Enhancing Distribution Efficiency with Private Cellular Networks

Executive Summary

A leading national department store retailer partnered with Industrial Networking Solutions (INS) and Ericsson to overcome persistent connectivity issues in its distribution centers. The deployment of Private Cellular Networks (PCNs) across key locations significantly improved operational efficiency by eliminating Wi-Fi dark zones, ensuring real-time communication with driver tablets, and enabling better tracking of trailer movements. This initiative represents a transformative step in modernizing logistics through reliable, scalable connectivity.

Client Background

Headquartered in the southern United States, the client operates a robust logistics network to support over 250 department stores across the country. The client’s distribution centers are pivotal to its operations, handling high volumes of merchandise daily. Maintaining precise coordination and communication within these facilities is essential for timely stock replenishment and operational efficiency. The client identified two strategic sites-one in the Central U.S. and another in the Southwest-as initial deployment locations for network upgrades. Additional rollouts are planned.

Business Challenge

The distribution centers relied heavily on traditional Wi-Fi infrastructure, which proved insufficient for the scale and complexity of operations. Drivers, who depend on tablets to receive work orders indicating which trailers to move and where, experienced frequent connectivity drops. These issues were particularly pronounced in “dark zones” where the signal was weak or nonexistent. When tablets disconnected, drivers had to return to the maintenance area to reboot and re-establish connection. This caused workflow delays and misalignment in trailer movements. These inefficiencies led to bottlenecks in order fulfillment and ultimately impacted the performance of downstream retail operations.

Solution

The client engaged INS and Ericsson to design and implement a Private Cellular Network tailored to the unique needs of the distribution centers.

Central U.S. Deployment
Ericsson developed the network architecture, and INS managed deployment. The facility was equipped with three A2405 Cellular Access Points for full coverage. Driver cabins were outfitted with R920 routers, configured with Advanced Licensing to enable persistent connectivity and route tracking (“cookie crumb” data).

Southwest Deployment
INS performed a comprehensive wireless site survey using a vehicle-mounted R1900 router to assess signal strength and optimal CAP placement. A heat map and project plan were submitted and approved. The deployment included A2415 CAPs and R920 routers. Installation concluded with a Site Acceptance Test (SAT), which the client approved.

INS delivered services including:

• Wireless site survey
• Network design
• Private LTE deployment
• Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)

Technology Overview

Private Cellular Networks (PCNs) are dedicated LTE or 5G networks that offer secure, reliable, and high-performance wireless connectivity for enterprise environments. Unlike public networks, PCNs are enterprise-owned and managed, ensuring optimal security, control, and quality of service.

This deployment utilized Ericsson A2405 and A2415 Cellular Access Points to deliver high-performance, CBRS-based wireless coverage across both indoor and outdoor environments. These access points were strategically placed to eliminate coverage gaps and ensure seamless connectivity throughout the facilities. Cradlepoint R920 Routers were installed in driver cabins, providing continuous connectivity through SIM-authenticated private LTE access and enabling GPS-based route tracking. Additionally, Cradlepoint R1900 Routers were mounted in survey vehicles to collect real-time cellular metrics, which guided optimal access point placement during the planning phase.
For a full breakdown of the hardware specifications used in this deployment, see the Appendix: Hardware Specifications.

Results

• Reliable Coverage: Tablets now maintain consistent connections throughout both facilities, eliminating downtime from WiFi dead zones.
• Improved Visibility: Through NetCloud, the client can remotely monitor and troubleshoot CAP performance.
• Operational Gains: Driver productivity increased as reboots to restore connectivity were no longer required.
• Scalability: The deployment model is now replicable across future sites.

Best Practices for Private Cellular Network Deployment

• Conduct a Thorough Site Survey
  • Use professional cellular audit tools to map signal strength and assess infrastructure.
• Customize by Facility Layout
  • Optimize access point placement to accommodate real workflows for site-specific coverage requirements.
• Use Ruggedized, Industrial-Grade Hardware
  • Only utilize devices designed to operate in the demanding industrial environments they are installed.
• Validate with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
  • Stage devices in lab to configure and validate design use-cases prior to site installation.
• Validate with Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
  • Post-site installation validation of design use-cases and recording of baseline operational performance metrics.
• Plan for Scalability
  • Document processes, configurations, and architecture to streamline future rollouts.

Customer Perspective
“The implementation of a private cellular network has made a clear difference. Our drivers are more efficient, downtime has dropped, and we’ve gained better visibility in trailer movements. The team at INS and Ericsson delivered a solution that’s reliable and scalable for our needs. We’re excited to continue this momentum with additional rollouts at our other facilities.”
- Distribution Center Wireless Engineer

Project Timeline and Future Outlook

The project lasted approximately six months from initial planning to deployment. Two distribution centers-one in the Central U.S. and one in the Southwest-are fully operational, with two more slated for upgrade in 2025. The remaining three facilities are scheduled by the end of 2026.

This phased rollout supports the client’s long-term logistics strategy and highlights its commitment to adopting scalable, future-ready technology solutions.

Appendix: Hardware Specifications

Ericsson A2405 Cellular Access Point
A plug-and-play CBRS (Band 48) TDD-LTE cellular access point that forms part of the private RAN. Managed as part of Ericsson NetCloud Service. (A2405)

• Band support: LTE Band 48 only; channel bandwidths 10/20 MHz.
• Carrier Aggregation: up to 2× CA (downlink only). MIMO 2×2; 4 internal semi-directional antennas.
• Ingress protection: IP65; operating temp −40 °C to 55 °C; up to 64 active clients.
• Interfaces & power: 2× GbE; 12 VDC or 802.3at PoE+ (injector included).

Ericsson A2415 Cellular Access Point
Cellular access point for customized CBRS coverage with flexible backhaul and external antenna options. (A2415)

• Operating modes: Single Carrier, Dual Carrier (two independent sectors), and Carrier Aggregation; up to 128 active clients (SC/CA) or 256 (DC).
• Carrier Aggregation: up to 2× CA (uplink & downlink); MIMO 2×2; LTE Band 48; channel bandwidths 10/20 MHz; up to 47 dBm EIRP.
• Backhaul & interfaces: 1× GbE RJ45 and 1× GbE SFP (fiber). Ingress protection: IP66. Power input 148 VDC (140 to 157 VDC).
• Antennas: External (not integrated) via four N-type connectors; compatible KP Performance directional options listed in the datasheet.

Ericsson Cradlepoint R920 Ruggedized Vehicle & IoT Router (Driver Cabins)
A compact, vehicle-optimized router designed for mobile mission-critical environments. The R920 supports multi-network connectivity and includes advanced licensing for security, GPS tracking, and remote management-making it ideal for logistics fleets operating within private LTE networks. (R920)

• Multi-network connectivity: LTE Cat 7 (with Band 48 CBRS), optional secondary LTE/5G via RX20, dual GbE, and Wi-Fi 6 (AP, client, Wi-Fi-as-WAN).
• Ruggedized design: Compact, vehicle-optimized, IP64 rated, –30 °C to 75 °C operating range.
• Active GNSS for fleet tracking and coverage mapping, integrated into NetCloud.
• Compact and vehicle-optimized design

Ericsson Cradlepoint R1900 Router (Survey Vehicle)
A ruggedized, 5G ready mobile router designed for in-vehicle field use. Managed through Ericsson NetCloud, it delivers resilient connectivity, precise location tracking, and programmable performance for real time analytics and CAP placement optimization. (R1900)

• 5G ready with fallback to LTE Cat 20, plus expandable dual carrier capability via the RX30 accessory.
• Integrated Wi Fi 6, 4x GbE ports, Bluetooth, and managed via Ericsson NetCloud.
• Active GNSS with dead reckoning, delivering real time location, and cellular coverage mapping for survey accuracy.