Private 5G Network: Security, Challenges, and Comparison with Wi-Fi

Abstract

As Indian industries embrace digital transformation, there is an escalating demand for wireless connectivity that delivers not just speed but also reliability, security, and customizability. While public 5G networks have introduced improvements in latency and bandwidth, they often fall short in meeting the specialized needs of enterprises due to shared infrastructure and limited control. This paper investigates the emerging landscape of private 5G networks in India, detailing their architecture, deployment models, regulatory frameworks, and practical use cases across verticals such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and mining. The study highlights how private networks enable real-time operations, support edge computing, and provide enterprise-grade quality of service through localized spectrum and standalone configurations. A comparative analysis with public 5G and next-generation Wi-Fi standards demonstrates the technical and operational advantages of private deployments. This paper exploresspectrum sharing challenges, policy implications and the evolving role of telecom operators in enterprise-led 5G initiatives. By capturing ongoing trends and research directions, this work offers a comprehensive view of how private 5G can act as a catalyst for India’s next wave of industrial innovation.

Introduction

I. Context & Need

As Indian industries undergo rapid digital transformation, the demand for secure, high-performance wireless networks has increased. Public 5G, while faster than previous generations, lacks the reliability, privacy, and customization enterprises need. Private 5G networks offer tailored solutions with dedicated infrastructure, enhanced security, and predictable performance.

II. Private 5G Architecture

Private 5G networks include:

• User Equipment (UE): Devices like smartphones, sensors, AR/VR headsets.

• Radio Access Network (RAN): On-premise small cells providing optimized coverage.

• 5G Core (5GC): Manages authentication, mobility, and traffic; deployable on-prem, edge, or cloud.

• Edge Computing: Enables real-time data processing at the source.

• Management Tools: Allow real-time analytics, security monitoring, and orchestration.

Deployment models:

• Standalone (SA): Fully independent networks with maximum control.

• Non-Standalone (NSA): Uses public infrastructure for core functions—faster, cheaper, but less secure.

• Hybrid: Combines private and public infrastructure for flexibility.

III. Deployment Models in India

1. Locally Licensed Spectrum: Direct allocation by DoT (e.g., 26 GHz band).

2. Network Slicing: Enterprises lease a logical network “slice” from an MNO.

3. Neutral Host Networks: Shared networks in venues like airports or stadiums.

4. Hybrid: Mix of private core/public RAN or vice versa.

5. Cloud-based: Hosted cores allow scalability and cost efficiency.

IV. Key Use Cases

• Manufacturing: Real-time coordination of robots, predictive maintenance.

• Healthcare: Secure, fast connections for diagnostics, surgeries, telemetry.

• Logistics: AGVs, drones, and real-time inventory tracking.

• Energy & Utilities: Remote monitoring, fault detection, grid safety.

• Mining: Underground connectivity, automated systems, worker safety.

• Public Transport: Surveillance, crowd control, contactless systems.

V. Research Areas

• AI/ML for network management.

• Integration with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN).

• Enhanced security protocols.

• 6G readiness.

• Open RAN (O-RAN) standards.

VI. Comparison with Public 5G

VII. Comparison with Wi-Fi

Private 5G offers better mobility, security, and quality of service for mission-critical applications compared to Wi-Fi.

VIII. Security Considerations

Private 5G enables enterprise-specific security protocols, local data processing, and enhanced encryption. Key practices include:

• Role-based access control.

• Zero-trust architecture.

• IDPS (intrusion detection/prevention).

• Compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 and 3GPP standards.

IX. Key Challenges

1. Spectrum Access: Regulatory hurdles and availability issues.

2. Cost: High capex and integration costs.

3. Expertise: Shortage of skilled 5G professionals.

4. Compliance: Adherence to national and international standards.

5. Legacy Integration: Compatibility issues with existing systems.

6. Vendor Lock-in: Need for open standards to avoid dependency.

X. Policy and Spectrum in India

India allows private 5G in licensed and shared spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz, 6 GHz). Shared spectrum is cost-effective but prone to interference. Clear, long-term policies are needed for pricing, licensing duration, and interference resolution.

XI. Role of MNOs

MNOs are evolving from traditional service providers to enterprise enablers by offering:

• Managed private 5G services.

• Spectrum leasing.

• Integration support.

They face competition from enterprises seeking full network ownership but can collaborate with system integrators and cloud vendors for market relevance.

XII. Integration with Public 5G

Hybrid models blend private and public networks to ensure:

• Broader coverage.

• Seamless mobility.

• Resource optimization.

Challenges include maintaining data sovereignty, security, and SLA adherence across both domains.

Conclusion

Private 5G networks will play a transformative role in determining the digital infrastructure of Indian enterprises. By offering dedicated connectivity with low latency, enhanced security, and high configurability, these networks provide a strong foundation for mission-critical applications across various sectors. Unlike public networks, private 5G solutions grant organizations full control over deployment and performance, which is essential for time-sensitive and data-intensive operations. Through a detailed examination of deployment models, spectrum access strategies, and integration pathways, this paper underscores that a tailored approach—aligned with enterprise needs and regulatory realities—is essential for successful implementation. The comparison with public 5G and advanced Wi-Fi standards further illustrates the unique value proposition of private networks, especially in industrial and automation-heavy environments. As spectrum policies in India continue to evolve, and as interest in AI-driven orchestration and O-RAN grows, enterprises must also prepare for technical, financial, and operational challenges. Looking ahead, private 5G stands not merely as a network upgrade, but as a strategic enabler of digital transformation, competitiveness, and long-term innovation across India’s enterprise ecosystem.

References

[1] Prasad Honnavalli, Sivaraman Eswaran. 2022, Private 5G networks: a survey on enabling technologies, deployment models, use cases and research directions. ResearchGate [2] Tezcan Cogalan, Daniel Camps-Mur. 2022, 5G-CLARITY: 5G-Advanced Private Networks Integrating 5GNR, Wi-Fi, and LiFi. IEEE Conf [3] TS 23.501, System Architecture for the 5G System. 3GPP Release 15 [4] TS 33.501, 5G Security architecture and procedures for 5G System 3GPP Release 15 [5] Cailian Deng, Xuming Fang, 2020. Wi-Fi 7: New Challenges and Opportunities. IEEE Conf [6] Shivam Chauhan, Arpit Sharma, 2021. A Review on Wi-Fi 7 Use Cases. IEEE Conf [7] Wi-Fi 7. https://www.qualcomm.com/products/technology/wi-fi/wi-fi-7 [8] 5G for Connected Industries and Automation. https://5g-acia.org/ [9] Shared & unlicensed spectrum LTE/5G network ecosystem. https://www.snstelecom.com/shared-spectrum

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Manish Kumar, Anuj Kumar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.