With the Scalance MUM856-1, the first industrial 5G router from Siemens is now available. The router enables systems, machines, control elements and other industrial devices to be monitored and maintained remotely via a public 5G network flexibly and at high data rates. There is a growing need for this in industry. The device can also be integrated into private 5G networks. The router therefore enables applications such as mobile robots in production, autonomous vehicles in logistics or augmented reality applications for service technicians. Thanks to its robust design in an IP65 housing, the router can also be used outside the control cabinet, for example in harsh conditions in production or in outdoor facilities in the water management sector.

Multiple safety functions

The router supports Release 15 of the 5G standard for connecting Ethernet-based subnets and automation devices. The device enables high downlink transmission rates of up to 1000 Mbit/s and up to 500 Mbit/s in the uplink - and therefore a very high bandwidth for data-intensive applications such as remote firmware updates. Thanks to IPv6 support, the devices can also be connected to modern communication networks. Various security functions help to control data traffic and protect against unauthorized access: These include an integrated firewall as well as authentication of communication participants and encryption of data transmission using VPN. If no 5G network is available, the device automatically switches to 4G or 3G networks. The first release version of the router has EU radio approval; further versions with different approvals are in preparation.

Deployment of prototypes for private 5G networks

In addition to connecting to public networks, the RouterScalance also supports integration into private local 5G campus networks. Siemens is testing this use case in its own automotive showroom and test center in a prototype of a standalone 5G test network based on Siemens components. The 5 infrastructure used there consists of a 5G core, a distributed unit and several radio units. Siemens has set up another prototype of a private 5G infrastructure at its plant in Amberg; the plant in Karlsruhe is also being equipped. Here too, Siemens is relying exclusively on products and solutions developed in-house. In addition, Siemens is currently building a private network technology for a 5G campus network in one of the exhibition halls of Deutsche Messe AG in Hanover with a focus on use in industry. The private 5G network will be available for use from the beginning of September.