In the field of automation, what is the difference between Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) 5G networks?
Ludger Boeggering
From a technical perspective, based on information provided by 3GPP, the distinction lies in the control logic. Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G networks must utilize 4G/LTE infrastructure to manage communications, whereas Standalone (SA) 5G networks represent a full implementation of 5G technology.
From a user perspective, this means SA-based private 5G networks (non-public networks, abbreviated as NPN) are more streamlined and require less effort.
From an application perspective, SA networks can support higher availability and reliability while reducing cycle times, particularly in the context of NPN.
Which industrial applications can benefit from 5G technology?
Ludger Boeggering
By definition, 5G encompasses multiple technologies including eMBB, uRLLC, eMTC, and RedCap, enabling support for a broad range of applications.
For instance, predictive maintenance, environmental monitoring, service and configuration, connected tools, and secure connected workers can all leverage capabilities defined within eMTC and RedCap. eMTC is already compatible with LTE-M and NB-IoT, while 3GPP continues to advance 5G technology applications.
Furthermore, industrial assembly solutions, process automation control, human-machine interfaces (HMI), augmented reality assistance, factory logistics, mobile robots, collaborative robots, and AGVs can all leverage RedCap and uRLLC capabilities. In these domains, the paramount requirements are reliable response times, sufficient bandwidth, and cost-effective products.
Over the coming years, 5G technology will be adopted across all relevant vertical industries, including manufacturing (machinery, aerospace, automotive, semiconductors), chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, energy and utilities, and water and wastewater treatment. This adoption hinges not only on the technology itself but also on regulatory frameworks and the utilization of dedicated spectrum.
How does 5G technology achieve instrument-grade EVM performance in industrial automation? (How does 5G technology receive signals to enhance performance in terms of error vector magnitude in industrial automation?)
Ludger Boeggering
First, we must consider the characteristics that distinguish 5G technology from previous generations.
In applications demanding high reliability and availability, low latency is critical. Compared to previous mobile network generations, 5G technology is designed to significantly reduce latency and enhance availability.
5G technology supports network slicing, enabling the provision of customized virtual networks tailored to specific application or service requirements. Consequently, industrial automation can access dedicated slices optimized for its particular needs while ensuring high reliability and performance.
Edge computing will grow increasingly vital in the future. 5G networks enable edge computing to process data closer to devices and sensors. This reduces the time and energy required to transmit data to remote data centers, thereby shortening response times and enhancing performance in industrial automation processes.
Last but not least, 5G technology supports mMTC, enabling massive numbers of devices to communicate simultaneously. In industrial automation, this means allowing vast quantities of sensors, actuators, and devices within the same network to interact with each other. This significantly boosts overall efficiency, both in terms of utilization and investment.
How does 5G technology in automation reduce machine downtime, eliminate errors, improve material traceability, and allow employees to focus on tasks requiring complex manual skills?
Ludger Boeggering
5G technology itself has limited direct impact on these parameters. The key lies in implementing it as part of an integrated system. 5G enables secure communication environments using allocated spectrum. Wireless-based solutions also integrate more easily and flexibly into industrial settings.
Consequently, the technology enables more targeted collection and analysis of process data. With these capabilities, companies can establish digital twin systems and/or ensure reliable condition monitoring to implement preventive measures at any time.
By leveraging this technology effectively, companies can reliably execute diverse processes and establish flexible "as-a-service" models. This minimizes downtime to the absolute minimum, prevents production errors, and ensures targeted allocation of personnel and materials.
How does 5G accelerate digitalization and enable energy savings?
Ludger Boeggering
5G technology represents another crucial cornerstone for addressing digitalization challenges. Fundamentally, this technology facilitates faster automation and drives enterprises toward greater flexibility. Its key attributes include availability and reliability.
What challenges and limitations might arise when deploying 5G in industrial automation?
Ludger Boeggering
I'd first like to emphasize that technological advancements inevitably give rise to application-specific challenges. The strengths and limitations of 5G are inseparable. For instance, time-critical applications demanding millisecond or even microsecond response times still require wired connections. Currently, no one has invested significant resources to develop corresponding 5G solutions for such scenarios.
Even in the future, industrial automation environments will feature coexisting technologies. There is no universal solution.
If you still wish to benefit from flexibility and advantages like independent, secure zone coverage similar to campus networks, you must establish the corresponding infrastructure, which requires initial investment.
The first challenge to overcome when adopting 5G technology in industrial automation lies in managing expectations. More infrastructure-building solutions will emerge in the future, and small-scale deployments will also become feasible.
Furthermore, the same infrastructure should be used for as many application scenarios as possible, thereby maximizing benefits for users. Network infrastructure design must fully account for these diverse requirements, and suppliers must provide suitable equipment.
A critical aspect of implementing 5G technology in automation environments is end-to-end traceability. Operators or integrators adopting 5G solutions must always be able to analyze every part of the communication infrastructure to quickly identify faults and restore normal operation.
Which distinct frequency bands does 5G technology utilize for industrial automation? What are the respective advantages of these bands?
Ludger Boeggering
This question is quite broad, so I'll address it from an application perspective. For scenarios like predictive maintenance or environmental monitoring, the focus lies on deep coverage, high subscriber density, and easy integration with existing infrastructure. This primarily involves using traditional bands from public network providers.
In other scenarios, such as process automation control and augmented reality-assisted applications, availability and reliability are paramount. In these cases, the advantages of private networks-including data security-play a significant role. Such facilities can utilize the mid-band spectrum from 3.xx to 4.xx GHz, where regulators have for years granted licenses for local use under relatively attractive terms.