5G and 6G radio access networks
Standalone non-public networks (SNPN)
Fully separate private 5G networks with their own identifiers, core and subscriptions.
We design, integrate, deploy, operate and maintain.
3GPP TS 23.501 clause 5.30.2
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Connectivity/
Private 5GStandalone NPN: your core, your SIMs, your site.
Private 5G, inside Connectivity: standalone non-public networks (SNPN), public network integrated NPN (PNI-NPN), neutral host networks, RAN sharing (MORAN and MOCN) and more. Every item is traced to its specification, from 3GPP TS 23.501 clause 5.30.2 to 3GPP TS 23.501 clause 5.30.3, and runs on the open Observatory Protocol.
Plan with usArchitectureThe protocol- Technologies
- 9
- At the frontier
- 0
- Protocol functions
- 3 of 8
- Industries served
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Reference design, drawn to scale · drag to turn · hover a part
01What it is
Private networks and RAN sharing.
The radio access network from site to spectrum: macro, small cells, DAS and repeaters, massive MIMO, NR bands and TDD synchronisation, NR features such as RedCap, positioning and sidelink, private and shared networks, Wi-Fi coexistence, 6G and ISAC, and the planning and assurance that keep it working. The networks behind the radio: the 5G core and its functions, slicing and edge breakout, IMS voice and emergency calling, fronthaul, midhaul and backhaul over microwave, E-band, fibre, free-space optics and satellite, IP/MPLS and segment routing, IPv6, automation and intent, and the security that holds it together. Each technology below carries what it is, what we do with it, and the standard it is drawn against.
5G and 6G radio access networks
Public network integrated NPN (PNI-NPN)
Private networks delivered as slices or DNNs of a public network, with closed access groups.
We design, integrate and operate.
3GPP TS 23.501 clause 5.30.3
5G and 6G radio access networks
Neutral host networks
One shared network that serves several operators’ subscribers in buildings, campuses or rural corridors.
We design, integrate, deploy and operate.
3GPP TS 23.251 (network sharing) · 3GPP TS 23.501 (SNPN with credentials from a separate entity)
5G and 6G radio access networks
RAN sharing (MORAN and MOCN)
Operators sharing radios and sometimes spectrum to cut cost in low-density areas.
We design, integrate and operate.
3GPP TS 23.251 · 3GPP TS 32.130 (network sharing management)
5G and 6G radio access networks
Industrial 5G LAN and TSN integration
Layer-2 group services and time-sensitive networking bridging for operational technology.
We design, integrate and deploy.
3GPP TS 23.501 clauses 5.27 and 5.29 · 3GPP TS 22.104
5G and 6G radio access networks
Shared and local spectrum for private networks
CBRS-type tiered access and local licences that let enterprises and communities run their own networks.
We design, deploy and support.
FCC 47 CFR Part 96 (CBRS) · ISED non-competitive local licensing framework (3900–3980 MHz)
5G and 6G radio access networks
Private network onboarding and identity
Provisioning credentials onto devices and integrating enterprise identity with 5G authentication.
We design, integrate and operate.
3GPP TS 23.501 (UE onboarding, Rel-17) · 3GPP TS 33.501 (5G security)
Core and transport networks
Access and mobility management (AMF)
Registration, connection and mobility handling for every device attached to the network.
We design, integrate, deploy and operate.
3GPP TS 23.501 (5G system architecture) · 3GPP TS 29.518 (AMF services)
Core and transport networks
Session management (SMF)
PDU session set-up, IP allocation and user-plane selection.
We design, integrate, deploy and operate.
3GPP TS 23.502 (procedures) · 3GPP TS 29.502 (SMF services)
02Architecture
Where it sits, and what it speaks.
Private 5G draws on 7 domains and 55 layers of the spectrum; the highlighted layers carry this area. It speaks 3 of the protocol’s 8 core functions.
Macro, small cells, DAS and repeaters
9
Massive MIMO and beamforming
7
NR bands, duplexing and synchronisation
9
NR features: RedCap, positioning, sidelink and verticals
9
Private networks and RAN sharing
7
Wi-Fi coexistence and convergence
8
6G and integrated sensing and communication
7
RAN planning, optimisation and assurance
6
O-RAN architecture and open interfaces
7
Fronthaul (7.2x split) and transport
8
RAN intelligent controllers, xApps and rApps
8
SMO, O-Cloud and accelerated L1
8
AI-RAN: shared accelerated infrastructure
7
AI/ML in the air interface and network management
8
Energy saving and efficiency
6
Testing, integration and security
8
01JoinIdentity, attestation quote, signed policy.
02AdmitAdmitted for a stated scope, nothing wider.
03DescribeWhat, where, how and by whom, with calibration.
04TimeOne clock across the grid, with its error bound.
05ObserveEvery value with quality and provenance.
06QualifyTested against the specification, state on record.
07FederateSigned exchange across grids and trust domains.
08OrchestrateSoftware and configuration by signed plan.
03On the grid
Every site joins one observing grid.
The open networks on the grid today, over real relief and the geodesic cells we count them into. A site built here enrols into the same grid.
04In the field
Where this runs, sector by sector.
6 deployment scenarios from the sector research that rely on private 5g.
CitiesMunicipal low-power radio or private 5G layer
A city-wide connectivity layer as digital public infrastructure.Communities and ruralInterim public-safety broadband where no national network exists
Private LTE or 5G for fire and medical services in territories without a national public-safety network.IndustrialMine-wide private LTE or 5G with environmental sensing
Autonomy communications plus dust, blast vibration, slope and tailings monitoring.IndustrialUtility private LTE for the grid edge
Distribution automation, distributed-energy control and wildfire-risk weather on a dedicated band.Sports and eventsStadium neutral-host 5G with crowd and environment sensing
A private operations slice beside the carriers’ network, with heat, air and lightning sensing.EnergyUtility grid-edge private LTE
See industrial.05Open and enterprise
Open by default. Enterprise by contract.
The open counterpart lives on the main site for anyone to read and run. The enterprise service is designed, deployed and operated with you, under contract.
Open, on the main site
- Band tables and sources
- Country guides
- Coverage methods
Enterprise, on this site
- Private Wireless as a Service
- AI-RAN deployment
- Spectrum route support
06The rest of the line
Connectivity, area by area.
ConnectivityAI-RAN
RAN and inference on the same accelerators.ConnectivityO-RAN
Open fronthaul and RIC, many suppliers.ConnectivitySatellite and NTN
LEO, GEO and 3GPP direct-to-device.ConnectivityLPWAN and mesh
Battery sensors over kilometres.ConnectivityTiming
PTP to G.8275.1, GNSS with holdover.ConnectivitySpectrum
Bands, licences and routes, by country.Bring us the site.
Survey, design, deployment and operation for private 5g. The form names who receives your details.
Talk to uscontact@observatory.global