AVOIDING NETWORK CONFLICT
WHY REAL-TIME MONITORING IS CRUCIAL FOR SHARED 3GPP DEPLOYMENTS
Across the UK, organizations are increasingly turning to private 4G and 5G networks to power critical applications – from smart manufacturing and logistics to secure campus communications. Ofcom’s Shared Access License (SAL) framework has made this more accessible by designating several spectrum bands for local, shared use. These include not just the well-known 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band (often associated with n77/n78), but also parts of the 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz ranges.
However, what appears to be “available” on paper, in these shared bands, can be far more complex in practice.
Recent real-world monitoring conducted in central London, using thinkRF’s SXM platform, revealed that multiple public mobile network operators were transmitting in portions of these shared bands. While these transmissions were not violating any regulations, they were not clearly visible in public spectrum databases – raising questions about how private network planners can reliably determine which frequencies are truly clear for use.
This isn’t just a matter of paperwork or policy. The risk of interference between public and private networks becomes tangible when operating in close spectral proximity. A base station reconfiguration or an unlisted carrier can introduce unpredictable behavior in environments where uptime and performance are critical. And with public services often operating adjacent to shared blocks – particularly in the n77/n78 and 2300 MHz bands – the margin for error narrows considerably.
Static spectrum records, while necessary, are usually outdated and no longer sufficient.
That’s where thinkRF SXM comes in. As a real-time, cloud-enabled autonomous spectrum monitoring solution, SXM offers unmatched visibility into how spectrum is actually being used – moment by moment, cell by cell. It empowers organizations to make spectrum decisions based on evidence, not assumptions. Whether you’re deploying in a rural community or the heart of a busy urban hub, SXM ensures that your spectrum plan reflects on-the-ground realities, not just regulatory intentions.
In an era where spectrum is both shared and scarce, confidence in your deployment starts with clarity. With thinkRF SXM, you gain the insight needed to deploy private networks that are compliant, conflict-free, and future-ready.
Avoid Costly Interference: Reliably Find Clear Spectrum for Your Private Network with thinkRF SXM
Ensure reliable connectivity, enhance network security, and optimize resource allocation for tailored private networking needs in enterprise, industrial, and mission-critical applications.
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