Private Mobile Networks (PMN) are dedicated, autonomous cellular networks designed for specific organizational use, distinct from public mobile networks.
A Private Mobile Network offers organizations like businesses, universities, or government facilities their own cellular network with enhanced control over security, capacity, and customization. A Private Mobile Network is ideal for applications demanding high-speed, low-latency connectivity, particularly beneficial in industrial and enterprise environments. It supports the deployment of technologies like IoT, automation, and AI more efficiently than public networks. Private Mobile Networks are typically based on 5G, LTE, or WiFi, depending on network size and use-cases.
RAN Planning Challenges in Private Mobile Networks (PMN)
- Network Coverage and Capacity: Ensuring uniform coverage and adequate capacity is complex. The network design must consider various factors, including the physical layout of the site, the density of users, and data throughput requirements. Combining outdoor and indoor coverage and capacity integration is key for designing Private Mobile Networks.
- Interference Management: Managing interference is crucial, especially in areas with multiple wireless networks. This includes not only external interference but also potential internal network interference.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Creating a network architecture that can scale with the organization’s growth and adapt to evolving technological and business needs is essential. This requires a design that is both scalable and flexible to future changes.
Planning Private Mobile Networks with Atoll and Atoll One
Forsk provides Private Mobile Network operators and engineering companies with a complete planning and engineering solution, from small campus wireless networks to nationwide private mobile networks.
Atoll has long been the trusted choice for planning large-scale and nationwide Private Mobile Networks across key verticals like railways, utilities, and more.
Atoll One is Forsk’s all-in-one solution built specifically for designing and optimising small to medium outdoor and indoor Private Mobile Networks. Tailored for private network operators and integrators, Atoll One delivers the full power and precision of Atoll in a streamlined, intuitive package. With Atoll One, you can design, plan, and deploy your private networks with confidence — all within a single, easy-to-install, easy-to-learn, and easy-to-use solution
Using Atoll One to design a private mobile network for...
... a factory
In this use case, a car manufacturing facility operates its own private 4G LTE network to support a wide range of industrial applications, including automated production lines, connected tools, quality control systems, and staff communications. A reliable and high-performance wireless network is required to ensure smooth, uninterrupted operations across the factory floor and in adjacent buildings.
Atoll One enhances the network planning process by allowing users to import detailed architectural data from AutoCAD DWG or BIM IFC files. This enables accurate modelling of the factory’s physical environment, including walls, floors, ceilings, pillars, and other structural elements. Each component can be assigned specific materials and electromagnetic properties, which are used to simulate radio wave propagation with a high degree of realism. This detailed in-building modelling helps engineers identify potential coverage gaps, interference zones, or areas of poor signal penetration, and optimally place indoor antennas or small cells to ensure full coverage across the production site.
... an airport
In this scenario, an airport operates a private LTE network to ensure seamless communication between ground staff, maintenance crews, and aircraft systems while planes are on the tarmac. Reliable connectivity is critical for real-time data exchange, logistics coordination, and ground operations efficiency.
While an outdoor LTE network has been deployed near the runways and taxiways to support apron and airside coverage, it does not provide adequate signal penetration into the terminal buildings, hangars, and other indoor facilities. To address this, an in-building Distributed Antenna System (DAS) has been installed within the airport infrastructure.
Atoll One enables a hybrid modelling approach that combines both outdoor and indoor environments into a unified simulation. This allows to consider the full complexity of the airport layout, including the materials and structures of each building, when predicting signal propagation. As a result, planners can accurately assess indoor and outdoor coverage, optimise antenna placement, and ensure consistent network performance throughout the entire airport complex.
... a mine
This use case is one of the most complex deployment scenarios: a large mining site that includes a mix of outdoor terrain, in-building infrastructure, underground tunnels, and remote locations requiring backhaul connectivity. Initially, an outdoor LTE network provided strong coverage across the open site. However, as mining progressed and a deep mine pit was excavated, coverage challenges emerged due to signal blockage and terrain variation.
To maintain consistent connectivity, multiple small base stations were deployed inside the pit, ensuring localised coverage. Additionally, a network of radiating cables and active DAS was installed within the underground tunnels to support staff safety systems, autonomous vehicles, and operational monitoring.
Because of the site's hilly topography and the remote location of many installations, microwave links were used to connect base stations to the central base camp. Atoll One’s advanced modelling capabilities allow for the accurate simulation of signal propagation in these complex environments, including variable terrain, subterranean passages, and multi-hop microwave backhaul links. This holistic view ensures that the entire network—from open sky to underground—operates efficiently and reliably under all conditions.
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