Manufacturers will be able to cover greater industrial regions with improved connectivity capabilities thanks to a major improvement to Siemens’ industrial-grade private 5G infrastructure solution. Up to 24 radio units can now be supported by the enlarged solution, and each unit can cover roughly 5,000 m².
The updated private 5G infrastructure is now available in multiple countries including Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, and Brazil, and there are plans to expand to additional countries throughout 2025. When the initial version of Siemens’ private 5G infrastructure was launched in 2023, it was exclusively available in Germany. To complement the infrastructure expansion, Siemens is also introducing the new compact Scalance MUB852-1, an entry-level 5G router for cabinet use with IP20 protection class, part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. The router matches the Siemens Simatic ET200 I/O footprint and integrates seamlessly into Siemens’ Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) landscape.
“Our enhanced private 5G infrastructure solution represents another milestone in connected production,” said Axel Lorenz, CEO of Process Automation at Siemens.
“By enabling coverage of larger industrial areas while maintaining the same reliable connectivity, we’re meeting the growing demands of modern manufacturing environments.”
The enhanced solution comes at a crucial time, when reliable wireless connectivity in factory environments is facing increasing challenges. The traditional unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum often becomes overloaded in crowded settings, leading to communication outages and potential production shutdowns. Siemens’ private 5G infrastructure directly addresses these challenges by providing a dedicated, network solution for mission-critical applications. Private 5G networks also create the flexible communication infrastructure needed to easily integrate smart sensors and edge devices, enabling data-driven decisions on the shop floor through artificial intelligence applications.
User-friendly design meets industrial requirements
Building on these capabilities, Siemens has developed this solution specifically for industrial use cases and requirements. The system features an innovative, userfriendly approach with a straightforward configuration process that only requires about 20 variables in a single comprehensive Web user interface. A clearly arranged dashboard offers a comprehensive overview of the network status making it accessible even for non-IT users. While many industry solutions require specialized expertise, Siemens’ approach prioritizes user-friendly operation and simple implementation to support mission- and business-critical applications.
This private 5G infrastructure will be extremely valuable across a variety of industrial sectors, including manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, intralogistics, heavy industries, and mining. The system allows companies to operate their networks independently without relying on third-party providers, which ensures enhanced cybersecurity and data privacy thanks to on-site installation. Users can flexibly modify their networks to meet changing demands and perform fast troubleshooting when necessary.
“The industrial world is moving away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to wireless connectivity. With our private industrial 5G infrastructure, we’re giving manufacturers the tools to design their digital backbone exactly the way they need to, whether they’re running a single production line or an entire smart factory complex,” Lorenz said.
