February 25, 2026
CloudRAN.AI and Firecell Partner to Cut the Cost and Complexity of Private 5G
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BREAKING NEWS: Firecell and Accelleran Merge to Deliver Sovereignty-Compliant Industrial Private 5G Learn more
Private 5G networks are transforming enterprise connectivity by offering dedicated, secure, and high-performance cellular systems tailored for individual organisations. Unlike public 5G or Wi-Fi, private 5G provides greater control, ultra-low latency, and enhanced coverage, making it ideal for industries like manufacturing, logistics, and energy. Key benefits include:
Industries Leading the Way:
Deployment options range from fully owned networks to managed services, with flexible spectrum choices (low-band for wide coverage, mid-band for industrial campuses, high-band for dense areas). Companies like Firecell offer solutions for both testing and production environments, ensuring seamless integration and cost-effective scaling.
Private 5G is no longer a futuristic concept – it’s a practical tool driving efficiency and innovation in businesses today.
Private 5G vs Public 5G vs Wi-Fi: Enterprise Network Comparison
Private 5G networks provide enterprises with dedicated and secure connectivity, tailored to meet the demands of modern industrial operations. Unlike public networks, these exclusive setups are controlled entirely by the organisation, offering enhanced efficiency and control.
A typical private 5G network includes three main components: a 5G mobile core that manages the network, a Radio Access Network (RAN) using small cells for coverage, and 5G-enabled devices authenticated through physical or eSIM credentials. This configuration ensures enterprises have complete control over their connectivity, security, and data management, enabling them to fine-tune coverage and maintain data sovereignty.
"The ‘private’ in private 5G signifies that the cellular network is deployed to meet the needs of a specific enterprise, under control and with dedicated access to private resources." – HPE Aruba Networking
Private 5G networks offer flexible deployment options, including fully owned models, hybrid setups, network slicing, or managed services. The market for private 5G is projected to reach £7.2 billion globally by 2028. This flexibility, combined with advanced features, allows enterprises to address a wide range of operational needs.
Spectrum availability enhances the appeal of private 5G. For instance, in the United States, the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) provides 150 MHz of spectrum at 3.5 GHz, allowing enterprises to access it without the high costs of traditional licensing. Additionally, private 5G networks can transmit signals at five to ten times the power of Wi-Fi, reducing the number of access points needed to cover large areas.
Private 5G excels in delivering reliable performance and customisation. It ensures guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) with deterministic performance, prioritising mission-critical traffic. Through network slicing, enterprises can create virtual segments optimised for specific applications, such as ultra-low latency for robotics or high-bandwidth needs like video surveillance.
By using licensed or shared spectrum, private 5G minimises interference common in unlicensed bands, ensuring dependable connectivity even in challenging industrial environments. Enhanced security measures, such as SIM-based authentication and end-to-end encryption, keep sensitive data secure and off public networks, maintaining data sovereignty. Furthermore, private 5G supports massive machine-type communications (mMTC), enabling seamless connectivity for thousands of IoT devices, autonomous vehicles, and other connected systems.
Comparing private 5G with public 5G and Wi-Fi highlights why enterprises are increasingly adopting private networks. Public 5G relies on shared carrier infrastructure for broad coverage, while private 5G dedicates resources exclusively to a single organisation. Wi-Fi, though cost-effective for high-density indoor environments, struggles to provide the wide-area coverage and seamless mobility required for critical applications.
| Feature | Private 5G | Public 5G | Wi-Fi (6/6E) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Enterprise / Third-party | Mobile Network Operator | Enterprise |
| Access | Restricted (SIM-based) | Public (Subscription) | Open or Credential-based |
| Latency | Ultra-low | Low / Variable | Variable / Best-effort |
| Coverage | High (kilometres) | High (Nationwide) | Low (Indoor-focused) |
| Security | Isolated / Encrypted | Carrier-grade (Shared) | Moderate (Shared spectrum) |
| Reliability | Guaranteed QoS | Best-effort | Interference-prone |
| Mobility | Seamless (Soft handoff) | Seamless | Interrupted (Hard handoff) |
The differences in coverage are striking. A single private 5G access point can cover up to 1,486 square metres indoors and 46,452 square metres outdoors, compared to just 465 square metres for a standard Wi-Fi radio. This advantage stems from private 5G’s ability to transmit signals at higher power levels. Additionally, private 5G ensures seamless "soft" handoffs between access points, maintaining uninterrupted connectivity. In contrast, Wi-Fi relies on device-dependent roaming, which can cause "break-before-make" transitions, disrupting active sessions.
"Private 5G allows enterprises to deploy dedicated cellular resources… It complements Wi-Fi to provide a customised experience under enterprise control." – HPE Aruba Networking
Private 5G networks tackle some of the most pressing operational issues faced by industrial organisations today. By offering practical solutions, these networks improve efficiency, strengthen security, and provide scalable options for modern businesses.
One of the standout features of private 5G is its ability to keep sensitive data within the confines of an organisation. By ensuring the user plane – where actual data transfer happens – remains on-site, businesses can prevent critical information from being transmitted over public networks. This is especially crucial for companies managing proprietary manufacturing data, customer records, or operational insights that need to meet GDPR requirements.
"User data doesn’t leave enterprise premises and is protected through enterprise security mechanisms." – Cisco
Private 5G employs SIM-based authentication to control device access. It uses 3GPP security standards for mutual authentication between devices and the network, with all signalling and data traffic encrypted. Network slicing allows businesses to create isolated virtual segments, each with tailored security policies for specific departments or applications. Additionally, integration with existing security tools, like Identity Services Engine (ISE), helps enforce zero-trust policies. Measures such as binding SIMs to specific devices and automating unauthorised transfer detection bolster security further. Meanwhile, external firewalls, traffic monitoring, and DDoS protection guard the private 5G core against potential threats from the broader enterprise LAN.
Alongside robust security, private 5G delivers exceptional performance under demanding conditions.
Private 5G provides ultra-low latency, often measured in milliseconds, thanks to features like mini-slots, grant-free transmissions, and fast HARQ. This is ideal for applications like automation and augmented reality, where latency consistently stays below the 33-millisecond threshold required for effective use. It also ensures uninterrupted connectivity for mobile devices, using soft handoff methods to allow seamless transitions between access points. This is essential for autonomous robots and drones operating across large industrial sites.
When it comes to coverage, private 5G outperforms Wi-Fi by transmitting signals at power levels 5 to 10 times higher. This reduces the number of access points needed for large-scale facilities, whether indoor or outdoor. Using licensed or shared spectrum minimises interference and keeps the network running smoothly. A single private 5G access point can support thousands of IoT connections, making it perfect for environments packed with sensors. The introduction of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) in 5G Release 16 further enhances industrial automation by ensuring synchronised communication, enabling advanced applications in modern factories. Reliable connectivity also supports predictive maintenance, which could unlock around £105 billion in global value through improved productivity and cost savings.
This robust performance sets the stage for tailored control and scalable growth.
Private 5G offers businesses a high degree of control and flexibility. Using advanced slicing and Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, organisations can prioritise mission-critical tasks over less urgent ones. For instance, virtual networks can be customised for high-bandwidth surveillance or ultra-low latency robotics.
Flexible deployment models are another advantage. Fully owned networks provide maximum control and security, while hybrid models balance cost and oversight. For organisations with limited IT resources, as-a-service models allow daily management to be handled by specialised vendors. Spectrum options further enhance flexibility, letting businesses use licensed spectrum for critical tasks, unlicensed spectrum for scaling, or shared spectrum for reliable service at lower costs.
Private 5G infrastructure is also highly scalable. It can support anything from small indoor setups to sprawling outdoor deployments. Low-band frequencies (below 1 GHz) cover vast areas, mid-band frequencies (sub-6 GHz) are ideal for industrial campuses, and high-band mmWave is perfect for high-density environments. Private 5G can also integrate with public networks, ensuring seamless service for mobile assets like logistics fleets or emergency vehicles moving between zones. Phased deployment strategies allow organisations to expand coverage progressively as their needs grow, offering a practical path to scalability.
Private 5G networks are proving to be a game-changer across industries, offering improved efficiency, enhanced safety, and better cost management. Let’s dive into how different sectors are leveraging this technology to address real-world challenges.
Manufacturing facilities are reaping huge benefits from private 5G’s ability to handle a high density of devices with ultra-low latency. Imagine a single network managing up to 1 million devices per square kilometre – connecting everything from sensors and robotic arms to autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) without breaking a sweat. By going wireless, manufacturers can slash cabling costs by 95%, speed up decision-making by 80%, and boost overall output by 7–12%.
One standout feature is network slicing, which allows manufacturers to create dedicated virtual lanes for critical operations. For instance, vision systems and robotic controls can be prioritised over less urgent communications, ensuring seamless performance.
"Going wireless in manufacturing reduces cabling costs by 95%, makes decision‑making 80% faster, and increases output by 7–12%." – Digital Catapult
Predictive maintenance is another powerful application. By using sensors to monitor equipment health in real time, manufacturers can detect potential failures before they lead to costly downtime. And for mobile robots like AGVs, deterministic mobility ensures smooth handoffs between coverage zones, a must for dynamic production environments.
Private 5G is also revolutionising logistics, particularly in large warehouses and outdoor yards where reliable connectivity is essential. Take CJ Logistics, South Korea’s largest parcel delivery company, as an example. In 2024, they replaced around 300 Wi-Fi access points at their Icheon City hub with just 22 5G small cells. This upgrade supported autonomous guided vehicles, mobile robots, and over 100 handheld scanners. The result? A 15% reduction in infrastructure costs and a 20% increase in scanning productivity by eliminating lag times.
"5G private networks are now being deployed at scale for the digitalisation programmes pursued by enterprises, playing a vital role in accelerating productivity." – Ericsson
With fewer access points required, both capital and maintenance costs are reduced. Plus, private 5G ensures smooth connectivity for mobile assets like automated forklifts and inventory robots. Real-time data synchronisation takes it a step further, allowing warehouse management systems to keep inventory counts accurate and optimise picking routes instantly.
In the energy sector, private 5G is being used to monitor and control critical infrastructure in remote or hazardous locations. Sensors installed on substations, pipelines, and wind turbines send real-time data to control centres, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing the need for risky manual inspections. For example, automated drone inspections of power lines and pipelines – powered by high-bandwidth 5G – offer significant cost savings, with manual tower inspections costing between £1,600 and £4,100 each.
Grid automation also benefits from Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), which supports the split-second response times needed to remotely control switches and actuators in renewable energy systems. With the capacity to support up to 1 million IoT sensors per square kilometre, private 5G allows utilities to monitor their vast infrastructure networks comprehensively.
"Private 5G strengthens field connectivity for critical assets – substations, pipelines, turbines – across remote or hazardous areas. Encrypted communication and real‑time monitoring reduce risk and improve response times." – Industrial Networking Solutions
Data security is a top priority for utilities managing critical national infrastructure. Private 5G ensures sensitive operational data stays on-premises, safeguarded by SIM-based authentication and end-to-end encryption. Network slicing further enhances reliability by dedicating virtual lanes to essential grid control traffic, ensuring these communications are prioritised.
These examples highlight how private 5G is reshaping industries, paving the way for exciting advancements. The next section will explore how Firecell’s tailored solutions are driving this transformation.
Firecell provides ready-to-deploy private 5G network solutions tailored for industrial environments. These networks are built to handle fleets of autonomous systems, such as AGVs, drones, and robotic arms. What makes Firecell’s approach stand out is its seamless integration into existing enterprise LANs, allowing internal DHCP servers to assign IP addresses to user equipment (UE). This setup ensures that standard IT teams can manage the network without additional complexity.
Firecell’s products are divided into two categories: the Orion series and the Pegasus series. The Orion series, including the Orion Labkit and Orion Network, is open source and O-RAN compatible, making it ideal for R&D and testing purposes. On the other hand, the Pegasus series, which features the Pegasus Pop-up and Pegasus Network, is geared towards production environments, offering service level agreements (SLAs) and simplified management for critical operations. Both series deliver dependable quality of service (QoS) for essential applications and are resistant to interference from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and motion sensors by using private licensed local frequencies.
"I would definitely recommend the 4G & 5G Labkit… It’s useful, affordable and quick to set up. The support that firecell provides is essential."
– Rafael Gonzalez Ayestaran, Deputy Head of the Department of Electrical
Firecell’s networks are designed to deliver latency as low as 20ms – far superior to the 200ms typical of standard Wi-Fi. They also support smooth mobility for devices moving at speeds up to 35 km/h. The Orion Labkit, for instance, achieves downlink speeds exceeding 600 Mbps with latency often below 10ms. Additionally, private 5G networks require significantly fewer access points – 5 to 20 times less than Wi-Fi – and less cabling for equivalent coverage, offering notable cost savings.
Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of Firecell’s solutions to help determine which option best suits your industrial needs.
The table below highlights the key features, coverage, and costs of Firecell’s offerings, making it easier to identify the right solution for different deployment scenarios.
| Solution | Coverage Area | One-time Cost | Annual Subscription | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orion Labkit 40 | 10m²–1,000m² | £10,115 | £4,743 | 1x 5G Access Point, Open source, O-RAN option | Indoor R&D and testing |
| Orion Labkit 100 | 10m²–1,000m² | £25,415 | £4,743 | 1x 5G Access Point, Open source, O-RAN option | Indoor R&D and testing |
| Orion Labkit O-RAN | 10m²–1,000m² | £19,465 | £4,743 | 1x 5G Access Point, Open source, O-RAN compatible | Indoor R&D and testing |
| Orion Network | >10,000m² | Custom pricing | Custom pricing | Up to 10x 5G Access Points, Open source | Large-scale lab/outdoor development |
| Pegasus Low Power Pop-up | >1,000m² | £27,965 | £4,474 | 1x 5G Access Point, SLA included, Easy management | Mobile/temporary production |
| Pegasus Mid Power Pop-up | >1,000m² | £32,215 | £5,154 | 1x 5G Access Point, SLA included, Easy management | Mobile/temporary production |
| Pegasus High Power Pop-up | >1,000m² | £33,915 | £5,426 | 1x 5G Access Point, SLA included, Easy management | Mobile/temporary production |
| Pegasus Network | >10,000m² | Custom pricing | Custom pricing | Up to 10x 5G Access Points, SLA, Scalable | Permanent industrial sites |
For larger indoor deployments of 10,000m² or more, Firecell offers a subscription plan priced at approximately £84 per 1,000m² per month. This package includes installation, maintenance, management, and monitoring software. To complete your setup, additional components like 10 SIM cards (£102) and industrial routers, such as the Teltonika RUTX50 (£672), are available.
"Having full visibility on the core and radio access network (RAN) and their different interfaces is unique and one of the key factors behind NIST choosing Firecell’s Labkit."
– Dr. Richard Candell, Leader of the Industrial Wireless Systems Project at NIST
Choosing the right deployment model for private 5G depends on your organisation’s technical needs and business goals. Standalone Non-Public Networks (SNPN) offer complete control, allowing enterprises to own all equipment, private clouds, and spectrum. This setup is particularly well-suited for businesses with robust IT teams and a strong focus on data sovereignty.
Another option is Public Network Integrated Non-Public Networks (PNI-NPN), which leverages operator infrastructure. This reduces complexity and simplifies roaming. For organisations with limited IT resources, Private 5G as a Service (NaaS) is a practical choice. It outsources the construction and management of the network, eliminating the need for upfront capital investment.
Your choice of spectrum also plays a significant role in determining the network’s coverage and performance. Here’s a quick breakdown:
For broad coverage, low-band spectrum is ideal, while mmWave is better suited for high-density, confined areas.
Once you’ve selected your deployment model and spectrum, the next step is integrating private 5G into your existing IT systems. A key enabler for this is Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), introduced in 3GPP Release 16. TSN allows 5G to provide deterministic, low-latency communication within industrial Ethernet networks, bridging the gap between wireless and wired systems.
To avoid disrupting current operations, consider a phased approach. Start with tried-and-tested 4G/LTE solutions and gradually incorporate 5G capabilities as needed. Private 5G is designed to complement existing Wi-Fi networks. While Wi-Fi is excellent for general office connectivity, 5G excels in high-density, high-mobility, or mission-critical scenarios that demand greater reliability and seamless performance.
"5G isn’t intended to replace Wi‑Fi. Each technology has unique advantages depending on settings and use cases." – Cisco
During deployment, ensure your IT team receives adequate training to manage the new connectivity layer alongside existing LANs. Implement real-time monitoring tools to maintain visibility over both the 5G network and connected IoT devices. This helps sustain consistent Quality of Service (QoS) across your infrastructure.
To manage costs effectively, begin with a technical feasibility study and calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO). NaaS models can reduce upfront expenses, with subscription fees starting as low as £0 for infrastructure. Initial setup fees are approximately £450 per 1,000 m², with monthly rates beginning at £99 per 1,000 m² – typically applicable for indoor spaces of 10,000 m² or more.
For critical operations, use licensed spectrum to ensure reliable performance. Meanwhile, unlicensed spectrum can handle less critical communications, offering a cost-effective way to scale. Hybrid cloud models, which combine on-premises equipment with public or private cloud services, further reduce the need for extensive local hardware.
Automation also plays a crucial role in cost management. AI and machine learning-based lifecycle management tools can predict and prevent incidents, helping to avoid expensive downtime.
If your applications require mobility beyond your premises – such as for logistics vehicles – ensure your private 5G network can seamlessly interoperate with public networks. This ensures uninterrupted service as devices transition between private and public networks. These strategies not only control costs but also support scalable growth, making private 5G a flexible solution for evolving business needs.
Private 5G is shaping the future of digital transformation, offering unmatched reliability, security, and flexibility for Industry 4.0 applications. From powering autonomous mobile robots to enabling real-time digital twins, it provides capabilities far beyond those of older wireless systems. These technical strengths translate into real-world operational benefits across various industries.
Companies adopting private 5G have reported faster decision-making and improved operational efficiency, showcasing impressive returns on their investments.
"Private 5G, far from being a gimmick for large companies, is a technology that is accessible and beneficial to organizations of all sizes." – Firecell
This growing impact has led to the development of flexible service-based deployment models. For example, Firecell’s Network-as-a-Service approach eliminates upfront costs, offering a fully managed and scalable solution that simplifies what was once a complex and costly process.
With its potential to revolutionise industrial operations and boost efficiency, private 5G is becoming a must-have for modern businesses. Don’t let outdated connectivity slow you down – explore Firecell’s customised private 5G solutions and take your operations to the next level.
Private 5G stands out for its strong security features, operating on a dedicated spectrum fully managed by the enterprise. With SIM-based authentication, only authorised devices can connect to the network. Additionally, it ensures end-to-end encryption, safeguarding data as it moves across the network.
On the other hand, public 5G uses shared spectrum, which can make networks more susceptible to potential threats. Similarly, Wi-Fi relies on open, unlicensed bands, leaving it more exposed to interference, eavesdropping, and unauthorised access. By choosing private 5G, businesses gain tighter control over who accesses their network and how their data is protected, making it an excellent option for environments where security is a priority.
Private 5G networks can be set up in various ways, each offering a unique mix of control, spectrum access, and operational responsibility. Here’s a breakdown of the most common deployment models:
These deployment models allow businesses to customise their private 5G networks to meet specific requirements, whether it’s for industrial automation, logistics, or energy sector operations.
Private 5G offers businesses a dedicated cellular network designed to support tens of thousands of IoT devices within a single location. Unlike Wi-Fi or older 4G networks, private 5G provides exclusive spectrum access, meaning it avoids interference from public networks. This ensures the network can handle a high density of devices while maintaining ultra-low latency (often under 20 ms) and delivering consistent bandwidth for operations that require real-time responsiveness.
With integrated edge computing, data processing happens locally, reducing the load on central networks and enabling quicker decision-making. This makes private 5G ideal for managing IoT ecosystems like autonomous vehicles, drones, robotics, and wearable tech in environments such as factories, warehouses, or energy facilities. Its secure authentication, end-to-end encryption, and 99.99% uptime guarantee a reliable and secure connection, paving the way for advanced applications like predictive maintenance, real-time analytics, and autonomous logistics.
