# Private mobile networks — specifications > Technical specifications: Private LTE/5G networks; Deployment models; Private and public networks on one SIM; Profile switching, fallback and rollback… Source: https://www.siltatel.net/private/specs/ · Service page: https://www.siltatel.net/private/ Private 4G/5G networks for mines, ports and plants. With **Virtuosim** devices also use public networks under your policies. - Design, spectrum options, local core - Own SIM and eSIM issuing - Private ↔ public switching, fallback, rollback - Operation and support ### Private LTE/5G networks *3GPP · LTE · 5G* A private network is a 4G or 5G network built for one organisation on its own site: its own radio, core and SIMs. Capacity, coverage and access are controlled by the owner, not shared with the public. Figure: FIG. 1 — A private network on a site and its link to public networks. Private LTE/5G network on a site: devices with SIM or eSIM, radio access (eNB, gNB), a local core (EPC, 5GC), site applications and operations, interconnected with public networks 1. Network design: coverage and capacity plan for the site, indoor and outdoor. 2. Spectrum options: a local licence from the national regulator or spectrum from a mobile operator. 3. Local core (EPC for LTE, 5GC for 5G) keeps site data on the site and connects to site applications and OT systems. 4. Own SIM and eSIM issuing for users and devices; policy, QoS and security management. 5. Integration with public networks, operation and support. Standards and references: - 3GPP TS 22.261 — Service requirements for the 5G system (https://www.3gpp.org/DynaReport/22261.htm) - 3GPP TS 23.501 — System architecture for the 5G System (5GS) (https://www.3gpp.org/DynaReport/23501.htm) - 3GPP TS 23.401 — GPRS enhancements for E-UTRAN access (EPC) (https://www.3gpp.org/DynaReport/23401.htm) ### Deployment models *3GPP TS 23.501 · NPN* 3GPP calls private networks non-public networks (NPN). A standalone NPN runs its own core and subscriptions; a public network integrated NPN uses an operator's core, slice or DNN. Figure: FIG. 2 — Standalone and public network integrated models. Two deployment models for non-public networks in 3GPP TS 23.501: standalone (SNPN) with own radio, core and subscriptions, and public network integrated (PNI-NPN) using an operator's core, slice or DNN 1. Standalone (SNPN): full control and data on site; public networks are reached through interconnect or roaming. 2. Public network integrated (PNI-NPN): faster start on an operator's network; the operator holds the core and subscriptions. 3. The model is chosen per site — by coverage, data residency, spectrum and how often devices leave the site. ### Private and public networks on one SIM *Virtuosim · use case* Virtuosim manages connectivity of private network devices with the ability to connect to any public network using flexible policies. Figure: FIG. 3 — Virtuosim: from ordering subscriptions to connectivity. Virtuosim use case: 1 eSIM subscriptions are ordered from any MNO or MVNO, 2 the connectivity manager sets policies in the SILTATEL platform, 3 the platform manages subscriptions on devices, 4 devices connect to the private LTE/5G network or to public networks 1. Ordering: eSIM connectivity is ordered from any MNO or MVNO — operators under contract, and new ones on request. 2. Policies: the connectivity manager arranges connectivity by network coverage, pricing and other policies in the SILTATEL platform. 3. Management: the platform manages connectivity subscriptions of end users and devices — machines, vehicles, cameras, radios. 4. Connectivity: devices use the private LTE/5G network on site and public networks outside it. 5. Profiles can be issued by SILTATEL or by the private network owner. ### Profile switching, fallback and rollback *Virtuosim · policies* Virtuosim is the platform for switching SIM profiles and the logic that controls them. An applet on the SIM selects the profile; the platform sets the rules. Figure: FIG. 4 — Policy, fallback and rollback. Virtuosim policies are delivered over the air to an applet on the SIM, which holds profiles for the private network and public networks and selects one by country, place, time, priority and roaming permission, with fallback to the next allowed network and rollback to the last working profile 1. Rules: country, location, time, network priority, roaming allowed or forbidden. 2. Fallback: when the selected network gives no service, the applet moves to the next allowed network. 3. Rollback: when a switch does not succeed, the SIM returns to the last working profile. 4. Cost control: usage and cost across all networks in one view (option). Standards and references: - ETSI TS 102 223 — Smart Cards; Card Application Toolkit (CAT) - GlobalPlatform Card Specification — GlobalPlatform Card Specification (remote management) ### Private networks in questions and answers *Questions · glossary* **Q: What is a private LTE/5G network?** A mobile network built for one organisation's site, with its own radio, core and SIMs, so capacity and access are under the owner's control. **Q: Why connect private network devices to public networks?** Devices leave the site — vehicles, staff, equipment in transit — and public networks keep them connected outside private coverage. **Q: Who decides which network a device uses?** The rules are set in the Virtuosim platform; the applet on the SIM applies them and selects the profile. **Q: Which operators can be used?** Operators we have contracts with, and new ones added on request — the list is open. **Q: Can we use profiles issued by our own network?** Yes. Profiles can be issued by SILTATEL or by the private network owner. **Q: Is it used in mining?** Yes, mining is a target industry: excavators, haul trucks, cameras and radios work on the site's private network and switch to public networks outside it. Glossary: - **NPN** — Non-public network: 3GPP term for a private network. - **SNPN** — Standalone non-public network. - **PNI-NPN** — Public network integrated non-public network. - **MNO / MVNO** — Mobile network operator / mobile virtual network operator. - **Profile** — Set of subscriber identity and network settings on a SIM. - **Fallback** — Moving to the next allowed network when the current one gives no service. - **Rollback** — Returning to the last working profile after an unsuccessful switch.