In a transformative move for industrial communication networks, Verizon Business has announced the rollout of its inaugural neutral host private 5G network. This significant development is taking place at the Cummins Inc. Jamestown engine plant located in Lakewood, New York. The global power leader, Cummins, has partnered with Verizon, positioning the latter as the technical forerunner. This initiative is utilizing Ericsson’s cutting-edge equipment as the sole provider for the network infrastructure.
The decision emerges as a response to Cummins’ requirement for uniform network coverage that can support various carriers and alleviate communication obstacles within its vast industrial domain. Spanning a combined two million square feet, both indoors and outdoors, the facility employs over 1,500 workers and presents significant challenges for consistent connectivity and robust manufacturing workflows.
Enhancing Industrial Connectivity
Verizon’s neutral host network is designed to be a game-changer for the Jamestown engine plant, promising a leap in connectivity reliability for critical applications. Such an improvement is not just a luxury but a necessity for the plant’s manufacturing operations, particularly for its sophisticated robot fleet. Dependable network coverage is vital for maintaining continuous robot operations, preventing data transmission outages that can lead to costly disruptions.
By augmenting the existing Wi-Fi system, which suffers from coverage gaps, this venture is set to significantly fortify the connectivity backbone of the plant. The focus is not solely on the robot fleet but encompasses the need for enhanced communication tools for the workforce, including better accessibility for emergency calls and real-time data exchanges, which are pivotal for both safety and efficiency in such a large and complex industrial environment.
A Step Toward Digital Transformation
The collaboration between Verizon and Cummins is emblematic of the burgeoning trend wherein enterprise IoT necessities are melding with the workforce’s connectivity demands. This juncture of private and public network needs signifies an acknowledgment that innovative networking solutions such as 5G are fundamental to sustaining and improving high-performance robotic operations in manufacturing.
Verizon’s commitment extends beyond the simple provision of new technology; it includes the engineering, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of the network at Cummins’ expansive facility. However, as Verizon officials have noted, the success of integrating additional operators into this neutral host network will depend on various factors yet to be determined. Nevertheless, the move figures prominently in the ongoing industry narrative: advancing network innovation and operator partnerships are key to amplifying industrial output and bolstering infrastructure reliability.
