5G Industrial Switch Makes Precise Wireless Automation Possible

[Erkan Teskancan]

Belden is supporting wireless and deterministic communication in factory automation with its new Qualcomm-powered 5G industrial switch solution, presented at Hannover Messe 2026. This innovative system combines industrial Ethernet with private 5G networks, enabling synchronized machine operations and flexible infrastructure expansion.

### Industrial Ethernet Meets Private 5G
Belden's BRS-5G industrial switch concept offers low-latency and high-reliability wireless communication thanks to the Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System. This technology makes it possible to transfer deterministic data exchange, typically provided by wired Ethernet, to a wireless environment.

### Deterministic Communication in Factory Automation
The predictable latency, synchronization, and high availability, which are fundamental requirements of industrial automation, are provided by this switch. Real-time communication between sensors, controllers, and actuators is achieved over private 5G, without the need for a fixed cable. This feature particularly increases production quality and efficiency in applications such as conveyor systems, robotic coordination, and distributed motion control.

### Flexible and Scalable Factory Networks
Thanks to the private 5G infrastructure, production lines can be expanded or reconfigured without additional physical network installation. This enables the creation of faster and more adaptable production environments in distributed and data-intensive sectors. Furthermore, the integration of more sensors and machines with deterministic performance via wireless connectivity supports modular production and distributed control systems.

### Technical Specifications

• Equipped with Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System
• Direct industrial Ethernet traffic over private 5G networks
• Deterministic wireless communication with low latency
• Real-time synchronization and high reliability
• Broad compatibility with industrial protocols
• Supports modular and scalable factory network architectures

### A Future-Oriented Industrial Connection
By directly implementing the Ethernet protocol over 5G, this system reduces latency and complexity, representing a step towards the full integration of wired and wireless industrial networks. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi-based industrial networks, private 5G's network slicing, quality of service control, and spectrum isolation features ensure deterministic timing guarantees.

Belden's 5G industrial switch accelerates the transformation towards unified network infrastructures in industrial communication, standing out as a critical development for more resilient and software-defined industrial environments.