Powering Small Enterprise Private 5G with the EXSITE-M5Q Plus

As private 5G networks continue to evolve, small enterprises are increasingly exploring practical alternatives to enterprise Wi-Fi and the legacy infrastructure. One solution attracting attention is the integrated platform developed by cellXica and AttoCore. Their collaboration brings together specialist hardware and flexible core software to offer an efficient and scalable private 5G system that meets the unique needs of smaller deployments.

At the centre of this offering is the EXSITE-M5Q Plus, a compact yet rugged unit that integrates both the radio and core network in a single device. This all-in-one approach eliminates the need for external servers or cloud infrastructure, reducing cost and complexity while accelerating deployment. Designed to slot into existing IT environments, it supports both machine-to-machine communication and telephony services, with secure and managed quality of service.

cellXica, a Cambridge-based company with deep expertise in cellular radio systems, has long focused on meeting the requirements of system integrators and managed service providers. Its hardware is developed with simplicity and reliability in mind, addressing use cases where quick deployment and low operational overhead are essential. Partnering with AttoCore, known for its highly portable 5G core software, enhances this value by embedding a full network stack into the device, making the solution ready to deploy straight out of the box.

The EXSITE-M5Q Plus supports a range of deployment scenarios. It can provide a standalone bubble of coverage, scale to cover a larger site with multiple cells, or even interconnect remote locations using secure links over the public internet. This flexibility is particularly useful for industries with distributed operations or remote facilities that lack traditional infrastructure.

From a deployment perspective, the ability to use existing LAN infrastructure is a significant advantage. The device supports power and backhaul over standard Cat 6 cabling, removing the need for costly fibre or dedicated installations. This reduces the overall footprint of the network and makes the solution far more accessible for smaller enterprises with limited resources.

The system is well suited to sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, energy and industrial operations. It enables secure and low-latency voice and data services, with centralised access control and device management to simplify ongoing operations. It also bridges the IT and operational technology divide, helping organisations build a single, secure communications layer across business and industrial systems.

Unlike many private 5G platforms designed for large-scale or high-density environments, the EXSITE-M5Q Plus is targeted specifically at smaller, agile deployments. For companies that find traditional WiFi too disruptive or limited and lack the scale for enterprise-grade solutions, this offering provides a compelling middle ground. It delivers telco-grade performance in a manageable and cost-effective form.

After mentioning this solution briefly in the MWC 2025 roundup, further investigation confirms its potential to meet the growing demand for compact, reliable private 5G systems. The combined strengths of cellXica and AttoCore create a solution that is both technically sound and highly relevant for small enterprise environments.

Comments