What Exactly Is 5G LAN?

In-depth Analysis of 5G LAN: An Innovative Communication Convergence Technology

In the field of communication technology, 5G LAN is an extremely innovative concept. 5G, as the latest mobile communication technology at present, has achieved a leap and upgrade from 4G. LAN (Local Area Network) is a common form of network in our daily life and work. For instance, the Wi-Fi networks in homes and companies belong to wireless local Area networks (WLAN).

5G LAN, essentially, uses 5G technology to "group" terminals and build a local area network. In traditional 5G communication, mobile phone terminals are "isolated" from each other, and data needs to be transferred through the operator's server. The local area network can directly connect the terminals within the area to achieve efficient data transmission and resource sharing.

The 3GPP R16 standard introduces 5G LAN. Managers modify the user database and allocate terminals to the Virtual Network Group (VN), and the 5G core network builds different local area networks based on this. 5G LAN supports Layer 2 and Layer 3 communication, covering unicast, multicast and broadcast modes. Its network coverage breaks through the limitation of physical distance and can also seamlessly integrate with the existing data network.

Compared with traditional Wi-Fi technology, 5G LAN has significant advantages: In terms of performance, 5G performs better in transmission rate, delay and coverage range, and can better meet the requirements of scenarios such as industrial robot control; In terms of cost, 5G networks are built and maintained by operators and leased and used by enterprises, reducing the costs of equipment procurement and maintenance. Functionally, 5G LAN can achieve differentiated Quality of service (QoS) based on packets to meet the different network requirements of enterprises. In terms of management and security, enterprises can independently manage network configurations and set up authorization and authentication mechanisms, with security far exceeding that of Wi-Fi.

In practical applications, manufacturing cases are highly representative. In the past, the connection between the PLC and the controller was achieved through IP addressing, which required the addition of an access router (AR) and the establishment of a tunnel, resulting in high costs. 5G LAN supports direct transmission via Layer 2 protocol without the need for AR routers, reducing complexity and cost. A certain auto parts manufacturing enterprise in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, has adopted modules supporting 5G LAN to build a 5G fully connected factory. The adjustment efficiency of the production line has increased by 70%, the networked delivery efficiency of the manufacturing execution system (MES) has doubled, and a large amount of configuration and maintenance manpower has been saved every year.

5G LAN is a key technology for the application of 5G in vertical industries. With the advent of the 5G-Advanced era, it will be implemented in more fields, accelerate the digital transformation of various industries, and promote the arrival of the "intelligent interconnection of All Things" era.