4G LTE Delivers High-speed Wireless for Remote and Multi-location Businesses

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Today’s enterprises are under increasing pressure to meet customer demands, keep pace with rising expectations and respond quickly to changing trends. To address these challenges, organization require fast, secure and reliable internet access to connect employees to all applications they need to do their jobs. In many cases, wireless network connectivity makes the most sense for businesses operating in remote locations or with multiple retail locations. In fact, many forecast the demand for wireless broadband will continue to spike. Cisco predicts global mobile data traffic will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 47% percent from 2016 to 2021. Experts attribute much of the increase to the growing adoption of smartphones and high-capacity LTE networks. (Cisco).

Enterprises are turning to 4G LTE high-speed wireless broadband for primary, hybrid and failover network connections. The technology delivers fast speeds, robust and reliable Wi-Fi that together offers an improved Quality of Experience (QoE) for users. When evaluating 4G LTE providers, remember that not all services are created equal! Ask questions about deployment time and support options and look for services with these must-have capabilities for the greatest ROI.

  1. Always-on’ access wherever you are– With 4G LTE, employees will have ‘always-on’ access to mission critical systems and cloud-based applications they use daily. This includes payment processing systems, customer analytics solutions and time and attendance platforms, for example. Whether your team is setting up a new distribution center, working at a remote construction site or opening a new retail branch, your employees will be empowered and connected to the applications they use the most
  2. Improve the internet experience and get better backups– Look for 4G LTE routers and networking solutions that have 4G LTE Advanced options and allow for multi-carrier 4G LTE support with dual SIM capability. This gives users an extremely reliable and high-quality internet experience. Not only that, the best 4G LTE services augment WAN bandwidth, meaning the connection leverages 4G, Ethernet (T1, DSL, Cable, MetroE), WiFi as WAN when needed. Solutions that deliver both branch wired networking as well as cellular connectivity in the event of a connection failure deliver the ultimate connection safeguards.
  3. Remote management– Look for routers with cloud-based management options to remove the need to have on-site IT support staff at every location. With a management dashboard that shows data usage and connected devices across the entire network, remote network management is simplified.
  4. Fast deployments– Instead of having to wait for the local carrier to install wireline Internet at every new office , which can take weeks or even months to complete, the advantage of 4G LTE is that it provides immediate, enterprise-grade connectivity− without the wait! Within hours of setting up a 4G LTE wireless router, users should be able to access business-central applications. 4G LTE can be deployed extremely quickly almost anywhere business gets done, so find a provider that can deliver on that promise.
  5. Simplified billing– Look for a partner that offers better value with pooled pricing and simplified billing along with access to the nation’s top wireless carriers. By pooling data usage among multiple distributed locations, customers get the most use of their data, regardless of what location is using it. By working with an experienced 4G LTE provider, you’ll have one bill for wireless services and the flexibility to streamline broadband management.

In an era of ever-escalating data usage and our increasing reliance on high-speed broadband to do our jobs, organizations can benefit significantly from flexible 4G LTE last mile solutions. If you’d like to learn more about how Broad Sky Networks can help you meet your goals with a complete 4G LTE solution, email us at Partners@Broadskynetworks.net or give us a call at (877) 291-9575.

 

 

How to Support Multi-Location Internet Connectivity Without the Headaches!

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If your business requires reliable broadband service across multiple business locations, your IT team is often forced to make a tough choice between shelling out money to several local carriers, or accepting mediocre connectivity.  Whether the priority is powering Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, an IOT platform or delivering broadband internet to multiple retail store locations or Point-of-Sale devices, finding the right broadband support is critical in keeping a competitive edge. By keeping in mind these ‘must-have’ features when evaluating internet services for multi-location businesses, your organization keep costs down and keep connectivity always-on.

  1. Look for multi carrier/Single support solutions- The key to obtaining superior internet access across multiple locations is to find a provider that can offer services from multiple carriers! This way, regardless of where the business is located, whether it’s remote or across city and state lines, connectivity won’t be an issue. Multi-carrier solutions can be rapidly delivered from a single pool of data and provide better network diversity, ensuring a varied path to the primary network. Through the portfolio of major carriers, make sure the provider and the router selected can augment WAN bandwidth with 4G/Ethernet (T1, DSL, cable) and Wifi as WAN. This will improve the quality of internet experience and increase availability across multi-site locations.   
  2. Multi-sim deployment and auto carrier selection is critical- The problem with traditional single modem routers is that they required users to keep an inventory of different types of modems, if multiple carriers are going to be used. That can create a management bottleneck and delay deployments. Today however, routers are available that offer no touch rapid deployment service and auto carrier selection capabilities.. In multi-location deployments, look for providers and modems that can detect which SIM card is installed, and then automatically load the correct carrier firmware and configuration settings to connects to the carrier. With multi-sim deployment and auto-carrier selection, during an internet failure you have an immediate backup internet connection to the strongest possible wireless provider.
  3. Cloud-managed solutions streamline management- Cloud-managed options for multi-WAN environments using one or more LTE and Wi-Fi-as-WAN connection are critical because they can be configured and managed centrally and remotely. With a virtual cloud network with LAN emulation, enterprises can support distributed branch offices with 4G/LTE, SD-WAN and cloud services. Cloud managed options from Broad Sky Networks and Cradlepoint are unique because they power zero-touch deployment for rapid installation and remote management of multi-WAN branches and IoT gateways. This reduces added time and costs once required to manage broadband at multiple office locations. A cloud-managed solution lets IT admins troubleshoot connectivity issues remotely, set up alerts and select which carriers are primary, and secondary and how the failover processes is managed. This provides the ultimate visibility and control without added costs.
  4. Consolidated support and billing- A proven broadband provider that delivers managed customer service across multiple carriers, is worth its weight in gold. Look for a partner that does this and understands the connectivity needs of each of your business locations. One-on-one attention from a premier broadband provider can give businesses the greatest competitive advantage. In addition, a provider that can pool together data across multiple carriers, with centralized management, will help keep costs down and eliminate the need to manage multiple invoices, so you only pay one single bill monthly for broadband access. The right partner can also keep organizations abreast of new modem and router options, which helps optimize resources, improve ROI and cut connectivity costs overtime.

Today companies can count on the reliability and deployment flexibility of wireless service to support many multi-location enterprise environments. If you’d like to learn more about how Broad Sky Networks can support multiple carriers and augment WAN bandwidth with 4G and  Wifi as WAN to deliver best internet experience possible to all your locations, email us at Partners@Broadskynetworks.net or give us a call at (877) 291-9575.

Extreme 25 Business Satellite

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Today, enterprises rely on high-speed internet to support a dynamic and productive workforce. Employees require fast and extremely reliable access to all those applications that drive the business forward and help employees meet and exceed customer expectations. From email and SaaS applications, to inventory, point-of-sale applications and time and attendance solutions hosted in the cloud, each has become a critical driver of business productivity wherever business gets done. Not only that, Unified Communication and Collaboration (UC&C) applications, that enable file sharing, VoIP phone access, and video and audio conferencing bring teams together to support better decision making and better customer service.

However, getting reliable broadband internet with redundancy and backup options can be a challenge for those remote organizations doing business outside of the city limits. Business with dispersed offices and those that are out of the reach of fiber and cable or those limited by slow DSL need an alternative. Luckily there’s a next-generation option: high-speed business satellite services. Extreme 25 Business Satellite from Broad Sky Networks is a game changer for organizations across the U.S. because it offers speeds up to 25 Mbps x 3 Mbps as well as large data plans that can keep pace with the need for always-on internet connectivity. Broad Sky can also offer free equipment and installation for qualifying plans.

Take a fresh look at business satellite:

  • Perfect for remote offices– professional satellite installation is ideal for office buildings, gas stations, strip malls, restaurantss, warehouses, oil and green energy deployments or any business outside of the big city. Extreme 25 offers fast download speeds and upload speeds of 3 Mbps. Satellite connectivity and built-in path diversity also ensures a reliable and agile connection that can handle spikes in traffic. Extreme 25 also has back-ups in place because access runs over a hybrid of broadband satellite connections. This eliminates downtime and ensures business doesn’t stop just because one internet connection is out.
  • Reliable, always-on internet– A wide array of high-capacity satellites, including EchoStar XVII and EchoStar XIX use JUPITER™ high-throughput technology to optimize internet speed and performance for a fast, reliable internet experience on every application.
  • Big data plans– Advanced business satellite internet keeps business connected and growing with large daytime data options, even those over 500 GBs of data, and a large amount of anytime data that’s available 24/7. There’s also no hard data limits. Meaning, even if a customer exceeds their data limit because of several data intensive applications that month, connectivity won’t be cut off and costs won’t skyrocket. Instead, teams will stay connected and can use internet at reduced speeds until the next billing cycle. Broad Sky is able to offer customer large usage plans, higher than available from other providers. Free Equipment and Installation for qualifying plans, virtually eliminating CAPEX upfront.
  • Wi-Fi ready– With built-in Wi-Fi capabilities users can also connect wireless devices to business applications from wherever they are working. Whether for voice, data or broadband or video, advanced satellite internet delivers mobility options that today’s most competitive business demand. The satellite solution comes with an integrated Wi-Fi Modem that includes a modem Wi-Fi router. Dual-band 802.11ac technology delivers a strong, secure wireless connection across the business so users can use smart phones, mobile devices, tablets and laptops to access the applications they need most, whether they are accepting payment from a customer or re-ordering supplies from a supplier. *WiFi option can also be disabled if desired.

Today organizations with remote offices are no longer left with the tough decision of either costly T1 lines or slow DSL connections. Advanced satellite technology offered from Broad Sky networks can help businesses go confidently after new business and reach new customers, with reliable, always-on internet. If you’d like to learn more about how Broad Sky Networks Extreme 25 high-speed satellite internet can transform your business, email (sales@broadskynetworks.net) us or give us a call at (877) 291-9575.

4 Benefits of Cradlepoint’s NetCloud

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At a time when companies are embracing the cloud model and remote workers are more reliant on mobile connectivity than ever before, IT administrators are looking for new ways to build a truly connected enterprise while keeping costs in check. To get there, many companies are turning to next-generation cloud services and WAN solutions. Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) and virtualization technologies are stepping up to fill this connectivity gap and in doing so they are transforming how business gets done.  

SD-WAN has been proven to reduce the cost and complexity of traditional LAN enterprise networks by automating the configuration of WAN routes. This traffic-steering capability optimizes pathways and reduces reliance on private IP connections. It does this by aggregating the best available connections at any given time. That means with an SD-WAN solution, connections are run over a hybrid of broadband options, from MPLS and broadband to 4G/LTE and even Wi-Fi networks. As a result, SD-WAN powered by software can deliver even more reliable and nimble connections that can handle spikes in demand and the need for always-on connectivity.

Those looking to reduce network complexity, hardware and operational costs, should consider cloud-based SD-WAN services which are taking software-defined WAN even further. Cradlepoint’s NetCloud model, for example, is a game changer because it combines a Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform that leverages cloud, SDN and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) technologies together with an Enterprise Cloud Manager platform. What does it all mean for you?

It means simplified cloud-based SDN management and zero-touch deployment of 4G LTE-enabled routers and wired and wireless broadband networks. These more adaptive networks offer best in class SD-WAN functionality, managed global network connectivity and more enterprise visibility, security and control.  Before making a move, review these benefits:  

  • Full BYOD, branch office, remote worker and M2M support- In 2020, IDC expects that 72% of the U.S. workforce will be mobile.That number is huge! That’s 105.4 million mobile workers in less than five years (Source: IDC). That means the need for secure and seamless mobile connectivity is more important than ever. Because NetClould’s model offers virtual cloud network with LAN emulation, enterprises can support this new mobile era with 4GLTE, SD-WAN and cloud services. This is ideal for those that require multi-WAN environments that use one or more LTE and Wi-Fi-as-WAN connections. From wherever work is being done, users will have the ability to gain fast access to all the tools they need, from any device. This could includes apps like unified communication and collaboration tools (UC&C), GSuite from Google, DropBox, POS systems and Office 365. Also, ‘things’ like kiosks, cameras, sensors and other Internet of Things (IOT) devices can be connected to the virtual cloud network and can be managed by the NetCloud Manager efficiently, saving potentially 90% compared to traditional MPLS connections.
  • Subscription-based services lower Capex and Opex- Because the NetCloud Engine requires no additional hardware or configuration, it can scale up and down instantly without making expensive hardware investments. It also reduces complexity because networks are self-organizing and self-healing with orchestration and automation capabilities. SD-WAN traffic steering capabilities mean smarter WAN selection (SWANS) based on application performance and quality of service (QoS). The secret is that the connection manager allows for granular control of when, why and how wireless WAN connections are utilized, which allows for load sharing and failover protection.
  • Single-pane-of-glass management- Cradlepoint’s Enterprise Cloud Manager enables zero-touch deployment for rapid installation and remote management of multi-WAN branch and IoT gateways. This means IT administrators can quickly configure and scale networks across branch offices. They can also deliver mobile connectivity in vehicles (i.e. mobile police force or delivery vehicles) or for remote users. The cloud-based management module also extends management capabilities to any primary router. Admins can perform remote diagnostics and monitor 3G/4G data usage. Users can set up application-aware policies and prepare proactive alerts regarding modem connectivity issues, data usage, failed login attempts, modem removal and unauthorized users or configuration changes. These security and management capabilities also improve the user experience, because connections are monitored from an adaptive QoS point of view.
  • Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) reduces complexity and improves security-Delivered as NaaS model, the NetCloud Engine is fueled by network and service virtualization software and powered by cloud infrastructure. That means customers can spin up virtual networks quickly. That virtual network then works just like a virtual LAN switch in the cloud, with the same level of utility and security of traditional LANs. A cloud-based SDN model is more secure because data is encrypted in transit and includes private IP address space. The NetCloud Engine expands the Active Directory (AD) domain to wherever work is being done.

Today’s smartest enterprises employ a truly global and mobile workforce that requires anytime-and-anywhere access to VPNs, applications, data and innovative collaboration tools. This climate requires a more intelligent and responsive network that delivers secure LAN-like connectivity, without the hassle, cost and complexity of traditional private network connections. Those networks delivered as-a-service that are software-defined and cloud-based like NetCloud delivered by Broad Sky Networks, meet these challenges and provide the ultimate level of network visibility, security and control.
If you’d like to learn more about how Broad Sky Networks and Cradlepoint’s NetCloud can help your business thrive, email info@broadskynetworks.net or give us a call at (877) 291-9575.

ZeroOutages Partners with Broad Sky Networks for Wireless Connectivity

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ZeroOutages (www.zeroutages.com) an industry leading supplier of SD-WAN services, and Broad Sky Networks (www.broadskynetworks.net), a Managed Service Provider of LTE based wireless internet, today announced their partnership to offer the ZeroOutages SD-WAN solution for wireless internet failover, primary internet, and out of band management.

This strategic partnership focuses on supporting ZeroOutages’ strategy, providing the best possible connection quality via fiber, cable, copper, or wireless connectivity. Broad Sky Networks’ router based connectivity provides real time diagnostics of signal quality, dual sim/dual carrier coverage, and the newest frequency aggregation “CAT6 LTE” which supports the highest speeds available from the major wireless providers.

“ZeroOutages SD-WAN enables the highest possible quality of service using its intelligent link aggregation and best path routing functionality,” stated Daren French, VP of Development for Zero Outages. “With Broad Sky Networks, we wanted to make available wireless connectivity that matched that singular focus on best in class connectivity and speed.”

“We’re excited to be part of the ZeroOutages solution for SD-WAN,” remarked Mike Mudd, President of Broad Sky Networks. “14 years of delivering wireless solutions has taught us that quality and design matter. Customers will notice the performance difference on our router powered wireless solution, providing the speed and reliability they need to run their business.”

ZeroOutages’ SD-WAN solutions include unique and patent-intelligent WAN routing with Site2Site and Dynamic Throttling technology that surpasses standard link QoS in order to deliver the highest possible throughput and quality on any Internet connection.

Broad Sky Networks Router Based connectivity for wireless delivers frequency aggregation on the new LTE-A platform and proven industrial grade routers supporting VPN tunneling, VoIP calling, and highly secure transactions.

The service is available today by combining ZeroOutages with Broad Sky Networks as an integrated service offering.
About Broad Sky Networks
Broad Sky is dedicated to providing cost-effective, timely and reliable solutions. We engineer the very best network service providers, hardware vendors and cloud services into robust solutions specific for each of our clients’ M2M/IoT requirements for primary or redundant connectivity. Simply said, Broad Sky puts more 9’s in your network uptime because they live and breathe wireless services.

About ZeroOutages
ZeroOutages is the world’s first carrier neutral managed service provider for WAN circuits. Providing Network Monitoring, QoS Optimization, and Redundancy for Internet and wide-area-network links. ZeroOutages ensures uptime for our customers through an array of patented WAN management tools.

ASK THESE 3 QUESTIONS OF YOUR SD-WAN PROVIDER

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Once thought of as the little brother to Software Defined Networking (SDN), today SD-WAN is growing in leaps and bounds and has proved itself as a mature technology. One of the reasons for SD-WAN’s increased adoption is the technology’s ability to deliver more reliable, agile and cost effective internet connectivity by aggregating the best available connections at any given time. SD-WAN technology bonds these multiple connections even in rough environments or rural worksites once plagued by spotty internet connectivity. This is a game changer for businesses that have branch offices, campuses or a mobile workforce (which today, is almost every business!) Examples include healthcare providers, retailers, financial services, food and beverage vendors, and those with vehicle networks like EMS or field construction crews.

How SD-WAN works

SD-WAN works by converging multiple links together− MPLS, broadband, 4G LTE, carrier Ethernet and DSL− giving organizations superior internet at broadband speeds as well as backup and redundancy features. This means that if one connection goes down, distributed offices and those working remotely, can still access mission critical applications because the technology automatically routes traffic to another link. This dynamic, on-the-fly network intelligence shapes and prioritizes traffic by following policies set by administrators. And, this can all be done from a centralized controller which is often cloud managed.

This level of fail-safe connectivity is especially important for organizations that rely heavily on cloud-based instances of SaaS applications, UC&C applications, storage and backup systems, and IaaS such as AWS. In today’s need for ‘always-on’ connectivity, imagine if the network went down due to an unexpected storm or severed Ethernet line. Productivity immediately plummets when employees have slow or limited access to everything that keeps the businesses running.  VoIP systems, Salesforce, BI applications, or even PCI-compliant payment processing systems are all vulnerable with traditional WAN architectures.

Why does network diversity really matter?

Organizations can gain a significant advantage by diversifying network links to create an enhanced network topology and greater network redundancy. While there are dozens of SD-WAN vendors and technologies available today, finding the right controller and set of options can be a challenge. To get clarity, ask these three questions of any SD-WAN or cloud provider:

 

  1. Can SD-WAN pick up LTE-Advanced networks? The truth is most SD-WAN devices leveraging USB modems run on the slower single band LTE, ignoring the faster LTE-Advanced signal. On the other hand,  routers with embedded Category 6 Modems have the capabilities to pick up LTE-Advanced signals. This is an important note because LTE-A is gaining traction as the defacto standard for network carriers offering higher speeds and more bandwidth.
  2. Wireless Router or USB? Many SD-WAN devices load balance and channel bond MPLS, broadband and 4G LTE, depending on availability, speeds and the type of traffic. They also offer wireless connectivity through a USB modem plugged into the back of the device. The problem with USB modems is that they’re an aging technology that relies on small antennas that are, for the most part, cheap and flimsy. Not only that, USB handoffs are inherently slower and offer fewer options for traffic control. Opt for advanced routers with an embedded Cat 6 Wireless modem.
  3. Cloud managed options? If considering SD-WAN, ask about cloud-managed options. A cloud-managed SD-WAN controller offers greater network performance and scalability with no infrastructure costs upfront. The solution can also be deployed rapidly with pre-configuration options instantly available. Many cloud options also provide improved network visibility and analytics so administrators can manage WAN performance, data usage and costs more effectively. Through the controller, they can quickly set up policies for load balancing and traffic shaping. They can also apply Intelligent Quality of Experience (QoE) metrics and set up alerts to manage and remediate connection issues. This might include things like unexpected data usage, failed login attempts, configuration changes, etc.

Those organizations embracing cloud infrastructures, including those that have branch offices and a mobile workforce, require more intelligent and responsive network topographies to stay competitive. Asking these questions early on can help you make a more informed decision about diversifying your network with SD-WAN.

Broad Sky Networks offers the latest technology of routers embedded with a next-generation chip set to access Advanced LTE on the carriers as well as bonding technology for the fastest speeds and most bandwidth available.  Broad Sky engineers their solution at each location to utilize the strongest carrier at every site.   If you’d like to learn more about Broad Sky Networks and how to enhance the intelligence of your network for smarter business operations, email Sales@BroadSkyNetworks.net  us or give us a call at (877) 291-9575, we’re here to help.

What is Bonded LTE and LTE – Advanced Anyway?

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The problem with the promise of blistering fast LTE/4G networks, is that connections are only as strong as their weakest link. That means that in areas that are remote or have spotty connections, when connections transfer from one link to another, there is a possibility of connections dropping. To minimize these risks, smart enterprises are considering alternatives to traditional 4G/LTE wireless services. This shift is fueled in part by the release of LTE-Advanced (or LTE-A) technology. In August 2016 Verizon launched LTE-A and similar AT&T and T-Mobile services soon followed (Source: Telecompaper).

Secure connectivity from anywhere

LTE-A is quickly gaining traction as the preferred network standard because of its carrier aggregation capabilities. LTE-A relies on carrier aggregation to essentially ‘bond’ cellular connections to deliver faster− and more reliable− connections. True to the name, bonded LTE coverage means multiple frequencies are bonded together to ensure the fastest connection possible and the maximum network availability.

As a result, with bonded LTE, service interruptions are all but eliminated and organizations can become more scalable because they can provide highly reliable internet service across the business more quickly. Bonded LTE connections provide more bandwidth and higher availability across the entire enterprise, from branch offices to mobile deployments, and to transportation networks.

All 4G solution providers are not equal. Broad Sky Networks offers an integrated single source for multiple carriers offering Bonded LTE first in the market.  Broad Sky engineers each site for optimal performance and reliability.  

If your business is evaluating alternatives to traditional LTE/4G coverage, consider these adoption strategies:

  • Do your research- Keep in mind that always-on LTE-A network connectivity is relatively new. In fact, any router/modem manufactured before Q4 2016 does not have bonded LTE capabilities. As of today, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have bonded LTE (concentration of bonded LTE availability is in major metro areas). Other stats:
      • LTE-A can raise data packet transmission speed by more than 50%
      • Download: 30-75mb
      • Upload: 10-12mb
      • Latency: 80-100 mb/second
      • Even faster without static IP
  • Have a long-term plan- If your business is moving to a cloud-based computing model and has a distributed network environment, consider technology that is future proof. The right technology decisions now can help to reduce costs and enhance the intelligence and scalability of your network in the future. Keep in mind also, bonded-LTE connections require LP6 chipset routers. These advanced routers can detect Bonded LTE signals as it becomes available.
  • Consider the right partner- Don’t underestimate the power of a trusted, partner. A service provider that understands your business workflow and long-term goals for connectivity and business continuity will give your business the greatest competitive advantage. Not only that, the right service provider will keep you informed of current technology from wireless providers, which will help cut IT spend overtime.

Taking these steps today can help you better evaluate LTE-A services and understand the potential benefits of carrier aggregation from bonded LTE routers. Broad Sky Networks offers 4G/LTE- A coverage from all major carriers and can tower qualify any specific address for bonded LTE coverage. If you’d like to learn more about Broad Sky Networks and talk about how to optimize your wireless connectivity, email us or give us a call at  (877) 291-9575, we’re here to help.

4G Failover and Business Continuity: Why Your Business Needs 4G FaaST Failover

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Nothing is certain but death and taxes, unless you’re are a business with internet access. Then, the likelihood of your network going down happens more often than you may care to admit. In some instances it’s only a momentary lapse in service and might not cause any significant disruption in your day-to-day operations. In many cases though, it wreaks havoc on your business operations, ability to communicate with customers, and ultimately your bottom line.

Industry experts like Gartner, Ponemon Institute, and Infonetics cite the cost of downtime ranging from $100k/hour to over $500k/hour. While the numbers vary slightly depending on the report, the overarching conclusion is that downtime, no matter how slight, can have a significant financial impact on your business’s bottom line.

From service provider network outages to physical cable cuts and natural disasters, wired service simply cannot guarantee 100% network uptime. With that, companies are now looking at wireless failover options to provide business continuity in the event of an outage or downtime.

4G LTE wireless offers high speed connectivity almost everywhere. Leveraging a wireless option for failover and redundancy gives businesses the piece of mind they need when it comes to managing their network communications. It is a cost-effective insurance policy for your network that keeps your business running smoothly and protects your business as soon as there is an issue.

Challenges with Traditional Failover

Traditional failover circuit designs require a second wired circuit from another network provider and an on-site switch that recognizes when the primary internet path has failed. That on-site switch can then switch traffic to the secondary path for failover. The problem with this setup is that the secondary wired path is located in the same physical space as the primary circuit, so the physical event that cuts the primary path, in turn, cuts the secondary path. Additionally, businesses with traditional wired failover solutions are unable to switch traffic back to the primary path due to a lack of onsite switch capability.

Broad Sky’s FaaST (Failover-as-a-Solution) Failover Solution

With Broad Sky’s FaaST Failover solution, we eliminate the challenges associated with traditional wired failover solutions. Since wireless circuits can’t be cut, the physical network disruption is protected by route diversity with a wireless network. FaaST Failover detects loss of upstream internet service and automatically fails over to the wireless network. Once the primary connection is re-established and considered stable, the network is then automatically switched back to the primary network.

Unlike other failover solutions, Broad Sky’s FaaST Failover solution doesn’t require the manual switch from primary to backup. Administrators are notified in real time of network events and also receive reports that include:

  • Time of outage
  • Duration
  • Resolution
  • Amount of data traffic passed

How FaaST Failover Works

By connecting the Ethernet cable from your primary carrier modem to Broad Sky’s FaaST router, you are able to “pass through” all internet traffic while retaining the carrier’s static IP. Then, simply connect your LAN switch to the Broad Sky Ethernet handoff, and FaaST Failover is ready to go. It’s that simple.

Conclusion

With the impending threat of network downtime, your business cannot afford to lose valuable productivity and communications due to network failure. Broad Sky Networks’ FaaST Failover solution is a cost-effective, easy-to-implement solution that can save you time, money, and headaches when a network event occurs. Give us a call and let us help you keep your network connected and running smoothly.

On M2M: Redundancy is a Necessity

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How M2M Networks Can Eliminate Enterprise Inefficiencies

Every successful business wants to meet the same basic goals: The need to be efficient, the ability to reduce or eliminate redundancies, and in the process, to be profitable. In your business, you may view redundancies as inefficient, leading to lost profits. In a Machine to Machine (M2M) network however, redundancies mean gained profits.

Let me explain. We were introduced to new terminology last year and it is immediately understandable. It is called the Internet of Things, or IoT. This is a world where machines talk to each other, machine to machine or M2M and because of that communication, makes your business more profitable. Even IT folks are struggling with all of the M2M possibilities and when you begin to discuss the necessity of redundancy, they might even glaze over. M2M in the IoT means ROI.

Here is the world in a nutshell. Machines are massively distributed across a wide variety of different functions. In order to make it all connect, a service provider will need to move faster than your competition. To do this, gradual transitioning is not optimal. In order to see a significant increase in your ROI, the provider must understand the need for quick installations, even speedier configurations, and in the process, keep your key IT people up-to-speed with a variety of protocols, interfaces, and automation.

This will only be accomplished with a cloud. Not just any cloud but one of humbling size, capable of creating unbridled connectivity, deploying nodes numbering in the hundreds of thousands. This will require tools that will, in essence, flatten out the skill level needed to rollout these kinds of devices. Until then, a better-than-excellent provider like Broad Sky can make your access easier to the IoT world where M2M is much more fluid.

Network redundancy will need to be incorporated into the hardware as well. This will help achieve the sort of performance required, the type of connectivity expected, without the unexpected congestion that often occurs in these types of wireless associations.

Redundancies also need to be built into the overall security plan as well. This can be achieved with automatic failover linking data centers that will keep M2M networks available and connected in almost every possible situation. These types of safety nets are often grouped in virtual router redundancy protocols acting as an always-on pathway for individual routers. And always-on means always in business.

Bundling A Backup

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Five Ways to Make You More Valuable to Your Clients

Eventually, everybody attempts to build a piece of Ikea furniture. You begin with high hopes which are quickly dashed by wordless instructions, lack of tools, and absolutely no idea how all those flat pieces become the product you thought you bought. Your client probably thinks they can build their own broadband system only to find out just how difficult it really is. As an agent, looking to create value and long-term relationships, your client needs to understand the importance of bundling a backup, or failover, connectivity solution and when you do, you become much stickier. Here’s five reasons why bundling a backup is important and how it can make you more valuable to your clients.

Backing Up Saves Money
Systems can and do fail. Despite an agent’s best efforts, files become corrupt and data can be misplaced. These disruptions can come from any direction at any time. Your client will find your ability to alleviate some of those concerns invaluable.

Failing to Backup Costs Money
One of the first things a client will see is the cost of backup. Not only are copies of files costly to maintain, but redundancy in equipment can also be seen as a potential expense they may not be willing to take. It is essential that they understand the costs of not taking these measures in advance.

Bundling a Backup
Most systems need a certain level of compatibility to operate successfully and achieve the always-on requirement your client’s business requires. When you can get routers, gateways and everything in between from a single reliable provider, you can create a system that gives your clients confidence and peace of mind.

M2M Customization
No two businesses are alike. A company like Broad Sky Networks can work directly with you to make the systems those businesses currently have become more efficient, no matter the size or reach. It might be building a T1 or Cable Access with a Broad Sky 4G LTE backup or integrating broadband wireless with their terrestrial systems.

Synchronized Support
In order for you to sell your services to a client, you need to be able to find the highest level of backend support in the business. This goes beyond just the hardware. Instead, you expect the best equipment, competent support, satisfaction guarantees, and of course reliability. Broad Sky offers nationwide Field Services in support of RF site surveys, pro installation and maintenance of all equipment.