5G Industrial Switch with Precise-Time Wireless Automation

[Cengiz Özemli]

## Precision-Timed Wireless Automation with 5G Industrial Switch

Belden, with its new Qualcomm-powered 5G industrial switch introduced at Hannover Messe 2026, is paving the way for precision-timed communication in factory automation by integrating industrial Ethernet with private wireless networks. This technology focuses on manufacturing environments with synchronized machine operations and a need for flexible infrastructure.

### Integration of Industrial Ethernet with Private 5G
Belden's BRS-5G concept switch combines 5G connectivity with a proven industrial switching architecture, running industrial Ethernet traffic directly over private 5G networks. This integration ensures low latency and high reliability using the Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System. Thus, the precision-timed data exchange possible with wired Ethernet is transferred to the wireless environment.

### Precision-Timed Communication and Factory Automation
Predictable latency, synchronization, and high availability are critical in industrial automation systems. This switch enables real-time data communication between sensors, control units, and actuators while eliminating cable dependency.

Especially in applications such as conveyor systems, robotic coordination, and distributed motion control, timing deviations can affect production quality and efficiency. The live demo at Hannover showed a conveyor system operating with real-time communication over a private 5G network.

### Flexible and Scalable Factory Networks
The use of private 5G makes it possible to expand or reconfigure production lines without the need for additional physical network infrastructure investment. This shortens installation time and supports more adaptive production.

Offering a unified architecture for wired and wireless networks, this solution is ideal for modern factory concepts such as modular production and distributed control structures. It also effectively responds to the increasing number of sensors and devices in automotive and other data-intensive industries.

### Technical Specifications

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System integration
• Real-time, low-latency precision-timed communication
• Integration of industrial Ethernet with private 5G network
• Seamless data exchange between sensors, controllers, and actuators
• Broad compatibility with supported industrial protocols
• Wireless connectivity reducing physical infrastructure requirements
• Suitable for modular production and scalable factory networks

### Conclusion
Belden's 5G industrial switch simplifies protocol layers, enabling low-latency direct Ethernet over 5G communication. This guarantees precision-timed performance even with high device density, and is considered a significant step towards the full integration of wired and wireless networks in industry.