SILTATEL

Private mobile networks — specifications

Private 4G/5G networks for mines, ports and plants. With Virtuosim devices also use public networks under your policies.

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STL-PN-01 · 3GPP · LTE · 5G

Private LTE/5G networks

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.

SITE · MINE · PORT · PLANT DEVICES SIM · eSIM RAN eNB · gNB LOCAL CORE EPC · 5GC APPS · OT site systems OPERATIONS monitoring · care PUBLIC MNO · MVNO radio local data interconnect roaming
FIG. 1 — A private network on a site and its link to public networks

Notes

  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

BodyDocumentTitle
3GPPTS 22.261Service requirements for the 5G system
3GPPTS 23.501System architecture for the 5G System (5GS)
3GPPTS 23.401GPRS enhancements for E-UTRAN access (EPC)

STL-PN-02 · 3GPP TS 23.501 · NPN

Deployment models

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.

STANDALONE (SNPN) RADIO on site · own spectrum CORE local · on site SUBSCRIBERS own SIMs · own IDs PUBLIC NETWORKS via interconnect PUBLIC NETWORK INTEGRATED RADIO on site or MNO CORE MNO · slice / DNN SUBSCRIBERS MNO SIMs PUBLIC NETWORKS native
FIG. 2 — Standalone and public network integrated models

Notes

  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.

STL-PN-03 · Virtuosim · use case

Private and public networks on one SIM

Virtuosim manages connectivity of private network devices with the ability to connect to any public network using flexible policies.

SILTATEL PLATFORM Virtuosim CONNECTIVITY manager END USERS & devices eSIM SUBSCRIPTIONS any MNO / MVNO PRIVATE LTE / 5G PUBLIC MNO network A MNO network B MVNO network C open list 2 POLICIES 3 MANAGE 4 CONNECT 1 ORDER
FIG. 3 — Virtuosim: from ordering subscriptions to connectivity

Notes

  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.

STL-PN-04 · Virtuosim · policies

Profile switching, fallback and rollback

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.

VIRTUOSIM policies · profiles OTA SIM · APPLET PRIVATE MNO A MNO B MVNO C country place time priority roaming on/off SELECT by policy FALLBACK next allowed network ROLLBACK last working profile no service switch fails
FIG. 4 — Policy, fallback and rollback

Notes

  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

BodyDocumentTitle
ETSITS 102 223Smart Cards; Card Application Toolkit (CAT)
GlobalPlatformCard SpecificationGlobalPlatform Card Specification (remote management)

STL-PN-05 · Questions · glossary

Private networks in questions and answers

Questions

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.

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.

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.

Which operators can be used?

Operators we have contracts with, and new ones added on request — the list is open.

Can we use profiles issued by our own network?

Yes. Profiles can be issued by SILTATEL or by the private network owner.

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.