The public mobile network is prone to latency and capacity fluctuations. A private network on the other hand ensures that the transmission speed and latency remain at the desired level. Private network solutions open interesting opportunities both for business and healthcare.
The capacity and latency of a public mobile network scales by the current load on it and the distance that data travels. This means that the number of devices using the network simultaneously or the distance that data needs to travel may affect the performance of the network. When the network is overloaded or the data travels a long distance physically, it becomes visible to users for example with longer download times.
“When a mobile device connects to the Internet, data traffic always passes through a few centralized nodes in Finland, even if both the user with their equipment and the service are in Lappeenranta or Oulu. When data travels through a loop, a delay occurs,” explains Ville Kantola, business development manager at DNA.
A small latency can save one in an emergency
Delay is the enemy of the network user. It is formed especially when the bit needs to travel a long distance physically. When the distance is shortened, the latency reduces. To reduce latency, a private network can be restricted to a specific area to ensure that there is no other congestion on the network. This way, the bits do not have to travel a long distance physically and the network is not congested by other users' traffic.
One special feature of a private network is its very low latency.
Mining, autonomous vehicles, and factories are often highlighted while talking about which industries could benefit from private networks. While all of these are excellent examples of the use of technology, they may not be the easiest for explaining how a private network functions.
“In the social and health care sector, private networks could be used for example in ambulances. When it comes to human lives, reliable and functional connections are extremely important. Paramedics must receive the necessary patient information as quickly as possible, with minimal latency,” explains Anssi Johansson, DNA's private network sales manager.
Poor connections may even cause such a long latency that the entire service disconnects itself. Optimizing data traffic over a private network resolves this situation. The faster the ambulance staff has access to the information it needs, the faster the person in need of help can be treated.
A private network lives up to its promise – already today
The user of a private network can be guaranteed quality, low latency, and speed. It also increases cyber security since data can only be accessed by users with certain devices operating in a specified geographical area. Private networks are based on standardized mobile network technology. Thanks to this, everything is readily available.
“A private network brings connectivity to locations where installing fiber would be impossible or expensive because it is a mobile network. That is why a private network can be deployed anywhere in Finland, without large investments in infrastructure,” says Johansson.
A private network can also be acquired to complement existing infrastructure – it does not have to be the only or preferred connectivity option. It is also not necessary to know, build, or conceive everything yourself since the DNA experts are happy to help from idea to implementation.
“A private network offers highly scalable solutions, from a few dozen devices to thousands –meaning that the network serves businesses of all sizes if the operating profile makes optimization of data traffic useful. We are always happy to talk more about private networks to anyone interested,” Ville Kantola states.
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