Getting Ready for 5G – What you Need to Know

/in , , , , , , , /by

5G is no longer future tech. Commercial 5G phone networks and 5G-enabled smartphones will be rolling out in 2019. (Source: ZDNet). But with 4G wireless still getting faster, why is the industry already jumping into the 5G fire? In a word, data. Research from IDC tells us that currently, more than 5 billion consumers interact with data every day. By 2025, analysts predict that number will be 6 billion, or 75 percent of the world’s population. (Source: IDC). 5G mobile data connectivity promises to keep up with our insatiable demand for data. 5G and fiber-based connectivity promise unbelievably faster broadband speeds, but even more importantly this next-gen mobile connectivity will have enough capacity to support users, regardless of how many people are connecting at the same time. Commercial 5G networks will run on a new high-spectrum band, which uses higher frequency signals than 4G. The previously inaccessible high-frequency band was dormant, prior, because of high costs and government regulations. The newly opened 5G band consists of millimeter radio waves between 30 and 300 GHz. The new band means that 5G networks will be much less congested than current 4G networks, which is critical. In some major cities today, users are already experiencing slowdowns during the busiest times of day (mainly during evening hours).

In addition to increased capacity on the network, 5G signals will also deliver much faster broadband speeds, reaching multi-gigabit level speeds. In metropolitan areas, those numbers would equate to 5G speeds that are consistently above 750 Mbps. For those businesses and individuals that reside in the city that’s great, but it’s also good news for users in rural areas in the US. Carriers predict that even those in remote locations should expect faster internet service with 5G. For example, with 5G even ‘one-bar signals’ would be faster than traditional 4G services showing ‘four bars.’ If these breakthroughs sound exciting to you, check out these additional benefits and network characteristics expected in the 5G era.

  • Ending the battle between Wi-Fi vs. LTE – ‘Always connected’ is here. Even more, than supercharging broadband speeds and increasing data capacity, another 5G contribution is that it will unite wireless, wireline, and satellite services under a common structure – ending the battle between Wi-Fi or cellular connections. Imagine a world where we no longer hunt for a Wi-Fi signal in a coffee shop or restaurant to ‘save our data’ and then switching over to our LTE cellular signals when no Wi-Fi is available? Instead, we’ll seek 5G always. Eventually, all devices will run on the 5G ‘new radio’ or NR standard, opening up an era of truly always-connected mobility.
  • A growing opportunity for resellers and VARs – 5G signals can’t travel as far as current 4G signals, so there’s a need to establish a higher number of access points closer together, which will add to the complexity of designing and constructing 5G networks. So when it comes to providing dedicated indoor coverage for buildings, there will be significant opportunities opening up in the market for VARs and systems integrators to meet this demand. Building owners and businesses will be turning to these technology partners to develop networks which are cost-effective and can support multiple operators. Large venues, like stadiums and airports, will make moves to create their own networks, which will be designed to be shared by various operators. Sometimes called a ‘neutral host’ the idea is these networks will enable a venue to own the network, and open it up to many different operators to supply connectivity.
  • Realizing Internet of Things (IoT) potential – 5G is expected to slash data delays from an average of about 100-200 milliseconds with 4G, to 1 millisecond or less. Because of these latency improvements, mobile connectivity becomes always-on, ultra-reliable, and ultra-secure. As a result, devices and sensors that need instant connections, such as IoT deployments, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication or Industrial IoT (IIoT) will thrive in a 5G world. This might include sites with a high volume of connected devices like manufacturing plants, mining and oil operations, or shipping ports. Further, 5G can also be configured to manage different types of devices, applications, and traffic in specific ways. For example, 5G networks can push through mission-critical devices so that they keep operating, being prioritized ahead of others, even if there’s a network disruption.

Your future looks bright

The gradual shift to 5G in 2019 and beyond is expected to forever change the way we interact with technology. Lightning-fast speeds, incredibly low latency, and the capacity to carry massive numbers of connections simultaneously will engrain technology into our daily lives even more. More than that, the shift to 5G is also an absolute necessity if we want to continue to rely on mobile connectivity. Carriers are essentially running out of LTE capacity in many metro areas, and 5G opens up new routes and capacity to carry that data, adding vast amounts of spectrum in bands that have not been used for commercial broadband traffic previously.

As we get closer to full-scale 5G development and adoption the buzz around its potential to drive business transformation will continue to expand. If you want help demystifying the 5G hype from reality, and you’d like to learn more about what 5G services are available today, and what’s coming, talk to Broad Sky Networks! We can help you map out a smart and sustainable 5G wireless plan and position you to take advantage of new profitable opportunities available. Don’t wait!

Rapid Deploy Internet: Get Day-One Connectivity with 4G LTE

/in , , , , , , , , /by

It’s no surprise that businesses in nearly every industry have become more dependent on networking technologies and internet connectivity over the past decade. Companies require connectivity for things such as credit card transactions, VoIP, access to centralized and cloud-based systems, databases, and applications, plus internet access for kiosks, digital signage, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. For all these applications, in the past, the predominant choice for introducing connectivity was Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), DSL, or cable. Downsides to fixed-line connections include limited accessibility, frequent repair issues, outages, and long deployment windows – ranging from 30 days to six months. Even when pre-ordered months in advance, customers often report delays in getting connectivity going – leaving businesses ‘out in the cold’ with zero internet.

Delays in procuring connectivity can mean that locations cannot operate at full capacity and productivity can suffer. Imagine if a construction site cannot access CAD design files they need? Or if a new food truck can’t take orders at the biggest event of the year? Or if a retail location cannot process transactions for customers? A lack of reliable business-class connectivity can be detrimental to the business. Not only that, if you’re the telecom or technology partner responsible for helping customers, missed deadlines by carriers or delayed installations can also hurt your reputation.

In today’s ‘always-connected’ world, what should businesses do? Just get in line and suffer through missed deadlines? Not any more! 4G LTE connectivity is internet delivered via a cellular connection, and it’s transforming how businesses connect. With the right 4G LTE mobile networking solution, a company’s new location won’t be left ‘out in the cold.’ Instead, organizations can get connected from day one.

At Broad Sky Networks, we deliver a powerful, immediately-deployable solution for temporary or full-time connectivity. Our solution is fully configured, static IP-enabled, and enterprise-grade ready – it’s perfectly matched for today’s modern business. It offers speed and reliability required for VoIP solutions, IPsec, VPN, VDT, and Citrix support. If you’re a managed service provider (MSP) or technology partner we can help your customers get connected quickly, avoiding the headaches and disappointments of fixed-line deployments. Let’s look at common scenarios ideal for 4G LTE connectivity.

  • ‘Pop up’ connectivity or temporary or remote connections – On top of providing rapid connectivity for sites where a fixed-line installation is delayed, 4G LTE connection can also provide ‘pop-up’ or temporary connectivity at locations where conventional fixed-lines aren’t readily available. This might include mobile access for emergency service vehicles or stations, retail pop-up stores, outdoor events, or remote work sites such as construction trailers. A mobile networking solution from Broad Sky can instantly deliver fast, secure and reliable connectivity to nearly any location. Teams can run business-critical applications such as Point of Sale and provide connectivity service to employees and customers to drive productivity. Another benefit? On top of day-one connectivity, the service is also portable, so it can move to where it’s needed most.
  • Failover connectivity – Rapid deploy 4G LTE internet can also serve as a failover connection for corporate sites or branch offices once fixed lines are up and running. The cellular-backed solution can integrate with wired connectivity solutions for greater resiliency, keeping businesses connected even if their primary connection fails. This capability extends the value of 4G LTE solution and gives companies peace of mind knowing they’ll have connectivity, no matter what.
  • ‘Cutting the wire’ – Advancements in speed and reliability make 4G LTE connectivity a true alternative to ‘fixed line’ solutions. 4G LTE networking technologies use multiple operators, combining cellular signals within a single solution. Built-in redundancy makes it possible for organizations to ‘cut the wire’ to their primary connectivity solutions. Another benefit is that 4G networking solutions are cloud managed. Teams can manage and monitor all devices remotely, even extending the policies of ‘corporate network’ to the network edge.

Waiting on carriers and delayed fixed-line internet deployments can be devastating to a business. Missed deadlines can result in inefficient operations, lagging customer service, and huge costs to the organization. Stop the cycle! At Broad Sky Networks, we deliver a truly rapid deploy internet solution. Give us a call and let us help you start ‘wowing’ customers from day one.

Top 4 Reasons Why SD-WAN and Wireless are a Perfect Match

/in , , , , , , , , /by

As our adoption of cloud computing grows, SD-WAN is fast becoming the future of the enterprise WAN. Storage and backup in the cloud, Unified Communication-as-a-Service (UCaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) are just a few examples of the great migration to the cloud. SD-WAN offers significant advantages over a traditional WAN infrastructure because it moves away from the conventional hub and spoke network design. In the hub and spoke designed WAN, traffic is backhauled through the enterprise data center, and it relies on private circuit MPLS links. On the other hand, SD-WAN allows for a network overlay with multiple links to form a unified pool of bandwidth. SD-WAN supports MPLS plus other reliable and cost-effective connectivity sources like cable, DSL, and wireless 4G LTE. A software-defined network is ideal for supporting the delivery of cloud-based services because it efficiently routes data traffic across a WAN by choosing the access connection for optimal performance.

Let’s take a look at how and why 4G wireless connectivity complements SD-WAN and how you can help customers leverage it to reduce costs and increase flexibility – making money for you at the same time!

  1. Ideal for traditional ‘branch’ deployments and more – SD-WAN is ideal for branch deployments because it includes centralized management across branches with the ability to select the optimal connection for each application. These capabilities are important because the term ‘branch deployment’ can cover a myriad of deployments. Besides traditional branch offices, businesses may need fast, reliable connectivity for fleet vehicles, pop-up stores, mobile facilities, surveillance cameras, or digital signage and kiosks, for example. Because SD-WANs combine MPLS quality and lower cost internet, including wireless, regardless of the deployment organizations can keep their applications connected and running smoothly. SD-WAN also provides the ability to select network technologies on a site-by-site basis, helping achieve the optimal balance of performance, security, and cost.
  2. Zero-touch deployments – SD-WAN coupled with 4G LTE wireless also simplifies deployment. IT organizations don’t have to dispatch IT staff to a remote location to deploy an SD-WAN router at a new branch, or to provide connectivity for an Internet of Things (IoT) device, like a remote sensor at a plant, for instance. Instead, using an SD-WAN router and wireless connectivity, an office manager can plug in the new router, and they have connectivity!
  3. Cloud-based management – Because SD-WAN technologies are software-defined, management is also done remotely through the cloud. These cloud-based platforms give teams the ability to provision, troubleshoot, and manage connectivity and applications on the network from a web-based interface. Network managers and have peace-of-mind knowing they have a single pane of glass for device management and SD-WAN control.
  4. Smart traffic routing – SD-WAN can optimize the best path for network traffic, leveraging smart-traffic routing, policy-based traffic prioritization, filtering, and traffic shaping. A software-based based platform enables teams to keep an eye on all connected endpoints across the network.

SD-WAN is one of the fastest growing network solutions because of its benefits around reducing costs, increasing flexibility, and centralizing control across the WAN. It aggregates multiple connections, including 4G LTE wireless, to steer application traffic leveraging diverse wireless bandwidth when needed. Talk to Broad Sky Networks about how you can help your customers leverage the power of wireless within their network for diversity, flexibility and peak performance!

5G is Almost Here….Your Questions Answered!

/in , , , , , , , , /by

Excitement is building around what 5G connectivity will mean for businesses, consumers, and the partners that support them. While 5G will promote faster speeds and less latency than previous iterations, the evolution in technology will also require a shift and reinvestment in cellular networks. What’s even more exciting is the potential impact 5G will have on the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape. It will require an increase in cellular networks worldwide to include new antennas that will soon, in the not-too-distant future, become the backbone of the IoT movement. In fact, research firm IDC predicts that by 2021, 5G’s broad enablement of IoT use cases will drive 70% of G2000 companies to spend $1.2 billion on connectivity management solutions (Source: IDC)

The possible implications of 5G connectivity are immense with the ability to impact not only mobile phones, but also homes, work, cities, and cars. While it may be some time before we see widespread 5G-enabled wireless networks available, it’s not too early to prepare for this new era of ultra-high-speed communication. Let’s explore some of the biggest questions around 5G networks and look at some exciting applications for business and end users.

  1. How fast are 5G speeds? 5G is a next-generation cellular standard, similar to 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE-Cat M, and NB-IoT, but faster.  One of the promises of 5G connectivity is faster data transmission speeds and much lower latency rates. For example, the fastest fiber broadband speeds currently being offered in the U.S. are hovering around 1 Gbps (gigabits per second). 5G connectivity could enable speeds of 20X that, up to 20 Gbps.
  2. What are the implications of 5G for IoT? Whether you’re talking about “smart cities” where sensors along roadways collect real-time information on traffic and send to traffic boards or “smart manufacturing” applications where interconnected machines share information, the reality is IoT can’t work without reliable connectivity. In the hyper-connected world of IoT, some projects can work fine with lower data rate solutions like 3G while other IoT plans, with more moving parts, have varying connectivity needs. The infrastructure and design of 5G-enabled networks and solutions are ideal for these environments because they are low energy and low cost. Not only that, they bring a level of reliability, latency, scalability, and security that’s needed for mission-critical services in the IoT space.
  3. Why does increased capacity matter? With the rise in IoT devices, such as ‘smart utility networks’ and manufacturing networks, the need for increased capacity will be a critical enabler of sharing data with multiple devices. Not only can 5G support the transport of data at a faster rate compared to 4G LTE, but it can also support a higher number of devices at the same time in a specific range. Experts predict 5G-enabled networks will have a connection density that is about 500 X as high as is the case with 4G.
  4. What opportunities are there around 5G? While 5G is on the verge of transforming how connected users interact with technology and the world around them, the success of 5G hinges on how wireless operators and technology partners can support these mobile networks of the future. The ability of partners to meet high capacity requirements and support practical IoT deployments with flexible and secure network architectures will propel leading partners to the front of the pack. Customers will look to IT service partners for solutions to support IoT plans, leveraging 5G connectivity, edge computing, software-defined networking, and network virtualization.

As organizations push for more data-intensive and complex IoT deployments, there will be an increased need for pervasive and fast mobile connectivity options: enter 5G. Talk to us today about how we can help you build up your support for 5G connectivity, wireless networks, and solutions that can support your customers’ core IoT infrastructure. Call Broad Sky Networks for more details (877) 291-9575.

True Nationwide, Multi-site Wireless Coverage is Here with Cross-carrier Pooling

/in , , , , , , , , /by

For organizations with multi-site offices or locations, providing each site with reliable, continuous wireless coverage can be a tremendous challenge. Multi-site business might include retail chains, with operations across multiple states, mobile healthcare workers, or technicians who require using remote data wherever they are working from. Companies have gone direct to Carriers but no one carrier provides coverage everywhere.  To obtain adequate wireless coverage, businesses must purchase individual plans and wireless services from several top-tier carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. This ‘patchwork’ approach aims to ensure that remote workers and all locations have wireless coverage to stay productive. However, despite best efforts, this approach often leads to wireless gaps and buying, overbuying, or underbuying of wireless services. Not only that, there are multiple invoices from carriers to juggle, which is a drain on productivity.

However, a new wireless solution based on advanced engineering and provisioning capabilities is changing the multi-site wireless landscape for good. Broad Sky Networks is now offering an innovative multi-site wireless solution that provides access to cross-carrier pooling for the best wireless data connection at each of their locations. The multi-site wireless service means business locations can share single plans across multiple providers and they are guaranteed the best possible wireless performance and access at each given location. From large organizations that have thousands of locations or remote workers to multi-location retail outlets to a small organization with two employees, Broad Sky’s mobility solution is unique because it provides reliable nationwide coverage, through the consolidation of the most trusted wireless networks, such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

  •        Cross-carrier pooling – Provides the ability for all locations to contribute to an aggregated total usage pool across multiple providers for all locations. Cross-carrier pooling means that users can obtain nationwide coverage anywhere, anytime, with a single-source solution.
  •        Extreme plan flexibility – Offering monitoring and reporting tools, customers are notified if trending over their allotted usage pool.  With these tools and information plan changes can be made mid-month to accommodate usage changes within an account to optimize plans.
  •        Consolidated billing – The solution also streamlines billing so that businesses receive a single monthly bill, rather than individual invoices from multiple wireless providers. This can save tremendous time and gives organizations a better handle on their monthly accounting and cost analysis.
  •        Deploys with SD-WAN – Broad Sky Networks’ multi-site wireless solution can also support SD-WAN deployments. Because SD-WAN is transport agnostic, the technology can rely on MPLS, broadband, or 4G wireless connections. 4G LTE is a diverse path redundant connection that works well in any SD-WAN deployment – organizations can deploy SD-WAN for lean branch office set up and greater network flexibility. With SD-WAN and nationwide wireless coverage from Broad Sky businesses can offer a diverse backup solution offering the best wireless connection at each location.

Organizations across several verticals can benefit from a truly nationwide, single-source wireless solution. Talk to us today about how our mobility solution can deliver fast and extremely reliable nationwide coverage, through the consolidation of the most trusted wireless networks available. Through our extensive partner program, partners can also offer this new multi-site wireless package to their customers. Call us for more details (877) 291-9575.

Global Wireless is Here!

/in , , , , , , , , /by

When you hear the terms ‘global wireless,’ you might assume your business already has those capabilities. Remote workers and those traveling to-and-from offices may have wireless plans in place, but what happens when mobile workers frequently cross multi-state or multi-country boundaries? Do they drop calls, or lose connectivity?  Further, what happens when Internet of Things (IoT) devices, connected to those same wireless plans, are in route on a multi-country transport? How do these devices stay connected to share sensor data or location information while bouncing across different carrier networks? Dealing with wireless coverage analysis maps, coordinating with carriers, and setting up third-party VPN applications is challenging, time-consuming, and costly to say the least. The question becomes if it takes this much juggling, can it be considered ‘a global wireless plan?’

The answer is, it cannot! That’s why Broad Sky Network’s next-generation global wireless solution is so groundbreaking. Through a new partnership with premier SIM provider, Webbing, Broad Sky Networks is offering a one-device wireless solution that allows for simple and highly-reliable global connectivity across 200-plus countries, without all the headaches. Let’s look at some of the distinct advantages of a wireless solution that has no limits.

  • Anywhere, anytime access without disruption – The global SIM solution bundles Webbing’s multi-IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) technology with failover capabilities across 200+ tier one providers. With Broad Sky Network’s strategic partnerships and carrier reach, this gives users access to wireless coverage across 600-plus countries. These capabilities enable low-cost routing while maintaining a high quality of service, giving users access to the best possible carrier connection automatically, without the need to switch carriers even while on the move (i.e., on a train, ferry, etc.).
  • Multi-device support –  Available for both travel and fixed locations, enterprise customers that require frequent international travel, or those that have international offices and facilities can benefit from Webbing and Broad Sky Network’s global-SIM solution. Supported devices include virtually any ‘smart’ device with a SIM card, such as smartphones, LTE-enabled laptops and tablets, and IoT technologies. With no manual intervention required by the user, the solution locates and connects to the optimal wireless signal at any given moment.
  • VPN access through international firewalls – Conventional global wireless solutions generally include carrier restrictions and require users to purchase, install, and set up a third-party VPN application to run effectively. These VPN blockers were needed to bypass ISP restrictions and enabled access to popular U.S.-based sites such as Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube as well as other business- related sites and services. Through Broad Sky’s access to premium carries, the global SIM wireless solution provides VPN access through international firewalls, so no additional VPN blockers are required.
  • Streamlined IoT connectivity – Unlike traditional enterprise mobility strategies, where a standardized cellular plan can guarantee sufficient data connectivity, successful IoT implementations require considerable planning and site surveys across thousands of locations, sometimes in areas where cell coverage is spotty. Broad Sky Networks dramatically simplifies current IoT deployments because the SIM solution can intelligently connect to the best wireless network on each data session. The platform enables native integration via APIs to track device usage, generate notifications, and provide insights on data anomalies in addition to real-time monitoring and security capabilities.

Many enterprise users today require continuous access to mission-critical applications while traveling, without all the hassles of dealing with multiple cellular carriers. Through its partnership with Webbing, Broad Sky Networks is making this vision a reality, making wireless without limits possible for businesses of all sizes. Talk to us today about how our global wireless solution provides superior connectivity over traditional carriers along with lower-cost data options. Call us today to get connected (877) 291-9575.

 

Exploring 3 Use Cases for Wireless in IoT Deployments

/in , , , , , , /by

The avalanche of network-connected devices coming online over the next several years will have a significant impact on the way businesses access, measure, process, and control information on their network. In fact, Gartner forecasts that worldwide the number of connected ‘things’ will reach 20.4 billion by 2020. (Source: Gartner). The Internet of Things (IoT) revolution is being adopted across a variety of industries from retail and manufacturing to healthcare and government for its ability to open up new business opportunities, reduce costs and streamline operations. However, this IoT goldrush also presents several unique challenges for enterprises and the MSPs and partners that support them.

On top of fragmented standards around IoT and challenges related to security and connectivity of endpoint devices, another hurdle to IoT is establishing network connectivity that is robust, reliable, and cost-effective. Depending on the IoT application, enterprises may have requirements for simple IoT devices, such as remote sensors at a plant or for digital signage, for example. Or another IoT application may require a higher demand for reliability, such as for public safety, health care or transportation. If your organization is looking to help customers with IoT deployments, consider IoT-native routers that offer multiple 4G LTE modem options and cloud management features.

Broad Sky Networks delivers the ultimate wireless solution to support IoT deployments. A wireless WAN powered by 4G LTE connectivity can enable customers to rapidly achieve the business value IoT, regardless of their requirements or IoT application. Depending on their needs, customers can select the right modem for their specific application requirements, such as throughput, coverage, and cost.

While there are virtually millions of unique applications for IoT network-connect devices, let’s take a look three of the primary uses cases for wireless in IoT deployments. And, we’ll dive into how you can help your customers set up a successful IoT implementation.

  • Kiosks and ATMs- Enterprises that manage ATMs, kiosks or digital signage have long relied on legacy data and network connectivity solutions like those from JBM Electronics or Sixnet. Today customers are looking to upgrade these services and to leverage more reliable 4G connections for higher availability and simplified management. Broad Sky Networks offers secure WiFi connectivity for ATM and kiosk IoT deployments along with cellular backup options that provide redundancy and greater confidence that the endpoints will be up and running as expected.
  • Transportation networks- Whether it’s a fleet of emergency vehicles, a metro bus line, or a repair or service vehicle, IoT applications in the transportation arena will continue to expand exponentially. In-vehicle networks power GPS vehicle tracking, real-time monitoring of CCTV systems, onboard passenger WiFi, mobile payment processing, and much more. Supported reliable 4G LTE wireless connectivity, customers looking for enterprise-grade network connectivity will be ‘wowed’ by the reliability, speed, and cost-effective options available from you and Broad Sky Networks.
  • Remote sensors and machinery controls- Monitoring and control solutions today are used for a variety of applications ranging from industrial, commercial, or infrastructure-based.  These might include sensors that continuously collect information about machinery or processes used for anything from wastewater management, agricultural processing, or manufacturing. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) control systems are another set of IoT applications that require secure and highly available networks. Remote management and simplified maintenance of endpoint devices and the networks that connect them are also top priorities for decision makers in this space. Unfailing wireless broadband connections are a foundational component to making these sensors and control systems work in these environments.

Broad Sky Networks offers innovative wireless solutions that can make your customers’ IoT deployments work in any of these applications. Talk to us about how our wireless connectivity options can bring more flexibility, security, and reliability to any machine-to-machine deployment. If you’d like to learn how we can help you and your customers succeed in their IoT rollout, email us or give us a call anytime at (877) 291-9575.

Broad Sky Networks Partners with Premier SIM Provider Webbing

/in , , , , , , /by

Broad Sky Networks Partners with Premier SIM Provider Webbing to Deliver Mobile Internet Access in over 200 Countries for Business Travelers and IoT and LTE-enabled Devices

Bend, OR – April 2018 – Broad Sky Networks, the nation’s leading provider of innovative wireless connectivity solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with leading global SIM provider Webbing (https://www.iamwebbing.com). Webbing offers a next-generation Global Personal Internet™ solution which is unique in that it provides users with a secure mobile hotspot wherever they are working from. This a significant breakthrough for enterprise users that require continuous access to mission-critical applications, regardless of the location. The Webbing Spot can be used on nearly any mobile device with a SIM card, and it automatically locates and connects to an optimal wireless signal available. Devices supported include smartphones, LTE-enabled laptops and tablets, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Without being locked into a single carrier or relying on user input to find and select the best internet connection, the Webbing Spot technology automatically locates and connects to the ideal wireless signal continuously, without interruption or disconnection while on the move.

“Broad Sky is pleased to announce our partnership with such an innovator in the mobile internet arena,” said Broad Sky CEO, Mike Mudd. “This partnership builds on our ability to deliver highly-secure wireless WAN to global enterprise customers, in order to support primary internet and backup for SD-WAN. With Webbing, enterprise customers will also have seamless wireless internet access in over 200 countries for both IoT solutions and for business travelers who cannot afford the time and effort required for coverage analysis or wrangling with carriers. Imagine business travelers on a high-speed train not getting interrupted on a web conference or a transportation provider that can rely on embedded IoT devices to track, monitor and control assets across a multi-state/country transport. This bundled connectivity solution is a gamechanger for enterprise customers looking for truly global and mobile internet connectivity.”

Managing and deploying a global enterprise mobility for business travelers and IoT initiatives can be extremely challenging because of on the complexities and the fees associated with traditional carrier networks. Not only that, conventional solutions on the market today usually consist of carrier restrictions and require users to purchase, install and set up a third-party VPN application. Traditionally a VPN app needs to bypass ISP restrictions on U.S. based sites such as Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and other business related sites and services.

Broad Sky Networks’ strategic partnership with Webbing breaks down these barriers by removing these impediments at the network level. The global SIM solution delivers a simplified approach to wireless connectivity by bundling Webbing’s multi-IMSI* single SIM solution with failover capabilities across 600+ tier one providers.  Through Broad Sky Networks’ strategic partnerships and close collaboration with Webbing, customers now have access to an extensive carrier reach. This gives customers superior and unprecedented access to the best possible carrier connection for extremely reliable and high-quality internet, wherever enterprise customers roam.

With collaboration between Broad Sky Networks and Webbing, enterprise customers can get access to reliable internet connections across multiple devices, well below the market price. Typical customers eliminate roaming changes by 75%-85% by leveraging Webbing’s 4G and LTE networks and QoS capabilities.  Security is also improved because users can only access authorized websites and applications via a secured hotspot, limiting exposure to malware, virus, and malicious sites. Additional benefits include:

  • Built-in carrier access and redundancy- Multi-IMSI* single SIM solution with failover capabilities across 600+ tier one providers. The ability to prioritize network traffic by LTE signal with failover to other Tier 1 carriers
  • Compliance – Ability to manage the classification of data types, allowing traffic to pass to only authorized applications and protocols
  • Simplicity — Eliminates the need to negotiate and contract with multiple carriers in each country, while leveraging your global buying power

About Broad Sky Networks

Broad Sky Networks is a single source for Business Class Wireless Internet Solutions. Specializing in the area of 4G LTE wireless Machine to Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) equipment and services as well as VSAT. Broad Sky offers a multi-carrier solution that is seamless to the customer providing the best service at each location. Broad Sky offers bundled services with the best in breed hardware for a $0 CAPEX package which allows for easily deployed primary or business continuity services on any budget. Broad Sky’s M2M platform provides secure, reliable wireless connectivity to mobile and fixed devices with the greatest coverage in the United States and Canada. Broad Sky is the leader in Wireless solutions for Continuity, Primary, Temporary Deployments and IoT Solutions earning them a spot on the Inc 5000 list in 2017. To reach Broad Sky call (877) 291-9575 or e-mail sales@broadskynetworks.net.

 

 

Business-class Satellite Internet and Why It’s Brilliant!

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

For those of us living and working in developed and densely populated areas, we sometimes take for granted the fact the broadband internet is as ubiquitous as a Starbucks on every corner. But the truth remains that for many businesses operating in remote or rural areas, broadband internet options may be few and far between. Slow and unreliable internet or even providers that promise the delivery of DSL, cable, or 4G/LTE often fail to come through within required timelines. These missed deadlines by providers can wreak havoc on project timelines and client deliverables. For those opening branch offices, remote retail locations, or temporary work sites like a construction job site, broadband internet is critical for everyday activities.

Whether your organization requires access to business-critical SaaS applications, VoIP, VPN, Point of Sale (PoS) applications, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication or Internet of Things (IoT) device connectivity, reliable broadband has evolved from a nice-to-have to a must-have. Fast, dependable broadband connectivity is also the lifeblood of the business, bringing teams together to support better decision making and to drive new levels of customer service delivery.

Business-grade satellite – reaching where other broadband can’t

The beauty of enterprise-grade satellite broadband solutions today is that there are flexible plans available with top satellite service carriers. The trick is to find a technology partner that can help build a customized satellite internet solution and service that fits specific business needs− without overpaying, getting locked into a long contract or signing up for services that can’t meet demands for speed and usage. When looking for a high-quality satellite broadband solution, look for partners and technology that can deliver fast speeds and path diversity with continuous coverage across the US. Let’s take a closer look at what options to consider when evaluating business-grade satellite services.

  • Reliable mobile broadband or backup solutions- Whether the organization requires highly-reliable primary connectivity, mobile broadband, internet at a remote location, or a comprehensive backup solution for business continuity or disaster recovery, business satellite services can meet these demands. Satellite internet with 4G LTE connections can keep employees and equipment connected in challenging terrains or environments. Brilliant Broadband Satellite options from Broad Sky Networks, for instance, have built-in path diversity to ensure a reliable connection that can handle spikes in traffic, wherever work is getting done. Be sure to ask providers if they can deliver uncongested, low-latency data transmission, for optimal speed, performance, and reliability.
  • Fast speeds and high-usage options- Unlike satellite options of the past, next-generation business-grade satellite solutions can reach speeds up to 25Mbps x 3Mbps. High usage plans are also now available allowing for 500GB and over per month. Together, these speeds, usage plans and bandwidth delivered with satellite provide enough capacity for users to connect into collaboration apps, share video or easily share large data files. Also, be sure to avoid expensive overage fees by asking providers about data limits. Broad Sky Networks offers ‘anytime data’ and no hard data limits on usage. Instead of incurring huge, unexpected costs due to high internet usage for a particular month, with Broad Sky Networks satellite, internet access remains available at reduced speeds until the next billing cycle. Look for these smarter satellite features and capabilities to efficiently bring together distant teams for frictionless collaboration, instead of spending time worrying about exceeding data caps.
  • Reliable M2M and IoT connectivity- The right satellite broadband solution can keep users connected to their internet-powered devices and can provide access to real-time data exchange from machine-to-machine, to equipment or other applications. The extensive coverage and high-speed of satellite-delivered by Broad Sky Networks can help organizations ensure consistent connectivity and maintain tighter control over assets. This might include monitoring solutions at a construction site, solar farm, or an oil and gas drilling site or another power-generation facility that relies on SCADA solutions to monitor industrial processes and equipment.
  • Look for built-in Wi-Fi– Depending on business requirements, and it may be important to look for satellite options with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. Broad Sky’s Brilliant Broadband solution comes with an integrated Wi-Fi Modem that includes a modem Wi-Fi router. Dual-band 802.11ac technology delivers a stable and secure wireless connection across the business so users can use smartphones and mobile devices to access the applications they need most, wherever they are working. Ask providers for those devices that include integrated business-grade modems which are designed to provide the highest level of performance, reliability, and security for 24×7 business-critical applications.

Talk to BroadSky Networks today about how Brilliant Broadband advanced satellite options can keep your organization connected and thriving with reliable internet connectivity. Advanced satellite technology offered from Broad Sky Networks can help businesses with mobile connectivity, remote office deployments, temporary job sites, and much more. If you’d like to learn more about how Broad Sky Networks can help take your business to the next level, email us or give us a call at (877) 291-9575.

SD-WAN and Wireless Coverage

/in , , , , , , , , , , /by

A network infrastructure that’s agile and more efficient than a traditional network environment is worth its weight in gold for modern businesses. That’s because in today’s Software-as-a-service (SaaS) world, anytime anywhere connectivity is a must for remote workers and branch offices alike. The old way of backhauling traffic from branch offices back to headquarters to the internet and back is no longer desirable or manageable for network managers.

As SaaS skyrockets and branch offices become the norm, Software-Defined Wide-Area Networking (SD-WAN) has emerged as a winning strategy for today’s leading businesses. SDN-WAN has forever changed how networks are built and are managed. SDN extracts network services from the underlying infrastructure by decoupling network controls. SDN allows for programmatic control over the network from a central location, generally a cloud-based console. As more users rely on the cloud to access business-critical applications (i.e., Salesforce, Office 365, G-suite, etc.), SD-WAN enables organizations to adjust their networks to match application needs. Without increasing reliance on manual controls or expensive multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) links, SD-WAN aggregates multiple access technologies, like cable, broadband, 4G/LTE, and routes traffic across the best line depending on real-time availability, application requirements and policies.

Software-defined WAN routers also dramatically streamline and automate traditionally tedious network tasks, like provisioning, orchestration, and management. In doing so, SD-WAN routes lower WAN operating and capital costs significantly, improve application performance and help businesses become more agile and productive, particularly in managing remote branch networks.

Linking SD-WAN and wireless

With the adoption of SD-WAN continuing to grow in leaps and bounds, the technology is also being coupled with wireless capabilities to give businesses even more functionality.  Cloud-based applications are driving the need for bandwidth along with the need for a truly redundant connection at every location. SD-WAN and wireless offer a simpler rollout of these new network deployments.  This ‘branch in a box’ concept brings simplified wireless connectivity to local area networks (LANs). Let’s take a closer look at why is wireless an essential component to a successful SD-WAN deployment.

  1.    A MORE complete SD-WAN solution- For small and medium-sized businesses with several branch locations, SD-WAN coupled with wireless is a comprehensive solution that previously required additional vendor support. Cloud connectivity demands an always-on connection driving the need for truly diverse redundancy.   Look for SD-WAN solutions that offer wireless connectivity as a component as well as wired connectivity and include centralized, cloud-based management capabilities for a more efficient branch network configuration and simplified management.
  1.    Branch-in-a-box- These coupled SD-WAN/wireless solutions require minimal manual set up and provisioning. Look for software-based WANs that tout zero-touch deployments and automatic configuration so branch offices only need power and network connectivity to start operation. SD-WAN and wireless solutions enable the single source of orchestration for the branch network, meaning Wi-Fi connects branch offices and allows for the management of movement of traffic remotely from a cloud-based console.
  1.    Intelligent traffic management and software-defined policy management- The added visibility and insight into the network with SD-WAN saves times and lets network managers centrally control bandwidth, applications, and usage remotely by the click of a button through a cloud-based interface. SD-WAN routers can also automatically adjust applications flows and implement software-defined algorithms to optimize application performance, based on application-centric rules (i.e., VoIP, video, etc.) and user-defined policies. Teams can prioritize critical applications, control traffic by restricting application usage and designate permissions to non-mission critical applications, as needed.

Chances are, your business is relying on the enterprise network to extend connectivity to the cloud, data center, WAN, and wired and wireless LANs, from the corporate office to distributed branch offices. To meet the increasing demands placed on the network today, look to SD-WAN services coupled with wireless to simplify and automate branch deployments and centralize management across the board. Talk to Broad Sky Networks about how 4G LTE and  Brilliant Broadband and key components to a diverse, flexible and easy to deploy SD-WAN solution for unprecedented network visibility and control. Contact us today to learn more!