For remote access to industrial networks, 5G provides the bandwidth and reliability that are needed. 5G mobile networks open up new possibilities for commissioning, remote maintenance and data transmission, even in remote regions. The right network connection and well planned access management are crucial for successful use in practice.
Siemens Digital Industries offers a complete solution for industrial remote access via the public 5G network. As a leader in automation and digitalization, the company supports industrial customers throughout their digital transformation and delivers end-to-end solutions based on future-oriented technologies.
The challenge: secure remote maintenance for machines and systems at distant sites
Secure remote access is essential for remote maintenance, particularly in mechanical engineering. The machines operate at remote locations and are used by different customers. Secure remote access is therefore necessary to retrieve diagnostic data or to carry out remote maintenance.
Potential and limitations of public 5G networks
Remote access takes place over long distances, today increasingly via public 5G networks. The advantage of 5G is that the standard provides higher data rates and greater reliability. It supports industrial use cases such as remote maintenance including video streaming from the outset and opens up new possibilities for technicians. Remote access via 5G mobile networks also makes it possible to install larger software updates or to send and receive large volumes of data.
The challenges are exacerbated by the growing need for communication in industry. More and more industrial applications require quick reactions and continuous data transmission. Downtime caused by faulty communication or delayed intervention can result in significant economic damage. A modern communication system must therefore provide high data rates and operate reliably at all times, regardless of the machine’s location.
Industrial application profiles
Public 5G networks provide a decisive step forward for remote access to company machinery. The 5G standard offers three different technical profiles that are tailored to various scenarios in industrial applications.
- Enhanced Mobile Broadband eMBB provides high data rates, mainly for video streaming.
- Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) connects a very large number of sensors.
- Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) is designed for maximum reliability and minimal latency, which leads to a stable connection, especially at the edges of radio cells.
5G networks are widely available and network coverage in Europe exceeds ninety percent in many countries. Since telecom providers continue to expand their public networks, more and more operators report high figures. Telefónica aims to achieve more than 97 percent coverage by early 2025 and promises to reach almost 100 percent soon.
The challenges at a glance
Secure remote access to machines at remote locations
Complex security and access management required
Need for integration into existing IT structures for different end customers
High demands on data rates, e.g., for remote firmware updates
The solution: 5G based remote maintenance via public networks
For straightforward remote access to internal systems, the technical infrastructure must be expanded with suitable network components and management systems. Siemens relies on a holistic concept that includes both hardware and software and consists of the following elements:
- The industrial 5G router SCALANCE MUM856-1 is compatible with all public 5G networks.
- The management platform SINEMA Remote Connect manages VPN connections between headquarters, mobile service technicians and the machines installed at remote sites.
- A rendezvous server acts as the central point through which all parties connect. It can be operated locally in the company’s own data center or in the cloud.
- A role concept controls which users can access which machines or system components.
- A central user management system coordinates access rights. It can be optionally integrated into Active Directory, so that roles and access rights of the IT staff are adopted directly.
Advantages through integration and automation
Together with 5G technology, this Siemens solution creates a remote maintenance system that meets high security requirements while remaining easy to use. Configuration and maintenance can be integrated efficiently into existing IT environments, which enables rapid commissioning and reduces operational effort.
Companies benefit from a proven infrastructure and from the capabilities of 5G technology. Compatibility with existing industrial security concepts is another clear advantage. For companies that operate internationally or run distributed production sites, this solution enables consistent access concepts across different regions. At the same time, the system ensures through VPN encryption and user rights management that only authorized personnel gain access.
With 5G based remote maintenance, machines in remote regions can be reached securely and with high performance via mobile networks. On site service calls are reduced, which saves costs and conserves resources. The high bandwidth also allows for the rapid transmission of process data or video images.
The result: 5G remote maintenance as a strategic solution
5G delivers more than higher speed through greater bandwidth. Overall, remote access via the public 5G network opens up new perspectives for industrial applications. Integration into existing workflows and security concepts is crucial for success. This is how 5G can unfold its full potential in industry. Investing in such solutions is a strategic step toward a resilient and sustainable industrial infrastructure.
Summary of results
- Reliable remote connections via public 5G
- Consistent access concept for international sites
- Fewer on site service calls and lower operating costs
- Secure and scalable solution with simple handling
