Antevia Networks and UK neutral-host operator Ontix have demonstrated private and public 5G services running simultaneously over the same radio infrastructure, using Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology.
In a live test, one device connected to a private 5G core while a second connected to a public mobile network operator (MNO) core. Both connections used Antevia’s 5G radio access network (RAN), with Ontix’s Nexus neutral-host service gateway managing the MOCN connection.
The test is aimed at demonstrating a model in which a single in-building radio network can support both enterprise private networks and public mobile services, rather than requiring separate radio infrastructure for each.
MOCN allows multiple mobile networks to share the same RAN while retaining separate core networks. This means traffic from different subscribers can be directed to the appropriate core without duplicating the radio layer.
Antevia and Ontix said the approach could allow building owners, enterprises and venues to use one 5G infrastructure investment for multiple connectivity requirements, while giving mobile operators a way to provide indoor coverage without deploying separate radio systems.
The companies have been developing the system since announcing their partnership in May. It uses shared-access spectrum in the n77 band, combining Antevia’s 5G RAN with Ontix’s Nexus gateway and service-enablement platform.
“This is an important step from architecture to reality,” said Simon Cosgrove, CEO of Antevia Networks. “We have now demonstrated a private 5G device and a public MNO device operating at the same time over a single Antevia RAN while connecting securely to two different core networks.”
Chris Newall, CEO of Ontix, said the test provided a foundation for combining public mobile coverage with private 5G in venues, campuses and enterprise environments.
The companies have not disclosed details of a commercial deployment resulting from the test. Further work will determine how the shared infrastructure model performs under production conditions and across multiple network operators.
