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MxD unveils 5G network security for smart manufacturing

Feb. 18, 2025
Betacom and Siemens launch private 5G network platform for Industry 4.0 adoption through hands-on technology demonstration center in Chicago
Robotics and sensing devices have become integral parts of smart manufacturing lines.
Figure 1: Robotics and sensing devices have become integral parts of smart manufacturing lines.

Industrial machinery has become part of smart manufacturing lines that include sensing devices, robotics, artificial intelligence and machine vision systems (Figure 1). Increased efficiency, optimized output and reduced downtime are just a few of the benefits. To operate effectively, these systems require secure connectivity for real-time computing to enable Industry 4.0 adoption.

Chicago’s Manufacturing x Digital (MxD), the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, is the home of a private 5G network, which was deployed by partner companies Betacom and Siemens Industries. The platform is the first complete private wireless network to operate behind a Siemens firewall, demonstrating the possibilities for secure connectivity.

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The network platform at MxD demonstrates private wireless infrastructure behind the firewall that enables integration of Industry 4.0 applications while ensuring end-to-end security across OT and IT systems.
Figure 2: The network platform at MxD demonstrates private wireless infrastructure behind the firewall that enables integration of Industry 4.0 applications while ensuring end-to-end security across OT and IT systems.

"Manufacturing enterprises need more than just network connectivity. They need a complete solution that seamlessly enables Industry 4.0 applications while maintaining total control of their data and operations," said Johan Bjorklund, CEO of Betacom. "By partnering with Siemens at MxD, we're providing manufacturers with a blueprint for digital transformation, combining our private 5G expertise with Siemens industrial automation leadership to create a truly comprehensive platform for smart manufacturing innovation."

The platform demonstrates how enterprises can deploy complete private wireless infrastructure behind the firewall; maintain full control of network operations and connected devices; enable seamless integration of Industry 4.0 applications; and ensure end-to-end security across OT and IT environments (Figure 2).

The system features CBRS spectrum deployment in the 3.55 GHz-3.7 GHz range, a security framework developed with the MxD Cybersecurity Institute, proprietary cybersecurity built on 3GPP standards, NIST framework compliance and zero-trust principles and air-gap protection for network segmentation.
Figure 3: The system features CBRS spectrum deployment in the 3.55 GHz-3.7 GHz range, a security framework developed with the MxD Cybersecurity Institute, proprietary cybersecurity built on 3GPP standards, NIST framework compliance and zero-trust principles and air-gap protection for network segmentation.

Developed specifically for Siemens U.S. manufacturing initiatives, the system features Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum deployment in the 3.55 GHz-3.7 GHz range; a security framework developed with the MxD Cybersecurity Institute; proprietary cybersecurity built on 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards; National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework compliance and zero-trust principles; and Betacom AirGap Protection for network segmentation (Figure 3).

"This deployment represents a significant milestone in manufacturing innovation," said Joel Green, wireless business development at Siemens Industries. "The platform gives our customers the security and control they need while enabling the full spectrum of Industry 4.0 applications that drive operational excellence."

The MxD facility showcases applications including:

  • machine vision and quality control
  • robotic systems and cobots
  • digital twin implementation
  • autonomous guided vehicles and unmanned forklifts
  • real-time asset tracking
    • industrial IoT sensor integration.
MxD’s mission is to equip U.S. factories with digital tools, cybersecurity and workforce expertise.
Figure 4: MxD’s mission is to equip U.S. factories with digital tools, cybersecurity and workforce expertise.

In partnership with the Department of Defense, the mission of MxD and its more than 300 members is to equip U.S. factories with digital tools, cybersecurity and workforce expertise for continuous improvement (Figure 4).