Private 5G is transforming industrial operations securely – News

Private 5G is reshaping industrial operations by providing secure, high-performance connectivity that integrates seamlessly with enterprise IT infrastructure.

As industries increasingly depend on real-time data, edge computing and private 5G are revolutionizing operations by enhancing performance, safety and efficiency. These technologies provide mission-critical connectivity in high-risk environments, ensuring secure, scalable digital infrastructure. By processing vast data streams instantly, they enable automation, reduce risks and drive long-term cost savings, according to David de Lancellotti (pictured, right), vice president of enterprise campus edge business, Cloud and Network Services, at Nokia Corp.

“We actually even consider ourselves a far edge player,” de Lancellotti said. “We know the hyperscalers are going to own the edge space, and then, the far edge space is where we’re going to sit with our equipment. When we’re looking at the far edge and we have our equipment there, we’re not just looking at connectivity. What we’re really looking at … is what can we do beyond connectivity?”

De Lancellotti and Paul Savill (left), global practice leader of networking and edge compute at Kyndryl Inc., spoke with theCUBE’s Savannah Peterson and Dave Vellante at MWC25, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, News Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed how private 5G and edge computing are revolutionizing industrial operations by providing secure, high-performance connectivity, enhancing worker safety, optimizing efficiency and enabling real-time automation while also addressing critical security concerns. (* Disclosure below.)

Private 5G is driving safety, security and efficiency

Kyndryl and Nokia have formed a strategic partnership to deliver integrated private 5G and edge computing solutions, enabling enterprises to enhance security, efficiency and automation in mission-critical environments.

One of the key advantages of private 5G is its impact on worker safety and operational efficiency. By digitizing workflows and reducing unnecessary movement, companies can significantly lower safety incidents while boosting productivity. Large-scale deployments have already demonstrated the benefits of providing instant access to critical information, according to Savill.

“Whenever you eliminate all of that paper and you give information to people right at their fingertips, at the spot when they need it, where they need it, what that does is … it keeps people from walking around, because they don’t have to walk around as much, because it’s instantly at, they’re there,” he explained. “There’s a direct correlation between limiting the amount of time people are walking around to reducing safety incidents. It’s almost a one-for-one ratio.”

Beyond safety, private 5G and edge computing are becoming vital in securing critical infrastructure. Enterprises are increasingly focused on preventing cyber threats that could compromise essential operations. Governments and regulators are responding by prioritizing security policies that ensure private networks remain protected from external threats, according to de Lancellotti.

“Security is becoming quite the use case, as opposed to worker safety or sustainability,” he said. “Just securing the network. Again, not to knock our friends in Wi-Fi, but we have data center applications now that are looking at security as a use case, and that’s also another great application.”

As enterprises continue investing in private 5G and edge computing, the industry is poised for significant growth. Companies that prioritize security, scalability and efficiency will lead the way in transforming industrial operations for the future, Savill said.

“When the world starts adopting AI, what is it that AI really needs?” he asked. “What fuels AI is data and information, accurate data. That’s why edge plays such an important role in what’s going to happen with the AI transformation that companies go to.”

Here’s the complete video interview, part of News’s and theCUBE’s coverage of MWC25:

(* Disclosure: Kyndryl Inc. sponsored this segment of theCUBE. Neither Kyndryl nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or News.)

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