Lightweight 5GC: The Key to Affordable Private Networks for SMEs
As 5G adoption accelerates and enterprises embrace digital transformation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly exploring private networks. Whether for office connectivity, industrial IoT, smart warehouses, or remote operations, private 5G networks offer clear advantages: dedicated bandwidth, low latency, enhanced security, and fully customizable management.
However, deploying a traditional 5G core network (5GC) designed for large carriers often comes with high costs, complex infrastructure requirements, and intensive maintenance — making it impractical for SMEs. Enter the lightweight 5GC, a solution designed to make private 5G networks more accessible, cost-effective, and manageable for smaller enterprises.
Why Lightweight 5GC Matters for SMEs
A lightweight 5G core network simplifies deployment and operation while retaining the full functionality of a standard 5GC. This approach reduces initial investment, minimizes hardware requirements, and allows SMEs to scale their networks as needed.
IPLOOK, a leading provider of mobile core network solutions, offers a lightweight 5GC optimized for SME private networks. Its key advantages include:
Cloud-Native and Virtualized Architecture
IPLOOK’s 5GC is fully containerized and supports NFV deployment, compatible with standard commercial servers (COTS). This eliminates the need for costly proprietary hardware, lowering entry barriers for SMEs.
Compact and Resource-Efficient Design
The lightweight design allows deployment on lower-end servers or even co-locating core functions with existing radio equipment. SMEs can enjoy full 5G capabilities without high infrastructure overhead.
Multi-Access and Multi-Generation Support
The IPLOOK 5GC supports 4G/5G convergence and integrates Wi-Fi and fixed networks, enabling smooth upgrades and hybrid network deployment across existing infrastructure.
Flexible Deployment Options
Enterprises can deploy the core network centrally, distributed, on-premises, or in the cloud, depending on site-specific needs. Edge deployment reduces latency for industrial or campus applications.
Cost-Effective for SMEs
Compared to traditional Tier-1 vendor solutions, IPLOOK’s 5GC offers enterprise-grade functionality at a fraction of the cost, making private 5G a realistic option for small businesses.
Meeting Growing Enterprise Needs
Several factors are driving SMEs toward private 5G networks: Mature 5G Standards: Stable 3GPP standards ensure reliable deployment, and IPLOOK continuously enhances its core network to support advanced features such as network slicing, edge computing, and IoT applications.
Rising Digital Transformation Needs: Industries including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and smart buildings increasingly rely on real-time connectivity for automation, IoT monitoring, and hybrid operations — areas where Wi-Fi often falls short.
Reduced Deployment Costs and Complexity: Lightweight 5GC, combined with virtualized and cloud-native architectures, allows SMEs to implement private networks without significant CapEx or specialized IT teams.
Scalable Multi-Site Deployment: Modern SMEs often operate across multiple offices, factories, or warehouses. IPLOOK’s flexible deployment options accommodate distributed networks and mobile devices while maintaining secure, high-performance connectivity.
Why Choose IPLOOK for SME Private Networks Compared to Wi-Fi: While Wi-Fi is inexpensive and easy to deploy, it cannot reliably handle high device density, mobility, latency-sensitive applications, or industrial automation requirements. Private 5G networks deliver superior performance and reliability.
Compared to traditional Tier-1 vendor solutions: Large carrier solutions are designed for telecom operators, requiring expensive hardware, complex deployment, and high maintenance. IPLOOK’s lightweight 5GC leverages software-defined, virtualized infrastructure to provide enterprise-grade capabilities at SME-friendly costs.
Compared to DIY or open-source options: Open-source 5G cores may be low-cost but often lack commercial-grade stability, multi-vendor compatibility, QoS guarantees, or professional support. IPLOOK offers a fully compliant, multi-vendor compatible, production-ready solution with ongoing support and feature updates.
Practical Recommendations for SMEs
Start small: Deploy a lightweight 5GC in one office or factory as a pilot, using commercial off-the-shelf servers. Expand gradually as demand grows.
Integrate multi-access networks: Combine 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, or wired networks for hybrid connectivity. IPLOOK supports seamless integration.
Prioritize flexibility and scalability: Ensure your network can evolve with IoT adoption, edge computing needs, or additional sites.
Lightweight 5GC solutions, such as those provided by IPLOOK, offer SMEs the perfect balance of affordability, flexibility, and enterprise-grade performance. By adopting a lightweight 5G core, SMEs can unlock reliable, secure, and scalable networks — supporting everything from digital transformation to smart industrial applications.
IPLOOK’s lightweight 5GC bridges the gap between the growing demand for private networks and the practical constraints faced by SMEs, making private 5G not just a vision, but a feasible reality.
