Empowering Robot Connectivity: The Power of Private Wireless Networks
Automation is transforming the way businesses operate, and machines that move, such as robots, drones, and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), are becoming increasingly common, enabling companies to streamline processes, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs. The catch is that these remarkable machines also require reliable, secure, and real-time connectivity to function effectively.
In many locations, enabling these robots to communicate reliably, securely, and quickly can be a major challenge because most wireless technologies were not designed to support mobility use cases involving continuous movement. Traditional Wi-Fi and public cellular networks often fall short in supporting the unique demands of machines that move. For instance, Wi-Fi is unable to easily hand off a connection from one access point to the next. Wi-Fi networks can be plagued by interference, congestion, and security risks, while public cellular networks might not be able to provide the level of reliability, security, and control that businesses want and need.
For robots and other machines that remain in motion, private wireless networks provide the connectivity needed for seamless operations, coupled with the security and reliability today’s businesses need. Machines that move need more than just “good enough” wireless—they need real-time responsiveness, uninterrupted connections, and enterprise-grade reliability.
Why Private Wireless Networks Now
Private wireless networks offer a dedicated, secure, and reliable solution for these machines that need constant connectivity to successfully complete their tasks.
By providing a controlled and isolated environment, private wireless networks enable real-time data transmission, navigation, and safety. This is critical for industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and oil and gas, in which machines are used in sophisticated and, in some cases, hazardous environments.
Although most are familiar with public 4G and 5G networks for connecting mobile phones, private wireless networking is now emerging as a business requirement in the digital age. A private wireless network is a dedicated wireless network that gives organizations full control over their wireless infrastructure and data, from determining coverage areas to security and device access.
Private cellular networks deliver on all fronts, making them the best connectivity solution for modern businesses that rely on mobile automation.
How Private Wireless Networks Support Robots
Autonomous equipment, such as robots and AGVs, requires real-time data transmission to navigate environments, avoid collisions, and perform tasks with precision.
This type of equipment needs data to be sent and delivered quickly and accurately for operations to run smoothly. Private wireless networks are designed with this type of capability, which is critical to enabling operational tasks, including:
- Real-time obstacle detection and navigation.
- Synchronized movement with other machines or humans.
- Instant sensor feedback for safety and precision.
Unlike Wi-Fi, cellular networks maintain reliability even in high-interference environments such as factories or warehouses. Facilities filled with metal structures, concrete, and heavy machinery create significant radio frequency interference, which can severely degrade signal quality. Unlike Wi-Fi, private wireless technology operates across both licensed and unlicensed spectrum, using beamforming and signal optimization to better withstand interference.
Mobile machines often need to move across large indoor and outdoor spaces, sometimes from one building to another, where safety and operational needs require a strong, constant connection with no drops. Private wireless networks offer true mobility for these machines with smooth handoffs between access points as devices travel across the warehouse, building, or even campus. Handing off from access point to access point is where traditional Wi-Fi struggles due to its limited ability to support handoffs and an inability to handle network congestion in dense environments.
Autonomous machines also often carry critical payloads, navigate sensitive areas, and perform high-risk tasks. Any connectivity failure during these tasks can introduce operational, financial, or safety risks. Private wireless networks address these challenges by enabling AGVs, drones, and mobile robots to move seamlessly across a facility, ensuring uninterrupted, secure, and reliable operations.
In today’s business world, enterprise automation requires the predictable performance and scalable architecture that private cellular networks deliver.
Hughes Managed Wireless Services
A private 5G network delivered by a managed service provider minimizes risk because enterprises gain access to networking expertise in the deployment, maintenance, and monitoring of the environment.
Managed private wireless networks provide control over:
- Device authentication and authorization.
- Network segmentation and traffic prioritization.
- Data residency and compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR).
Hughes Managed Wireless Services provide a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to implement private wireless networks. With support for 4G LTE and 5G technologies, as well as advanced security features and nationwide availability, Hughes offers a reliable and secure connectivity solution. By leveraging private wireless networks from a managed service provider, businesses can unlock the full potential of their mobile machines, improving efficiency, productivity, and overall performance.
Learn more about Hughes Managed Private Wireless Services.