Ericsson is offering firms dedicated network 5G stand-alone (SA) trial kits to provide a smooth transition to 5G for industrial users. The kits include hardware and software to support a network to enable enterprises to test first-hand how 5G can enhance their productivity, efficiency, safety, and security.

The kits will be available to enterprises through communications service providers on selected low and mid-band spectrum. Enterprises will also have access to business development and technical support to help unlock the full value of 5G dedicated networks.

In Germany, Ericsson and Deutsche Telekom are collaborating to support industry customers with the trial kits. Deutsche Telekom and Ericsson recently switched on a 5G SA dedicated network with Ericsson Industry Connect at the Centre Connected Industry (CCI) at Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen Campus.

Antje Williams, SVP 5G Campus Networks, Deutsche Telekom, said: “Our industrial customers demand secure, reliable, high-performance network solutions and applications tailored to their specific needs. In partnership with Ericsson, we can bring the benefits of 5G stand-alone architecture to enterprises to accelerate their production automation journey.”

With the evolution to 5G, the networks will support applications that require even more bandwidth and lower latency. The portfolio consists of two offerings; Ericsson Industry Connect, a pre-packaged product, and Ericsson Private Networks, a modular solution.

Industry will benefit from 5G for data-heavy use cases using new augmented reality (AR) and HD video-based applications. Potential benefits include remote inspection, training, monitoring, and surveillance as well as use cases that require low latency (fast reaction time) such as remote control of machinery and collision avoidance.

Thomas Norén, Head of Dedicated Networks at Ericsson, said: “By taking full advantage of the 5G SA dedicated networks trial kits, industrial customers can gain competitive advantage by accelerating their move to 5G. As they develop and test industrial applications, they can build optimised and innovative smart factories, warehouses, mines, ports, and more.”