The hidden risks of multivendor private wireless - Part 2: Exposing challenges of multivendor private wireless at a busy European port

We recently examined the considerations surrounding the deployment and management of a private wireless network, comparing a tailored multivendor solution to an end-to-end integrated, cloud managed private wireless network. We explained how challenges that may be hidden at the planning phase are soon exposed during implementation and operations.

One private wireless deployment at a European port is a case in point, clearly highlighting the risks. The port operator had appointed a systems integrator to deploy a bespoke private wireless network comprising radio access (RAN) and core network components from two different vendors. Additional elements, including the network backhaul, IP and devices were sourced from other vendors. The systems integrator was tasked with delivering an end-to-end wireless solution that would support evolving digitalization demands.

Even when multivendor components should work together in theory, in practice, that may not be the case. Lapses in optimization, configuration and testing can all affect the connectivity of mission-critical services.

And that’s exactly what happened here. With the port operator experiencing seemingly endless multi-dimensional challenges the team eventually turned to us for help.  And, because the impact on operations was so severe, instead of trying to patch those issues, the customer asked us to swap out that highly problematic existing network and replace it with Nokia Enterprise Campus Edge (ECE) Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) PW – the industry’s most deployed private wireless solution.

The need for mission-critical connectivity at ports

Ports, like many other industries, have multiple mission critical use case requirements with many supporting worker safety. Digitalization and automation are two such examples and they are the foundation for any Industry 4.0 transformation.

A primary use case introduced at this port was straddle carrier automation. These vehicles had been connected to the multivendor network and relied on mission-critical connectivity across the entire port to move containers between the quayside, container yard and customer delivery point. In today’s busy yards automated straddle carriers may operate almost continuously exchanging data with terminal operating systems about job assignments, container locations, vehicle locations in the yard and equipment health.

This relies on low latency communications, pervasive coverage, guaranteed bit rates and seamless handovers between radios as the vehicles move around the port. Any loss of connectivity can create gaps in operational visibility, affecting container tracking, productivity, worker safety and much more.

Gaps in knowledge, integration and testing highlight issues of multivendor solutions

With the straddle carriers in operation, network shortcomings and systems integration issues began to emerge. A lack of knowledge about this kind of complex multivendor environment led to poor radio design, configuration errors and incomplete testing of the RAN and core network. Ultimately this resulted in a solution that wasn’t fully optimized to meet the needs of the port and problems were seen from day one. Lack of visibility into the network meant ongoing servicing activities compounded issues. Critically, regression testing was not included in the service package. As software updates and security patches were introduced, any changes in the RAN or core had the potential to further impact interoperability.

This lack of end-to-end regression testing meant that updates intended to improve functionality and operation created new issues. Increased latency, failed radio handovers, network disconnections and manual reboots all occurred, with many of these hard to diagnose. Further, pinpointing the faulty component or software responsible became almost impossible.

Unclear accountability impeded issue resolution

Clearly the private wireless network wasn’t delivering the business-critical level of service required leading the team at the port to escalate issues. Ownership complexity meant that establishing any overall responsibility for the network and the issues it was experiencing proved difficult. Troubleshooting became a blame game, with each vendor refusing to take responsibility. Consequently, the network remained non-operational for weeks and some issues were never fully resolved. While some workarounds were eventually introduced, efficiency, security, costs and network performance had all been impacted.

After a while, with additional use cases running on the network, it was decided to improve network reliability and availability by introducing a second core to enable geo-redundant operation. This started a new cycle of problems which saw mobility performance degrade and latency spikes. Once again, each network vendor pointed its finger at the other and the system integrator was unable to fix the problem.

Operational disruption and safety incidents

Beyond this accountability headache, repeated straddle carrier disconnections required manual restarts. To resolve the issue workers had to cross the busy port yard to reach the vehicle and reactivate it, wasting precious time. Operations were disrupted, productivity suffered and cargo damage occurred. Reduced visibility, handling errors, undetected faults and missed transfers can all impact container content, and ultimately, over time, customer relationships and trust can be eroded.

This was not the only consequence of poor connectivity. There were several worker safety incidents, including one near-miss. At that point the port operator decided it was time to implement a more reliable solution from a trusted vendor

Simplify deployment and operations with a pre-integrated private wireless solution

This port deployment highlights the vital role connectivity plays in modern industrial operations. Whether in ports, manufacturing, mining or oil and gas, organizations require above all a robust and reliable private wireless network to support their mission-critical operations. When that network’s key components are sourced from different vendors and are not fully integrated, tested or managed, the consequences extend far beyond the network itself. Reduced visibility, operational inefficiencies, and service disruptions can all affect productivity, costs, worker safety and customer satisfaction.

Nokia ECE DAC PW addresses these challenges through a pre-integrated end-to-end architecture that combines radio access, core connectivity, industrial-grade edge computing, and cloud-based management. By reducing complexity and providing a single point of accountability, DAC PW simplifies deployment and streamlines operations. Industrial enterprises benefit from mission-critical operation and service support as they focus on what is important: day-to-day operations and the acceleration of their digitalization journey.