AWS Private 5G

Introduction to AWS Private 5G

AWS Private 5G is a managed private 5G mobile network deployment service where AWS manages the entire infrastructure setup and scalability of the 5G network while we, as users, only pay for the services that we utilize based on AWS-defined pricing.

Using the AWS management console, one can request an AWS Private 5G network, which AWS will then process by sending the equipment and software needed to set up a private mobile network to the desired location.

Small-cell radio units, LTE/5G core and radio access network (RAN) software, and subscriber identity modules (SIM cards) are among the hardware and software delivered.

The AWS Private 5G service is currently available in only 3 regions :

• US East (Ohio),
• US East (N. Virginia), and
• US West (Oregon).

How Does It Work?

Once the AWS Private 5G hardware and software have been delivered, the setup process should be started by connecting the small-cell units to power and an internet connection, acknowledging the receipt of the hardware, and completing the small-cell registration process with the Spectrum Access System (SAS) service in the AWS Private 5G console.

AWS Private 5G Hardware Components:

• Radio Units :
  For end-user equipment to connect to the Private 5G network, a radio unit emits RF signals. The radio units are already set up to provide network access to the AWS Region and the spectrum-granting SAS service. Each radio unit needs a CPI certification to be eligible for spectrum grants.
• SIM Cards :
  SIM cards are necessary for the end-user equipment to connect to the AWS Private 5G network and are provided by AWS.

AWS Private 5G Software Components :

• Core :
  The core is software that offers network services to authenticate users and distinguish user data from network management data.
• Spectrum Access System (SAS) :
  The Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band's spectrum grants are managed by the Spectrum Access System (SAS), a cloud-based service. A private 5G network depends on SAS, if SAS isn't available, there will be network outages.

Why AWS Private 5G and Why Now?

With an increasing number of interconnected devices, enterprise networks are requiring higher bandwidth and lower latency. Given the expense of setting up and maintaining a wired network, wired networks are unable to meet the growing demand, while wireless networks frequently fall short in terms of capacity and coverage.

By offering a private 5G network that is much more feasible and simple to scale given that everything is managed and maintained by AWS, AWS Private 5G addresses these shortcomings. AWS Private 5G network also grants businesses total administrative control, enabling them to implement particular network and security policies as necessary.

AWS Private 5G Concepts

The fundamental concepts behind Private 5G are as follows :

• Private 5G network :
  A private cellular 5G network on-premises.
• Private 5G site :
  The physical location where a private mobile network is installed.
• Private 5G equipment :
  The physical hardware, such as cables, radios, and SIM cards, that allow access to a private 5G network.
• Radio units :
  The physical hardware, provided by AWS, which transmits RF signals so that end-user devices can connect to the Private 5G network.
• SIM cards :
  The AWS-provided SIM cards that are installed into end-user devices to access the Private 5G network.

Features of AWS Private 5G

• Easy Procurement :
  With just a few clicks on the AWS Console, customers can order, deploy, and manage their private cellular network using AWS Private 5G, a managed service. Due to AWS's management and upkeep of everything, the AWS Private 5G network is simple to obtain and set up.
• Integrated Hardware and Software :
  All the hardware and software required to set up an AWS Private 5G network are delivered and made available by AWS. The end user can start using the private 5G network in a few days without having to worry about infrastructure or software service setup.
• Predictable Pricing :
  Pay-as-you-go billing is used for the AWS Private 5G network, just like it is for all of AWS's other cloud services. Setting up a Private 5G network costs nothing upfront, and there are no extra costs for the hardware or software that is supplied.
• Convenient Network Monitoring :
  Network metrics are simple to integrate and publish to AWS Cloudwatch, providing detailed visibility into network usage and performance.

AWS Private 5G Use Cases

The AWS Private 5G network has the following use cases :

• Industrial Manufacturing :
  With low latency and increased reliability, the AWS Private 5G network can offer connected surveillance and better connectivity to the IoT devices.
• Oil and Gas Industries :
  Typically, public cellular networks are unable to reach far-flung industrial locations. The AWS private 5G networks can be used by the oil and gas industries to maintain connectivity and monitor remote locations.
• Education Industry :
  Private cellular networks can be used in addition to Wi-Fi to expand coverage across campus. Private cellular service can reach rural and suburban neighborhoods in K–12 school districts, giving students access to the internet.
• Retail Industry :
  AWS Private 5G can cover stock rooms, warehouses, and retail spaces with dependable private cellular as a replacement or addition to Wi-Fi.

AWS Private 5G Pricing

Only the network coverage and capacity requested are charged for with AWS Private 5G. The number of small-cell radio units (RUs) active in a network is billed hourly, with a minimum commitment of 60 days for each radio unit ordered. AWS Private 5G doesn't charge a one-time fee or a fee per SIM. The cost for each CBRS LTE radio unit is $10 per hour in an AWS Private 5G network.

Getting Started with AWS Private 5G

The steps listed below should be followed to begin using AWS Private 5G :

• Plan :
  List the hardware and devices that will be connected to the network and decide the infrastructure location.
• Order :
  Using the AWS management console, place the order of the required capacity and receive the order at the provided shipping address.
• Install :
  Install the hardware components i.e. radio units and SIMs and perform the initial setup steps.
• Go Live :
  Start utilizing the AWS Private 5G network and use the AWS account to manage and monitor everything.

Market Impact of AWS Private 5G

Even as private mobile network coexists with Wi-Fi, the private 4G/5G market has the potential to be as large as the enterprise Wi-Fi today.

Considering the wide network coverage and low latency offered by the 5G networks, it could be considered as an option other than wired networks soon.

Furthermore, AWS offering a Private 5G network can also be considered in providing other services such as computing, storage, etc for other enterprise use cases.

Benefits of AWS Private 5G

1. AWS Private 5G network provides reliable and scalable network connectivity for mobile device use cases.
2. Delivers enterprise-wide total control over users, devices, and data. This allows the implementation of enterprise-specific security and network configuration procedures.
3. Offers a wider range compared to WiFi networks. It provides better coverage, particularly in industrial remote locations where network connectivity is not available.
4. Provides low-latency connectivity for industrial IoT applications and smart devices which need 24 * 7 network connectivity.