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Companies already can have their own 4G networks in factories etc. It's fairly common in mining or oil fields. There have been wireless access platforms with m

by jauer 8y ago

Companies already can have their own 4G networks in factories etc. It's fairly common in mining or oil fields. There have been wireless access platforms with much more control over latency and robustness for well over a decade. Bandwidth not owned by carriers is also not new. LTE-U is a recent example. This all sounds similar to the hype that comes with every other new generation of last-mile access technology.

Dylan16807 8y ago
> Companies already can have their own 4G networks in factories etc. It's fairly common in mining or oil fields. Without getting special permission from a carrier? The ability to set up your own wireless equipment that can supply normal phones is an important use case. > Bandwidth not owned by carriers is also not new. LTE-U is a recent example. Wikipedia says LTE-U died. And as far as I can tell LTE-LAA only speeds up existing LTE connections; it can't work standalone. There's MulteFire? It's only half-developed though.
- kiwijamo 8y ago
  I wonder if OP is confusing factories getting a carrier to install a cell site (whether it be a pico/microcell or a proper macrocell site) on/near the factory property. It's not unusual for that to happen (especially if said factory is a big customer for the carrier) but it wouldn't be their own 4G network. Would be interested if any actual examples of real life non-carrier 4G networks could be provided.
  - Nokinside 8y ago
    The difference is that in 4G the ability may be available in some areas and not in some areas in ad hoc manner. In the case of 5G 3GPP is committed to unlicensed spectrum. In 4G, instead of LTE-U you are getting LTE-LAA (License Assisted Access). You are basically getting the permission from carrier or from some alliance that buys licenses depending on the country, city or region. 5G will support: LTE-U/LAA as well as stand-alone NR-U (stand-alone operation in unlicensed spectrum).
  - jauer 8y ago
    I'm well aware of the differences between pico, macro etc. and am referring specifically to usage of privately owned eNodeBs running in spectrum that is either unlicensed, sublicensed, or just reused without authorization because the deployment site is sufficiently rural. > Would be interested if any actual examples of real life non-carrier 4G networks could be provided. For one, you can just look for companies deploying Redline, Nokia, etc eNodeBs that aren't traditional telcos... http://rdlcom.com/applications/private-lte http://rdlcom.com/applications/private-lte LTE equipment for 5.8Ghz spectrum / LTE-U has been on the market for some time and in use by private industry and boutique service providers. E.g. https://www.doubleradius.com/Manufacturers/Kits/baicells-starter-kit-lte-u.html https://www.doubleradius.com/Manufacturers/Kits/baicells-sta...

by jauer 8y ago

Dylan16807 8y ago

> Companies already can have their own 4G networks in factories etc. It's fairly common in mining or oil fields. Without getting special permission from a carrier? The ability to set up your own wireless equipment that can supply normal phones is an important use case. > Bandwidth not owned by carriers is also not new. LTE-U is a recent example. Wikipedia says LTE-U died. And as far as I can tell LTE-LAA only speeds up existing LTE connections; it can't work standalone. There's MulteFire? It's only half-developed though.

kiwijamo 8y ago
I wonder if OP is confusing factories getting a carrier to install a cell site (whether it be a pico/microcell or a proper macrocell site) on/near the factory property. It's not unusual for that to happen (especially if said factory is a big customer for the carrier) but it wouldn't be their own 4G network. Would be interested if any actual examples of real life non-carrier 4G networks could be provided.
- Nokinside 8y ago
  The difference is that in 4G the ability may be available in some areas and not in some areas in ad hoc manner. In the case of 5G 3GPP is committed to unlicensed spectrum. In 4G, instead of LTE-U you are getting LTE-LAA (License Assisted Access). You are basically getting the permission from carrier or from some alliance that buys licenses depending on the country, city or region. 5G will support: LTE-U/LAA as well as stand-alone NR-U (stand-alone operation in unlicensed spectrum).
- jauer 8y ago
  I'm well aware of the differences between pico, macro etc. and am referring specifically to usage of privately owned eNodeBs running in spectrum that is either unlicensed, sublicensed, or just reused without authorization because the deployment site is sufficiently rural. > Would be interested if any actual examples of real life non-carrier 4G networks could be provided. For one, you can just look for companies deploying Redline, Nokia, etc eNodeBs that aren't traditional telcos... http://rdlcom.com/applications/private-lte http://rdlcom.com/applications/private-lte LTE equipment for 5.8Ghz spectrum / LTE-U has been on the market for some time and in use by private industry and boutique service providers. E.g. https://www.doubleradius.com/Manufacturers/Kits/baicells-starter-kit-lte-u.html https://www.doubleradius.com/Manufacturers/Kits/baicells-sta...