Antenna Planning for UK Private 5G Networks

Private 5G networks are moving from trials into production on UK ports, factories, logistics sites and campuses. The radio planning gets most of the attention, but the antennas on devices, gateways and fixed terminals decide whether the network delivers what the design promised.

Which spectrum UK private networks use

Most UK private networks run under Ofcom's Shared Access licences. The bands available include 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz, 3.8 to 4.2 GHz and 26 GHz for indoor use. The 3.8 to 4.2 GHz band is the most common choice for private 5G because it offers wide channels and is set aside from the public operators' spectrum. Some sites also use a local access licence to reuse an operator's spectrum where it is not deployed.

Check the upper band edge

This is the most common specification mistake. Many 5G antennas are designed around the public operator band n78, which in the UK sits at 3.4 to 3.8 GHz. An antenna rated to 3800 MHz will work poorly, or not at all, on a private network at 3.9 or 4.1 GHz. Confirm the datasheet covers the actual licence frequency before ordering.

Antennas in the Renair range that cover 3300 to 5000 MHz include the 2J6B86BGFf 9-in-1 roof antenna, the 2J7183Ba heavy-duty screw mount and the 2J3683M magnetic whip. These suit vehicles, gateways and fixed terminals on private network sites.

MIMO matters more on private networks

Private 5G is often justified by throughput or latency, for example video analytics or remote-controlled equipment. Most 5G devices use two or four receive paths, and they only reach their rated throughput with a matching number of well-separated antenna elements. Fitting a single-port antenna to a 4x4 modem throws away much of the capacity the network was built for. Browse the MIMO antenna range for multi-port options.

Planning device antennas on site

• Vehicles and mobile plant: roof-mount multi-element antennas with 5G, Wi-Fi and GNSS in one housing reduce drilling and cable runs.
• Fixed gateways and CCTV: external wall or pole antennas clear of metal racking and stock that changes height through the day.
• Enclosures: metal cabinets block signal, so mount antennas outside and keep cable runs short.

Fallback to public networks

Many sites want devices to fall back to a public operator when they leave the private coverage area. That means the antenna must cover both the public bands from 617 MHz upwards and the private band. Wideband designs covering 617 to 5000 MHz handle both without a second antenna.

Frequently asked questions

What frequency do most UK private 5G networks use?

Most use the 3.8 to 4.2 GHz band under an Ofcom Shared Access licence. Some use 1800 MHz or 2300 MHz shared access, or a local access licence in operator spectrum.

Will a standard 5G antenna work on a private network?

Only if it covers the licensed frequency. Many 5G antennas stop at 3.8 GHz, which is below most private network allocations. Always check the datasheet.

How many antenna ports does a private 5G device need?

Most 5G modules use two or four. Connect every port to a suitable antenna element to reach the throughput the network was designed for.

For a wider view of UK spectrum, see our UK 5G frequency bands guide. To discuss antennas for a private network project, contact sales@renair.co.uk.