Private wireless technology is increasingly becoming a cornerstone for modern industry, providing a robust alternative to traditional connectivity solutions. This technology, an advanced version of the cellular network optimized for confined environments, is reshaping operational processes in manufacturing giants in India and industrial complexes in the United States.

Abin Chacko Moozhiyil, Global Practice Leader for Network and Edge at Kyndryl, delivered an insightful address at the EFY Expo 2023, shedding light on the transformative role of private wireless networks in industrial settings. In his speech, he delved into various aspects of private wireless technology, its evolution, current trends, and its profound impact on industrial enterprises. 

Let’s dissect his discourse and explore the key takeaways.

• Enhanced Operations: Transitioning from 4.9G/LTE to 5G, private wireless networks significantly improve safety, security, and efficiency.
• Operational Efficiency: These networks outperform Wi-Fi in operational efficiencies and security, crucial for Industry 4.0.
• IT and OT Convergence: The integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) is a turning point in industry evolution.
• Custom Solutions: Industries require tailored private wireless solutions due to unique operational needs.
• Mission-Critical Applications: Private wireless is superior to Wi-Fi in mission-critical applications, offering better coverage, connectivity, and cost efficiency.
• Real-World Impact: Case studies highlight the transformative potential of private wireless in manufacturing challenges.
• Educational Connectivity: Private wireless bridges the connectivity gap in education, ensuring continuous learning.

Understanding Private Wireless Networks

Moozhiyil commenced his talk with a comprehensive overview of private wireless networks, emphasizing their significance in modern industrial operations. He highlighted the transition from traditional connectivity solutions to private wireless, particularly focusing on its application in industrial IoT (Internet of Things) environments.

The Rise of Private Wireless Technology

Private wireless networks have emerged as a critical enabler of the fourth industrial revolution, offering unparalleled connectivity and automation capabilities. Moozhiyil elucidated how these networks facilitate business and operational process automation, ensuring secure and high-speed connectivity across industrial landscapes.

Convergence of IT and OT

A notable trend highlighted by Moozhiyil is the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). Traditionally, IT has played a dominant role in industrial operations. However, with the advent of IoT and automation, the significance of OT has surged, leading to a closer collaboration between the two domains.

Private Wireless: A Key Enabler

Moozhiyil emphasized the pivotal role of private wireless networks in driving industrial transformation. These networks, initially based on LTE technology, have evolved to embrace 5G, promising unprecedented levels of connectivity and efficiency. He underscored how private wireless networks empower enterprises to automate operations, enhance safety, and optimize productivity.

Differentiating Private Wireless from Wi-Fi

In his discourse, Moozhiyil addressed a common query: Why opt for private wireless when Wi-Fi seems sufficient? He elucidated the distinct advantages of private wireless over Wi-Fi, particularly in terms of coverage, device connectivity, latency, and cost-effectiveness.

Coverage and Connectivity

One of the key advantages of private wireless networks is their superior coverage, especially in challenging industrial environments. Moozhiyil highlighted how private wireless networks outperform Wi-Fi in terms of penetration through obstacles, offering robust connectivity across vast industrial sites.

Device Connectivity and Latency

Private wireless networks boast significantly higher device connectivity compared to Wi-Fi, making them ideal for IoT deployments with numerous connected devices. Moreover, their low latency ensures real-time responsiveness, which is crucial for latency-sensitive industrial applications.

Cost-effectiveness and Industry Adoption

Contrary to common perception, Moozhiyil emphasized that private wireless networks are more economical than Wi-Fi, particularly when considering factors like latency and device connectivity. He cited various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and education, embracing private wireless technology to drive innovation and efficiency.

Private wireless networks, often referred to as private LTE or 5G networks, represent a paradigm shift in industrial connectivity. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi networks, private wireless networks offer cellular-grade connectivity owned and controlled by the enterprise. Moozhiyil emphasizes the importance of this distinction, highlighting the superior coverage, device connectivity, and reliability offered by private wireless networks compared to Wi-Fi.

Key Trends Driving Industrial Transformation:

Moozhiyil outlines the converging trends shaping the industrial landscape, including the Fourth Industrial Revolution driven by technologies like virtualization, AI, and machine learning. He underscores the significance of private wireless networks as a key enabler of this transformation, facilitating business process automation, operational efficiency, and secure high-speed connectivity.

Real-world Implementations: Case Studies:

Two compelling case studies illustrate the tangible benefits of private wireless networks in industrial contexts. The first case involves a leading Indian company in the aluminum and copper industry. Facing challenges of connectivity, latency, and reliability, the company embraced a private LTE network to streamline operations, monitor real-time parameters, and enhance safety across its manufacturing plant.

In another instance, Dow, a prominent player in industrial manufacturing, sought to modernize its operations and improve worker safety. By implementing a private wireless network covering its expansive manufacturing complex in Texas, Dow successfully digitized its processes, reduced manual procedures, and enhanced overall efficiency.

Future Outlook and Opportunities:

Looking ahead, Moozhiyil emphasizes the growing relevance of private wireless networks across various industries, from manufacturing and utilities to healthcare and logistics. He highlights the role of edge computing and advanced applications in further augmenting the capabilities of private wireless networks, paving the way for a more connected and efficient industrial ecosystem.