The Advantages of Cellular Broadband for Industrial Connectivity: Temporary Sites, Immediate Activation, and Independent Networks

Cellular broadband—5G and LTE—offers the flexibility, reliability, and speed to ensure continuous operations and effective communication in various industrial environments. This is particularly important for enterprises that require rapid deployment in temporary locations or where separate networks are necessary for security and efficiency.

Connectivity Solutions for Temporary Industrial Sites

The remote and transient nature of temporary locations, such as construction sites, mining operations, and mobile command centers, lack the infrastructure required for traditional wired networks. 5G and LTE offer operations teams:

• Flexibility and agility
• High-speed data transfer
• Low latency
• Enhanced reliability

A wireless network (WWAN) that stretches over vast distances using cellular broadband services can be rapidly deployed and scaled to meet the specific needs of each location, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous, reliable communication.

By integrating cellular routers with advanced encryption and security protocols—such as OpenVPN, IP Security (IPsec), Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES), and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)—sensitive data is protected, and network security concerns are alleviated in these environments.

Immediate Network Activation for Day-1 Connectivity

Setting up a new network or expanding an existing one is often done under tight budgets and timelines. Wired network installations involve detailed planning, trenching, and extensive physical infrastructure that is time-consuming and difficult to scale. Every day that a network activation is delayed, schedules are disrupted, and costs continue to rise.

5G or LTE network activation can be immediate, enabling operations with integrated enterprise connectivity to begin on day 1. Choosing an industrial multi-WAN router with failover capabilities will ensure reliable network connectivity. This redundancy is critical for applications requiring high reliability and uptime, such as automated machinery, safety systems, and crucial data transfers.

Additionally, cellular networks offer flexibility to scale according to the changing needs of the industrial site. The network can adjust without extensive physical modifications as operations expand or contract. This adaptability ensures that industrial sites remain connected and operational from the first day to the last, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Independent Networks for Safety and Efficiency in Industrial Complexes

Large industrial complexes often host multiple contractors and subcontractors, each with distinct network requirements and security protocols. Isolated networks ensure that the activities of one group do not interfere with or compromise the operations of another. For example, a manufacturing facility may have separate networks for production control systems, administrative functions, and third-party service providers. Isolating these networks improves overall security and operational integrity.

The Bring Your Own Network (BYON) approach is increasingly adopted in these settings. BYON leverages cellular broadband to allow different operations or tenants within a complex to establish secure, independent networks. This method offers several advantages, including:

• Enhanced security
• Flexibility
• Ease of management

Each tenant can deploy a dedicated 5G or LTE network tailored to their specific requirements, ensuring their operations are isolated from others. Cellular broadband solutions support the BYON approach by providing robust, high-speed, secure, and scalable connectivity. With cellular broadband, there is no need for extensive cabling or modifications to existing infrastructure, allowing for quick and cost-effective network deployment.

Secure Your Industrial Network With Perle

Perle IRG Routers provide robust, secure, and flexible 5G or LTE connectivity for today’s industrial applications. Their rugged design and low power consumption make them suitable for deployment in harsh conditions, while enterprise-class security protocols protect sensitive data and enable seamless integration with existing systems. And, through centralized management and remote troubleshooting, operational disruptions are minimized, and on-site technical support becomes unnecessary.

For reliable operation, without subscription or license fees, contact us to learn more about Perle IRG Routers.