistent connectivity, making it suitable for applications that demand low latency and high reliability.
• Better indoor and outdoor coverage – A private LTE network is a ‘best of both worlds’ between a traditional Wi Fi network and a public LTE network.
• CBRS offers flexibility to dedicate and segment bandwidth – You have the ability to provite priority access for certain traffic (critical for robotics or guided vehicles).
• Designed for extended coverage – In large areas which might otherwise require significant Wi-Fi infrastructure, a CBRS deployment can offer lower adoption cost due to fewer access points and less necessary supporting infrastructure.
• Cost-Efficiency – Private companies can optimize their wireless network costs by avoiding the need for public cellular subscriptions while enjoying the benefits of a dedicated and controlled spectrum.

Differences Between 5G and 4G Networks

Differences Between Private 5G and 4G LTE Networks

CBRS can be configured as a private LTE/private 5G network, so it makes sense to review the newer 5G standard versus its 4G predecessor.

Attractive ‘Use Cases’ for CBRS Technology

Applications which require either prioritization of certain traffic, or coverage of large indoor/outdoor areas can benefit from CBRS. Some typical examples might be:

• Industrial IoT (Internet of Things) : CBRS is well-suited for industrial applications where low-latency and reliable connectivity are crucial. This includes applications like predictive maintenance, asset tracking, and real-time monitoring in manufacturing plants.
• Large Manufacturing/Warehouse Facilities and Campuses : Large spaces which might require for indoor and outdoor coverage can benefit from CBRS networks for seamless connectivity across expansive areas with high user density.
• Healthcare : In healthcare settings, CBRS can support critical applications like telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and data-intensive imaging processes, ensuring a secure and reliable network infrastructure.

When is the Right Time to Consider CBRS Adoption?

The decision to adopt CBRS depends on various factors, including your organization’s size, connectivity needs, and budget constraints. However, key indicators for considering CBRS adoption include:

• Upcoming Network Expansion or Upgrade : If a company is planning to expand its operations or upgrade its existing network infrastructure, it might be an opportune time to explore CBRS.
• Increasing IoT Integration : As IOT device counts expand within businesses operations, the need for a reliable, low-latency wireless network becomes paramount, making CBRS an attractive option.
• Enhanced Security Requirements : If a company deals with sensitive data and requires a higher level of security, CBRS provides the necessary control and customization to meet those requirements.

CSSI Offers CBRS-Compatible Handhelds and Tablets

CSSI can help you select from and test a variety of CBRS devices and 5G-compatible handheld computers and tablets. It’s a big jump forward from 4G LTE. We are also able to help you with site surveys and installations for your wireless network technology upgrades.

Contact CSSI To Learn More About CBRS and Private LTE/5G

Citizens Broadband Radio Service and Private 5G networks offer a compelling alternative to traditional Wi-Fi and public networks, providing businesses with increased control, reliability, and security. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, companies looking to optimize their connectivity infrastructure should consider the benefits of CBRS, especially in scenarios where low latency, reliability, and customization are critical. To discuss your environment and potential CBRS band applications, please contact CSSI.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About the CBRS and Private LTE/5G

Q: Will private LTE/5G replace our Wi-Fi, or run alongside it?

A. In most facilities, the two run side by side. Wi-Fi remains the practical choice for laptops, guest access, office areas, and devices that have no cellular radio. Private cellular takes over where Wi-Fi tends to struggle: large or outdoor footprints such as yards and docks, RF-hostile environments such as freezers and dense metal racking, and mobile workflows where a dropped session during a roam costs productivity. A common approach is to move mission-critical mobile devices, vehicle-mounted computers, and automation to the private network and leave general-purpose traffic on Wi-Fi.

Q: Do we need to buy an FCC spectrum license to run a private CBRS network?

A. No. CBRS uses 150 MHz of shared spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band (3550–3700 MHz), managed under three tiers: federal incumbents, Priority Access Licenses (PAL), and General Authorized Access (GAA). Most private enterprise networks run on the GAA tier, which requires no license purchase. Your radios must register with an FCC-approved Spectrum Access System (SAS), a cloud service that assigns channels and protects higher-priority users from interference. SAS access is typically a modest subscription fee, and radios generally must be registered by a Certified Professional Installer. Note that CBRS is a U.S. spectrum framework, so facilities in other countries fall under different private-spectrum rules.

Q: How does the cost compare with expanding or upgrading our Wi-Fi?

A. It depends heavily on the site. A CBRS radio is more expensive than a Wi-Fi access point, and you also need a network core (on-premises or cloud-hosted), SIM management, and a SAS subscription. However, each radio covers considerably more area than a Wi-Fi access point, particularly outdoors, so you need fewer radios and less cabling, switching, and installation labor. The economics therefore tend to favor private cellular in large, open, or outdoor spaces and to favor Wi-Fi in smaller or office-style spaces. A site survey that models both options is the most reliable way to compare total cost of ownership.

Q: Will our existing handhelds, tablets, and scanners work on a private network?

A. Only if they have a cellular radio that supports the CBRS band, which is Band 48 for LTE and n48 for 5G. Wi-Fi-only devices cannot connect directly, although they can be bridged through a CBRS gateway or router. Many current-generation rugged mobile computers and tablets from the major AIDC manufacturers are available in CBRS-capable configurations, so compatibility is often a matter of selecting the right model at your next refresh. Each device also needs a SIM or eSIM provisioned for your network, which is part of what makes access more tightly controlled than a shared Wi-Fi passphrase.

Q: What does it take to deploy and manage a private network, and does our IT team need cellular expertise?

A. Less than most teams expect. Deployment generally follows a familiar path: RF site survey and design, radio installation and SAS registration, core network setup, SIM provisioning, and integration with your existing LAN and security policies. Many current solutions are managed through a cloud dashboard that will feel familiar to anyone who administers enterprise Wi-Fi, and they can also be purchased as a managed service. Most organizations start with a pilot in one problem area, such as a yard, a freezer, or a single production line, and expand once performance is validated.