Spectrum
Private wireless networks – like any wireless network – are deployed on spectrum (often popularly called frequencies). Spectrum is the essential ‘raw material’ for any enterprise or private wireless network. There are various types and flavours of spectrum, partially depending on the country; all of which have differing abilities to guarantee performance of a wireless service for the enterprise:
Spectrum Options for pRivate Networks
The more secured hence licenced the spectrum is, the larger the chances of guaranteeing the performance of the network running over it. The above depicts the 3 common clusters of options.
1. World-wide there is free, unlicensed spectrum of which WiFi is the best-known example; but many IoT protocols (Lora, Sigfox etc) are also on unlicenced spectrum. This spectrum can be distorted beyond anyone’s control hence does not allow for QoS (guaranteed performance). Many unlicensed bands – such as for WiFi, many IoT protocols – are common across most countries which is an advantage. With WiFi6, the standard has evolved to some level of QoS
Dedicated spectrum for enterprise purposes allows the control and guaranteeing of performance of a network and is available in 2 flavours:
2. Mobile Operators possess spectrum and may choose to also use it or allocate it for enterprise purposes, either as mere spectrum or through a wireless service for an enterprise, a distinct vertical or a 3rd party provider.
3. Many countries have – or will soon - allocated ‘shared spectrum’ for local and on premises purposes, often looked upon as ‘private spectrum’.
Spectrum Allocations Private Wireless
The latest situation on the private spectrum amongst countries is roughly:
This situation differs over time, the availability is unfortunately scattered and some countries haven’t even made such spectrum available at all. EUWENA endeavours to keep track of the pan European spectrum situation.
One of EUWENA’s remits will be to ‘defend’ spectrum interests of verticals towards regulators and achieve availability and harmonisation!
