March 3th, 2025. Espoo, Finland.
Bridging the IT-OT Divide
Modern factories have long operated with two distinct communication networks:
- Information Technology (IT) networks for office automation, which have evolved into wireless, cloud-based, and virtualized systems, significantly reducing costs and increasing flexibility.
- Operational Technology (OT) networks for machine automation, which have remained largely unchanged—still relying on physical Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and 100 Mbps Ethernet, using protocols like Profinet, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP.
The Inevitable Shift: Virtualized OT Networks and 10 Gbps Ethernet
The virtualization of OT networks is no longer a question of if but when. Transitioning to 10 Gbps Ethernet will bring:
- Lower costs through flexible, software-defined architectures
- Easier deployment and management via virtual PLCs (vPLCs)
- Scalability to support increasing automation and AI-driven applications
Why Wireless is the Missing Link for OT Networks
A major limitation of current OT networks is the lack of reliable wireless connectivity. While IT networks have long relied on Wi-Fi, industrial automation demands higher reliability, lower latency, and strict determinism – requirements that Wi-Fi struggles to meet.
This is where 5G private networks come into play. When optimized for OT use cases, 5G can provide:
- Deterministic latency for real-time control
- Ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC)
- Seamless integration with Ethernet-based automation systems
However, standard 5G networks need enhancements to fully meet OT requirements. To avoid time-consuming and costly integration of cellular technology with OT networks, Ethernet PDU, TSN, and seamless roaming (SEPP) must be in place from the outset.
Telenor’s Cutting-Edge Testing Facility: A Game-Changer for Industrial 5G
Telenor is taking a bold step by launching a state-of-the-art private mobile network (PMN) testing facility on top of the existing advanced 5G network. PMN is part of the advanced 5G capabilities.
“As public mobile networks continue to mature in serving consumers, Telenor is launching the Private Mobile Network testing facility, Gothenburg Spoke, to address the unique needs of industrial verticals. These sectors require a dedicated investment cycle to enable key capabilities such as local breakout, autonomy, ultra-low latency, network slicing, and advanced network APIs—all aligned with the latest 3GPP advancements.”
— Malina Borg Sigg, Telenor
Gothenburg testing facility support many new features including;
- eSIM, RedCAP, Ethernet PDU, and network slicing
- A roadmap for Location Management Function (LMF) integration and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)
- Showcased use cases: predictive maintenance and digital twins
But that’s not all—companies can bring their own applications to test in a real-world private mobile network environment. The idea is to allow customers to validate their applications in a cutting-edge private mobile network before deploying them in production.
The network, built on best-in-class technologies from Red Hat, Nokia, Intel, HPE, and Nagarro, ensures an enterprise-ready, scalable, and flexible deployment model. The network architecture is designed so that applications tested at the Telenor facility can be easily replicated at customer sites. The 5G SA core functions run in a centralized location with local data breakout, ensuring easy maintenance, maximum flexibility, and scalability.
Cumucore’s Role in Enabling Next-Gen OT Networks
At Cumucore, we have developed key enablers to bring reliable wireless communication into OT environments. Our expertise in Ethernet PDU and TSN integration positions us as a leader in delivering private 5G networks tailored for industrial automation.
As the industry moves toward virtualized, high-speed, and wireless OT networks, Cumucore is committed to driving this transformation—providing solutions that enable seamless, scalable, and cost-effective deployments for manufacturers worldwide.
The future of OT networking is unfolding now. Are you ready to be part of it?
Reference: Telenor press release, March 3, 2025: Telenor and Partners Unveil Cutting-Edge 5G Solutions Lab in Gothenburg.
