Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s data head asserts that viewing networks as complementary, as opposed to distinct, will be essential for promoting digital transformation.
Combining private 5G and Wi-Fi 6 networks, according to Florian Doerr, chief of data practice at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), will be the catalyst for industry 4.0 transformation.
At this year’s Hannover Messe, Doerr spoke about how the combination and integration of these networks will be the key to pervasive and effective digitization across industries.
“Is there a simple answer to which network industrial customers should use?. The answer is no, every use case requires different technology and different networks behind it. So it really makes the most sense to combine and adapt it depending on the use case.”
Florian Doerr, chief of data practice at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
“The main challenges in the area of private connectivity are the OT/IT divide, the need for improved productivity and safety, and the rise of AI making connections more latency sensitive.”
Florian Doerr, chief of data practice at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
To meet these challenges, according to Doerr, deployed networks will need to become more flexible and adapt as the industry adopts Industry 4.0 technologies.
In one client example, HPE deployed its mobile robot, Networking On Wheels (NOW), to facilities experiencing maintenance or connectivity issues. Equipped with 5G antennas, NOW delivers high-speed connectivity on a case-by-case basis, capable of moving from plant to plant to guarantee consistent, optimal performance.
“5G compliments WiFi,” said Doerr. “Wi-Fi 6 is mature, easy to set up, cost-effective, and IT departments are very comfortable working with it. But private 5G is more flexible, it allows for wider coverage and high-mobility use cases. At the end of the day, businesses will have to see a combination of the two to see the full benefits of Industry 4.0.”
Source: IoT World Today
