Glossary · Industrial wireless and positioning
Private 5G network
Also known as: Private 5G, Non-public 5G network (NPN)
German: Privates 5G-Netz
In industrial communication, a private 5G network is a 5G network reserved for the exclusive use of one organization, such as a manufacturer or port operator, rather than the general public. 3GPP calls it a non-public network (NPN); it can be standalone or share infrastructure with a public network.
- Industrial wireless
In one sentence
A private 5G network is a 5G network for one organization's exclusive use, called a non-public network (NPN) by 3GPP.
Example
A port operator runs a private 5G network for remote-controlled cranes and container tracking, separate from public mobile traffic.
How it applies
- Engineering: 3GPP distinguishes standalone non-public networks (independent of public networks) and public network integrated NPNs (using parts of a public operator's infrastructure, for example via network slicing). The choice affects control, data locality and dependence on the operator.
- Operation: Someone must operate the core network, manage SIMs or eSIMs, and handle updates and incidents. This role is contracted or built up in house.
- Security: SIM-based authentication is strong, but the network still needs segmentation, monitoring and patching like any other part of the OT infrastructure.
- Documentation: The documentation team documents the network architecture (standalone or shared), the responsibility split, device onboarding and the service levels agreed with providers.
Private 5G network vs. 5G campus network
The terms are often used interchangeably. "Private" refers to exclusive use; "5G campus network" refers to the limitation to a site. A private network can span several sites.