As the use of technology continues to multiply, the need for high-performance connectivity is becoming increasingly important for businesses. In this context, choosing between a private or public network should not be taken lightly. But what are their specific features? Security, costs, performance... Discover the main differences between a public and a private network.
Private and public networks: definitions
Private networks correspond to networks that are inaccessible to external devices, designed on a clearly defined area to meet specific needs in terms of connectivity, particularly in sectors such as industry 4.0, healthcare, agri-food, or to cover large areas (ports, airports, etc.).
Operators who set up a private mobile network generally have a dual objective:
- Guaranteeing network security, so that organizations can ensure the continuity of their activities, especially those dealing with critical situations (e.g. health and safety).
- Offer a high quality of service to enable new uses, such as exploiting IoT technology, machine-to-machine communication, or developing customized communication systems.
- Deploy productivity-enhancing technologies: digitization of operational processes, automation, robotization, AMR/AGV, real-time operations, computer vision, etc.
See also : Private mobile networks: definition and benefits
In contrast, public networks, also known as "operator mobile networks", are more in line with current connectivity uses, and are therefore aimed at the general public.
Private network vs. public network: 5 major differences
#1 Operational coverage
Private and public networks do not have the same operational coverage. Deployed as a customized solution for a particular organization, a private network enables the company to benefit from high, uniform network coverage. Both inside and outside buildings, this type of network provides optimal connectivity. Conversely, the coverage offered by public networks may be partial or insufficient in certain remote areas or where there are obstacles.
Unlike a public network, a private 4G/5G network allows you to :
- Facilitate, make reliable and secure the Group's communications;
- Locate equipment and its availability in real time;
- Ensure perfect continuity of indoor and outdoor coverage.
#2 Safety level
Public and private networks also have specific security requirements:
- Data : with a private mobile network, data remains within the company's infrastructure, and is secured through theuse of SIM cards and the possibility of relying on reserved frequency bands, allocated byARCEP. Conversely, when a company uses a public network, the security of its data depends on the operator, so cyber risks are greater.
- People : employee safety, particularly that of lone workers, depends in part on network performance. Thanks to its independence and uniform operational coverage, a private mobile network enables the proper use of lone worker safety tools (e.g. DATI), and protects against network interference or failure, and the associated risks for employees.
#3 Performance
As they are not designed for the same uses, public and private networks obviously do not offer the same level of performance. Reduced latency (1ms per second), network continuity, ability to support numerous connections... Private mobile networks benefit from higher capacities. And this added value is accentuated when the private mobile network is combined with 5G. Indeed, this technology enables very high levels of wireless connectivity performance, including very high data transfer rates.
#4 Cost optimization
Thanks to the performance it delivers, a private mobile network enables companies to boost productivity, improve production chain logistics and optimize inventory management. In this way, a private network contributes to optimal use of resources, and therefore to a reduction in associated costs.
#5 Service rate guarantee
Private and public networks do not have the same service level guarantees. As a reminder, an SLA ( Service Level Agreement) corresponds to the level of service a service provider undertakes to deliver to its customers. Since they manage mission-critical networks, private network operators commit to higher SLAs and, above all, tailor them to customers' specific requirements. A private mobile network can be operated 24/7 by a team of several hundred people. These resources guarantee the reliability and availability of the private mobile network, whatever the situation.
These five differences highlight the added value of a private mobile network over a public network for businesses. Enhanced security, improved operational performance, cost optimization, tailor-made support... the benefits for organizations are manifold.
Private mobile network: how to set it up?
In order to set up a private mobile network, several elements need to be taken into account:
- It's time to think about network installation: you need to configure the network infrastructure correctly to optimize its performance. For this, technical skills are required.
- Secondly, we need to think about how the network will be operated : to ensure uninterrupted service, the network needs to be constantly monitored by qualified operators, so that any faults can be prevented and rapid action taken to restore it.
That's why it's a good idea to surround yourself with experts , not only to install the network, but also to look after its maintenance.
As an end-to-end integrator, TDF designs, deploys and operates private mobile networks to provide high-performance, controlled and secure connections for businesses. From a NOC (Network Operations Center) our team takes care of everything to ensure the continuity and efficiency of each network operated. With TDF, take advantage of a private mobile network tailored to your needs and your business.
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