Siriwardhana, YushanYushanSiriwardhanaPorambage, PawaniPawaniPorambageYlianttila, MikaMikaYlianttilaLiyanage, MadhusankaMadhusankaLiyanage2021-04-142021-04-142020 IEEE2020-12IEEE Internet of Things Journal2327-4662http://hdl.handle.net/10197/120935G calls for a network architecture that ensures ultra-responsive and ultra-reliable communication links, in addition to the high degree of flexibility and customization required by different vertical sectors. The novel concept called local 5G networks enables a versatile set of stakeholders to operate 5G networks within their premises with guaranteed quality and reliability to complement Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs) offerings. In this paper, we propose a descriptive architecture for a local 5G operator which provides user specific and location specific services in a spatially confined environment i.e. industrial internet environment. In addition to that, we propose hybrid architecture options where both the local 5G operator and MNO collaboratively contribute to establishing the core network to cater to such communications. The architecture is discussed in terms of network functions and the operational units which entail the core and radio access networks in a smart factory environment which supports Industry 4.0 standards. Moreover, to realize the conceptual design, we provide simulation results for the latency measurements of the proposed architecture options with respect to an Augmented Reality (AR), massive wireless sensor networks and mobile robots use cases. Thereby we discuss the benefits of deploying core network functions locally to cater to specialized user requirements, rather than continuing with the conventional approach where only MNOs can deploy cellular networks.en© 2020 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.Local 5G networksIndustrial internetIndustry 4.0Augmented reality5g mobile communicationsWireless sensor networksJournal Article712115591157510.1109/JIOT.2020.30248752020-09-19H2020-MSCA-IF-2017318927319669789658871808https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/