When you think of John Deere, you probably picture green tractors and greener fields. But behind the scenes, the company is sowing seeds of innovation—this time in the form of private 5G networks that are transforming its manufacturing operations.
John Deere’s Davenport Works facility in Iowa, a 2.2 million-square-foot plant, has become the company’s “lighthouse factory” for testing cutting-edge technologies. Over 18 months, the company prepared this key manufacturing site for the deployment of a private 5G network, which went fully online in 2025.
This shift is part of a broader move from a traditional setup—70% wired Ethernet and 30% Wi-Fi—to a wireless-first approach, aiming for 80% mobile connectivity, with the remaining 20% split between Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
Why Private 5G?
So, why leap into private 5G? Several practical challenges prompted John Deere to take that direction. Adding or rearranging equipment used to mean dragging out miles of Ethernet cables and enduring frustrating downtime. With 5G, changes occur much faster, reducing the wait time from weeks to just a few hours, in most cases. There’s also the matter of connectivity. As more IoT devices joined the mix, the old Wi-Fi network could no longer keep up, but the new private 5G setup replaces roughly 300 Wi-Fi access points with just six radio units.
The network also accelerates the pace of operations. Sensors in parts bins now automatically ping when stock levels are low, eliminating the need for manual inventory checks that previously slowed production. Bar-coded components, tracked via a fusion of 5G and RFID, enable managers to keep razor-sharp tabs on items as they move along the production line. Even 5G-enabled torque wrenches join the team by providing workers with real-time feedback, displaying assembly instructions, and confirming when bolts are tightened to the correct torque. This change not only enhances quality control but also smooths the entire assembly process.
Building the Factory of the Future
This leap into private 5G isn’t just about fixing old problems, either. It’s paving the way for futuristic tools. Take digital twins, for example. The plant now operates digital replicas of its physical space, detailing every machine, tool, and step along the production path. Thanks to 5G’s local positioning capabilities, these models update almost instantly when shifts occur on the factory floor. Precise geolocation and asset tracking ensure that every piece of equipment and component is monitored as it moves, enabling an upgrade that significantly enhances inventory and workflow management efficiency. And with a growing interest in augmented reality for training and operations, John Deere’s exploration of AR is hinting at even more immersive ways to modernize the work environment.
A Model for Modern Manufacturing
Overall, John Deere’s private 5G venture at Davenport Works shows how even a legacy manufacturer can embrace a new future powered by telecommunications. By tackling legacy issues and embracing advanced technology, they’re not just streamlining operations; they’re setting a blueprint for what modern manufacturing should look like. As more companies gear up to modernize, this approach offers fresh ideas on how private 5G networks can drive both innovation and efficiency.
The use cases for private 5G networks extend beyond even the cutting-edge aspirations of Davenport Works. Other adopters of this powerful technology are also using private 5G networks for:
Pierson Wireless is an industry leader in the design, deployment, and ongoing support of private network solutions. We communicate closely with our customers at every step of their private network journey – from initial site assessment and feasibility analysis through the design and engineering phases, to proof-of-concept deployment, on-site network demonstration, and finally, the activation of their unique private network solution. To learn more about how a private network operates and how it can improve your business operations, contact our expert team today!
Original sources:
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/industry/feature-john-deere-fires-up-private-5g-at-key-factory/
https://www.fierce-network.com/wireless/john-deeres-davenport-works-moves-private-5g
https://www.privatelteand5g.com/john-deere-deploys-private-5g-network-to-power-factory-of-the-future/
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