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Will 5G private networks replace Wi-Fi in the construction sites of the future ?
5G is slowly changing the workplace , with Wi-Fi having several drawbacks in industrial settings , including connectivity challenges with the equipment in factories , ports , logistics and distribution centres and construction sites . Gerard Donohue , Chief Technical Officer at Telent , talks about 5G and the future of construction , elaborating on how enterprises can meet the wireless needs of many customers today .
5G private networks have quickly become a crucial consideration for fulfilling businesses ’ industrial wireless needs . While Wi-Fi is affordable , widely available and provides more than adequate performance for most of our daily connectivity demands , it can have serious limitations when deployed in industrial settings .
Connectivity on modern construction sites is vital for performance and safety reasons . Not only does a network need to be easily adaptable as projects evolve , but it will need to provide reliable connectivity , low latency and high , guaranteed bandwidth at all times for operations to never falter . Wi-Fi ’ s limited range and potential for coverage drop-offs owing to machinery and metalwork obstructions mean that desired data throughput may not always be achieved . With machines and devices connected in factories , ports , logistics centres and construction sites , the connectivity required must be all encompassing across a large operational environment .
The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025 , more than half of all current workplace tasks will be performed by machines in comparison to 29 % today . This highlights the viewpoint that many construction operators will look to utilise this technology as soon as possible . Although , in a demanding work environment , this advanced machinery will still require resilient connectivity and low latency to operate at an optimal capacity .
For construction projects , having no delays is critical . One of the first steps when launching a project is achieving site-wide communications that can cover indoor – such as the site office – and outdoor locations of the entire environment . Each construction project has its own set of unique communication needs and if a site was in a greenfield rural location , there may be no existing mobile network coverage . Site operators , therefore , require coverage to deliver ever-present and reliable voice and data connectivity across the site to connect devices , machines and staff .
Gerard Donohue , Chief Technical Officer at Telent
Communications need to be able to withstand any interference from other nearby networks and a secure and robust network is vital . With 5G , a wireless private network can provide the consistent coverage needs to keep efficiency thriving during the workday and help companies in the construction sector unlock their full potential .
Meeting the connectivity needs of a modern construction worksite
The construction industry is changing at a fast pace and needs to be able to harness this emerging technology to prosper . By leveraging automation and deploying a 5G private network , efficiency can be maximised , health and safety risks reduced and costs saved .
Previously , the new 5G standards were not available for industrial use cases or readily available for private network deployments . But with these private networks based on the latest technology , they can overcome obstructions that may be pervasive on a busy site and unlock advanced use cases for the industry .
The digital construction workplace
A fully private and well-connected worksite brings a host of innumerable benefits and will enable any application to consistently function at optimal capacity and enhances cost-effectiveness and productivity levels . With access to documentation and data that includes complex 3D site models , regardless of location , the time-consuming
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