With faster speeds, stronger security, and lower latency, businesses are turning to private networks to power automation, IoT, and mission-critical applications. When combined with wireless edge computing, private 5G enables real-time data processing, reducing reliance on centralized cloud infrastructure and improving response times.
At a recent panel discussion, industry leaders explored the real-world impact, deployment challenges, and future potential of private 5G. Moderated by Abe Nejad, Publisher of Network Media Group (NMG), the session featured experts from Cisco, Juniper Networks and Rakuten Symphony sharing insights on how enterprises can make the most of this evolving technology.
Speakers:
Watch the full interview here.
The discussion made it clear that private 5G and edge computing work hand in hand to improve performance, security, and reliability. Processing data closer to where it's generated reduces latency and ensures that critical applications stay online, even if cloud access is temporarily lost. Enterprises are increasingly choosing private 5G over public networks because it gives them more control, especially when dealing with sensitive data or requiring uninterrupted connectivity.
Business continuity was another major theme. In industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, downtime isn't an option. Private 5G allows organizations to keep operations running even if external networks go down. This level of resilience is becoming a top priority for companies that rely on real-time data for decision-making.
Despite the benefits, deploying private 5G isn’t always straightforward. Many enterprises struggle with the complexity of setting up and managing a private network. The panelists noted that the industry is working to simplify deployment by creating solutions that integrate easily with existing IT infrastructure.
Another challenge is that different industries have different needs. What works for a factory might not be ideal for a hospital. Private 5G solutions must be flexible enough to adapt to these specific requirements.
A key takeaway from the discussion was that private 5G isn’t here to replace Wi-Fi; it’s here to complement it. Many enterprises already have well-established Wi-Fi networks, and the goal is to create seamless connectivity that allows devices to switch between Wi-Fi and 5G as needed. This hybrid approach ensures businesses get the best of both worlds.
The future of enterprise connectivity lies in a mix of private 5G, Wi-Fi, and public mobile networks. Organizations with large campuses, remote sites, or global operations need a strategy that allows for smooth transitions between these different networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity wherever their teams and devices are.
Artificial intelligence is playing a big role in making private 5G more accessible. AI-powered tools are helping automate network setup, monitor performance, and even fix issues before they cause problems. Instead of needing a team of experts to manage the network, businesses can rely on AI-driven automation to keep things running smoothly.
As private 5G adoption grows, AI will continue to play a critical role in simplifying operations and scaling deployments. The combination of AI and 5G is creating smarter, more resilient networks that require less hands-on management while delivering better performance.
"Private 5G needs to be as simple and seamless as Wi-Fi, delivering all the benefits without the complexity. Making this a reality will drive widespread adoption."
-Sheheryar Khakwani, VP Partner Alliance, Rakuten Symphony
Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders on the future of telecom and technology. Follow us for updates on upcoming discussions.
