Private 5G is no longer a concept — it’s being deployed in factories, mines, ports, campuses, and rural communities worldwide. But for organizations evaluating their first deployment, the same questions come up repeatedly.
This FAQ addresses the most common questions we hear from enterprises, system integrators, and operators considering private cellular networks.
General Questions
What is a private 5G network?
A private 5G network is a dedicated cellular network built for a specific organization or site, rather than shared with the public. It uses the same 3GPP technology as public 5G but is owned, operated, or managed by the enterprise — providing dedicated capacity, lower latency, enhanced security, and full control over network policies.
What’s the difference between private 5G and public 5G?
| Private 5G | Public 5G | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Targeted (your site only) | Wide-area |
| Capacity | Dedicated, guaranteed | Shared, best-effort |
| Latency | Ultra-low (data stays on-site) | Higher (data routed through carrier core) |
| Security | Data never leaves your premises | Shared infrastructure |
| Control | Full (QoS, policies, SIM management) | Limited |
Should I start with 4G LTE or 5G?
It depends on your use case and budget:
- Start with 4G LTE if: your primary need is voice + basic data, you’re deploying in rural/remote areas where cost matters most, or your devices don’t require 5G capabilities
- Start with 5G if: you need ultra-low latency (URLLC), high-bandwidth applications (video, AR/VR), or massive IoT connectivity
- Start with 4G, upgrade later: Many lightweight core networks (like vkEPC) support smooth evolution from LTE to 5G SA, protecting your initial investment
Cost Questions
How much does a private 5G network cost?
Costs vary widely based on scale, but here are realistic ranges:
| Component | Traditional Approach | Lightweight Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Core Network | $500K – $2M+ | 60–80% lower |
| Base Stations (per unit) | $10K – $50K (macro) | Significantly lower (small cells) |
| Integration & Deployment | Months, multi-vendor | Days to weeks, all-in-one |
| Annual OPEX | 15–20% of CAPEX | Significantly lower |
The biggest cost driver is the core network. All-in-one, lightweight core networks have made private cellular accessible to organizations that couldn’t justify traditional deployments.
What’s the ROI timeline?
Most private network deployments see ROI within 18–36 months through: reduced downtime, improved operational efficiency, eliminated WiFi reliability issues, and enabled new use cases (automation, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance).
Deployment Questions
How long does deployment take?
- Small indoor deployment (1–3 small cells): Days to 1 week
- Campus/factory deployment (5–20 base stations): 2–6 weeks
- Large-scale rural deployment (50+ base stations): 2–6 months
The key factor is the core network. All-in-one platforms that don’t require multi-vendor integration can cut deployment time by 70% or more.
What equipment do I need?
A minimal private 5G network requires:
- Core Network — The brain of the network (e.g., vk5GC for 5G, vkEPC for 4G)
- Base Station(s) — Radio units providing wireless coverage (indoor small cells or outdoor macro stations)
- SIM Cards — For device authentication and network access
- Backhaul — Connection between base stations and core (Ethernet, fiber, microwave, or satellite)
- Devices — 5G-capable phones, CPEs, IoT modules, or industrial gateways
Do I need spectrum/frequency licenses?
This varies by country:
- Licensed spectrum: Some countries allocate dedicated bands for private networks (e.g., CBRS in the US, 3.7–3.8 GHz in Germany)
- Shared spectrum: Bands like CBRS (US) allow shared access with dynamic spectrum management
- Unlicensed/lightly licensed: Some regions allow private networks on certain bands with minimal regulatory requirements
Your equipment vendor or local regulator can advise on spectrum options for your region.
Can I use private 5G alongside existing WiFi?
Yes. Private 5G and WiFi serve different needs and coexist well. Many deployments use 5G for mission-critical and industrial applications while keeping WiFi for general office connectivity.
Technology Questions
What is a “lightweight” core network?
A lightweight core network integrates all essential network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF for 5G; MME, SGW, PGW for 4G) into a single platform running on standard server hardware. This contrasts with traditional deployments that use separate, vendor-specific appliances for each function.
What does “all-in-one base station” mean?
An all-in-one base station integrates the radio unit, baseband processing, and optionally the core network into a single device. This enables plug-and-play deployment — power on, configure via web interface, and the network is operational.
What is 5G SA vs NSA?
- 5G SA (Standalone): Pure 5G architecture with its own 5G core network. Full 5G capabilities including network slicing and URLLC.
- 5G NSA (Non-Standalone): 5G radio connected to a 4G core network. Faster to deploy but limited 5G features.
For private networks, SA is generally recommended as it provides the full benefit of 5G capabilities.
Still Have Questions?
Every deployment is different. Contact our team to discuss your specific requirements — we’ll help you determine the right architecture, equipment, and deployment approach for your use case.
Vankom provides end-to-end private network solutions including lightweight core networks (vk5GC, vkEPC), indoor and outdoor base stations (vkScell, vkHcell), and RAN test equipment.