New Guide for Private 5G Networks Unveiled by CampusOS

The CampusOS consortium has introduced a comprehensive guide aimed at the development and operation of open, modular 5G campus networks. This initiative is designed to provide organizations with alternatives to commercial solutions.

The guide serves as a roadmap for enterprises, helping them transition from identifying their specific needs to establishing a fully functional private 5G network. The project's goal is to enhance the digital sovereignty of businesses in Germany and Europe, according to Slawomir Stanczak, the project coordinator from the Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institute.

Targeted at decision-makers and technical experts, the guide outlines the entire process of assessing organizational needs, ultimately leading to practical applications of private 5G networks. It addresses both economic and technical considerations vital for network deployment. Key aspects include product life cycles, value creation chains, and necessary competencies. Furthermore, the guide offers technical recommendations, illustrating the path from requirements gathering to network implementation, while also discussing the selection of components and overall functionality.

To create this guide, the project team developed a reference architecture for 5G campus networks, which is based on open, modular radio technologies and interoperable network components, adhering to Open-RAN guidelines. Additionally, the consortium prepared blueprints and a catalog of components, while also analyzing value chains and operational models.

The CampusOS consortium comprises 22 members from industry and research sectors. Under the leadership of the Heinrich-Hertz Institute and the Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems, the consortium spent three years developing this guide for the industry, receiving approximately EUR18 million in funding from the Federal Ministry of Economics. Following the completion of the project, the Alliance for Open 5G Corporate Networks (5G-ALOE) will continue the initiatives established by the consortium.