The VXLAN transmission technology enables the Profinet IO protocol to be used for communication via a private 5G network. This enables real-time communication and the use of a central controller for several mobile participants.

© Siemens

Siemens is presenting real-time communication via 5G with Profinet at the trade fair. This is made possible by the transmission technology VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) in the Scalance 5G routers and security appliances from Siemens. VXLAN embeds the Profinet IO protocol, which is transmitted in Layer 2, in Layer 3 packets, allowing them to be transmitted across network boundaries. Since Layer 2 communication now takes place via 5G, a central controller can communicate with decentralized peripheral modules on mobile participants such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) via Profinet in a private 5G network and no local controllers need to be used on the individual AGVs. This saves costs and reduces maintenance effort. Visitors to the Hannover Messe can see this innovation at the stand of the "5G-ACIA" organization in Hall 9.

Industrial 5G at the Hannover Messe

Siemens will also be demonstrating the connection of automated guided vehicles via 5G in a prototype of a private industrial standalone 5G network at its stand in Hall 9. Mobile participants in production plants, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in intralogistics and mobile robots, increase flexibility in production and require reliable wireless communication for smooth and safe operation.
With the Scalance MUM853-1, Siemens is exhibiting its industrial 5G router for the control cabinet at the trade fair. The device connects local industrial applications with public 5G and 4G (LTE) mobile networks. With the router, systems, machines, control elements and other industrial devices can be monitored and maintained remotely via a public mobile network flexibly and at high data rates. The device can also be integrated into private 5G networks. The router thus enables applications such as mobile robots in manufacturing or autonomous vehicles in logistics.

First tests in the private 5G test field at the trade fair

Deutsche Messe and Siemens are giving all companies access to industrial 5G technology in the "5G Smart Venue" in Hanover. Companies can test their applications in a prototype of a private industrial 5G standalone test network based on Release 15. This is an industrial 5G network that uses the spectrum for campus networks available in Germany (3.7 - 3.8 GHz band). The first companies are already testing the network; industrial ICT company HMS Networks, for example, has integrated sensors into the infrastructure via a controller and a 5G router. "Integrating our devices into the Siemens network was very easy," says Dr. Jens Jakobsen, Head of Development at HMS Labs. Frank Hakemeyer, Director Communication Interfaces at Phoenix Contact, adds: "Within Siemens' private 5G network, we will be demonstrating at the Hannover Messe how our industrial 5G router can now also be used to transmit safety-relevant signals via mobile radio. Commissioning our 5G router within the Siemens network was particularly easy."
Siemens is developing its own 5G ecosystem, which consists of a 5G infrastructure for private 5G networks and end devices. The 5G infrastructure is still under development and should be available in 2023.