How Managed Private Wireless Networks Transform Warehouse Operations and Logistics
In modern manufacturing and logistics environments, a single dropped connection can bring warehouse operations to a standstill. Traditional Wi-Fi networks are struggling to keep pace with the demands of autonomous robots, scanners connected to complex inventory management systems, and distributed Internet of Things (IoT) devices. While these businesses work to maintain operational efficiencies, Wi-Fi just can’t keep up—and that can cause performance problems, as well as safety concerns.
Consider autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), which are widely used in warehouses to transport goods, pick items from shelves, and sort packages. If an AMR loses its Wi-Fi connection, it would likely be programmed to stop mid-path immediately to avoid potential collisions or injuries to humans. That action would not only hinder warehouse productivity, but it could also become a safety issue. Continuously stopping and starting due to poor connectivity can also negatively impact the reliability and lifespan of the sophisticated AMRs, causing mechanical wear that can lead to malfunctions, loss of accuracy, and costly repairs.
The critical nature of connectivity in warehouses is driving businesses to find alternatives to Wi-Fi. Private wireless networks help manufacturing warehouses and logistics companies overcome the limitations of Wi-Fi by providing better coverage and higher reliability, enhanced mobility and connectivity, better device density and performance, improved security, and easier scalability.
Private Wireless Networks vs. Wi-Fi
Private wireless networks offer a more robust, secure, and efficient solution for modern warehouse and logistics operations compared to traditional Wi-Fi networks.
Read more: Elevate Your Enterprise Connectivity: 4G/5G Cellular vs. Wi-Fi Let’s start with coverage.
One cellular radio can cover more than 50,000 square feet, while Wi-Fi access points typically cover only a few thousand square feet. Cellular also overcomes the challenge of outdoor and large space coverage that Wi-Fi struggles to provide. If AMRs must travel from within a warehouse to a loading dock, any loss of connectivity with Wi-Fi would limit their movements and possibly result in the safety and maintenance issues mentioned above.
Mobility is another area in which private cellular networks can better meet the needs of manufacturing and logistics warehouses. Private wireless networks support low latency and seamless handoffs between access points, offering no connection breaks during device movement, which is especially critical for AMRs. They are also less susceptible to interference and won’t be disrupted by other Wi-Fi networks or wireless spectrum interference from devices such as microwaves and cordless phones.
Private cellular networks also use SIM card-based authentication and device-level access controls, both of which offer businesses a higher level of security. These approaches eliminate password-based security vulnerabilities and support encrypted communications. Private wireless networks also support policy-based traffic enforcement by applying predefined rules that allow or restrict network traffic based on device attributes or application types, ensuring security and compliance.
Additionally, private wireless networks better support high-density IoT environments and network slicing, simultaneously enabling multiple-application support and providing more consistent bandwidth. Managed wireless service providers enable this by using application-based traffic prioritization, which dynamically allocates network resources and quality of service (QoS) policies to critical applications—maintaining optimal performance even during high-traffic periods. With private wireless networks, scalability also becomes less of a concern for businesses. It essentially becomes easier to expand network coverage and support future technological upgrades because adding devices and increasing capacity is simpler. These advantages make private wireless networks a more robust, secure, and efficient solution for modern warehouse and logistics operations compared to traditional Wi-Fi networks.
Private Wireless Network Benefits to Warehouse Operations
Private wireless networks can transform warehouse operations by providing more reliable connectivity across multiple functions. Warehouses and logistics operations can start reaping the rewards of cellular with the following use cases.
RFID Tracking
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to identify people or objects. With RFID, there is a device that reads information contained in a wireless device or “tag” from a distance without making any physical contact or requiring a line of sight. It enables real-time tracking of goods throughout the warehouse and precise location of inventory, supporting more accurate inventory management. This capability requires consistent, reliable connectivity across large spaces.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
Private wireless networks can better support AMRs moving between storage racks and ensure seamless mobility without connection interruptions. The consistent connectivity enables precise location navigation and positioning of the AMRs, which is critical for maintaining operational efficiency and safety.
Remote Virtual Troubleshooting
With private wireless total coverage, employees can virtually bring their problems to remote subject matter experts for resolution. Gone are the days of having to run back and forth from the warehouse/manufacturing floor with inconsistent Wi-Fi coverage to a space with reliable connectivity. With private wireless networks, everywhere is covered. Remote subject matter experts can see the problem for themselves and provide guidance to the local personnel onsite. This is also a good example of the benefits of implementing the concept of digital twins in modern factories and repair facilities.
Asset and Inventory Management
With the consistent connectivity of a private wireless network, warehouse and logistics businesses can better manage assets and inventory.
For instance, network administrators are able to track the location and status of equipment when needed, as well as monitor the movement of goods in real time. This monitoring reduces the need for manual tracking and lessens the potential for human error during the process. Warehouses and logistics businesses are able to have accurate, real-time inventory data.
Managed Private Wireless Network Services
If a private wireless network is the right approach for a warehouse or logistics business, then decision-makers should also consider managed services for this environment. Not only do managed services enable a business to get up and running with the new capabilities more quickly, but they also provide access to specialized expertise across technologies and services for the customer. For instance, a managed service provider (MSP) provides access to spectrum management and deployment specialists that a business might not already have on staff or have the budget to retain. Managed network services let the business focus on its core operations and provide an enterprise with the cellular network expertise they might be lacking.
MSPs also offer continuous monitoring of network performance, proactively preventing downtime and addressing any interference and connection issues that might arise. MSPs can also perform regular optimization of the environment to improve performance. With end-to-end network capabilities and ongoing technical support, MSPs offer experience in managing complex network infrastructure and enable easier network expansion for future facility growth.
Why Hughes for Private Networks
Hughes Managed Wireless Services provide customers with support for 4G/LTE and 5G technologies, as well as multi-carrier support and single- and dual-wireless transport options. Hughes offers a range of 5G solutions to help customers prepare for and implement 5G as part of their network strategy.
Over the past few years, Hughes has deployed wireless networking technology at tens of thousands of public cellular towers and a secure, private 5G network at multiple military bases. With advanced security and nationwide availability, Hughes delivers a complete, managed service with 24x7 customer support.
Learn more about Hughes Managed Private Wireless.