Nokia has introduced the DAC PW Compact, a private 5G solution designed specifically for small and mid-sized industrial sites. The product brings secure, low-latency, and reliable wireless connectivity to smaller enterprises that need robust communications to support digital operations.
Addressing the rising demand for dependable connectivity amid digital transformation, the DAC PW Compact makes advanced private wireless networks accessible to sites that previously lacked cost-effective options. The solution is intended to connect people, machines, and sensors across industrial environments while remaining energy efficient and affordable.
Stephan Litjens, VP of Enterprise Campus Edge Solutions at Nokia, commented:
“With the addition of the Nokia DAC PW Compact to our portfolio, we can now address the growing demand from smaller sites and many industries, such as the growing warehousing segment, who need the secure, low-latency and reliable connectivity provided by private wireless to digitally transform their operations. Regardless of the size of the operation, Nokia has a solution that will connect people, machines, and sensors in an energy-efficient manner and at an economical price point—equipping an even wider range of industries for their journey to Industry 4.0.”
Built around Nokia AirScale small cells, the DAC PW Compact delivers broad coverage and resilient connectivity in demanding industrial conditions. Its compact form factor is well suited to the footprint and coverage needs of smaller facilities, offering both human and machine connectivity where Wi‑Fi or other alternatives may fall short.
One notable benefit is the zero upfront investment model. Offered on an OPEX basis, the DAC PW Compact removes the barrier of large capital expenditure by providing predictable monthly fees, making private wireless more attainable for small industrial sites.
Energy efficiency is another key advantage. Nokia says the solution can be up to 60 percent more energy-efficient than Wi‑Fi, reducing operational costs and environmental impact—supporting both sustainability goals and lower total cost of ownership.
Improved connectivity can have a direct financial impact across industries such as logistics, where outages or poor signal coverage can cause significant revenue loss. Industry estimates highlight substantial losses tied to connectivity gaps, reinforcing the need for more reliable private wireless deployments in warehouses, distribution centers, and similar facilities.
Leo Gergs, Principal Analyst at ABI Research, underlined the commercial importance of Nokia’s offering:
“With Nokia DAC PW Compact, Nokia extends their product portfolio in a very important way. Our research shows that total cost of ownership is enterprises’ main factor for deciding which connectivity technology to deploy. It will be providing a very competitive cost structure and TCO to other wireless technologies, like Wi‑Fi. Nokia DAC PW Compact will become an important building block for Nokia and its channel partners to create a value proposition around private cellular that is easy to understand and digest for enterprises, particularly in the logistics sector where warehouses, and other segments like ports and airports that might only need a handful of 5G radio units to achieve high levels of constant coverage.”
The DAC PW Compact supports plug-and-play deployment and IT-native operability, with configurable options for indoor, outdoor, and mixed radio coverage. These attributes make it a flexible choice for a wide range of industrial segments, including ports, manufacturing sites, mining operations, petrochemical plants, and retail environments.
Enterprises can grow their private wireless footprint over time via a straightforward upgrade path: adding capacity, expanding user counts, adjusting radio configurations, and integrating Wi‑Fi where needed. Converting the deployed edge to MX Industrial Edge (MXIE) can further extend capabilities, turning the private wireless infrastructure into a broader platform for edge computing and digital transformation.
Initially available in the United States using CBRS spectrum, Nokia DAC PW Compact will be sold through a network of Nokia-certified resellers and system integrators. The OPEX-based model removes upfront capital requirements and provides predictable monthly costs, helping smaller organizations adopt private 5G without large initial investment.
Reliable connectivity is a foundational element of digital transformation. By offering a compact, energy-efficient, and cost-effective private 5G option, Nokia aims to enable small and mid-sized industrial sites to modernize operations, improve efficiency, and support the move toward Industry 4.0.
(Photo by Christopher Burns on Unsplash)
See also: Yamina Kelm, Deutsche Telekom: Enabling innovation at the edge
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