Don’t Freak Out, But We Need to Talk About Security and Wireless

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It has been said that ‘you can’t have a picnic without a few ants.’ Well, the same can be said for wireless technologies like 4G and now 5G. Users of 4G/5G services get the advantage of superior, uninterrupted connectivity, and the ultimate flexibility for communication and mobile internet. The adoption of 5G will bring even more benefits like reduced latency, energy savings, cost reductions, and higher data capacity. The downside is that mobile wireless services also present security challenges at the hardware and network level. As carriers continue to deploy extensive 4G/5G wireless networks, IT leaders need to be aware of vulnerabilities and security concerns associated with each. This is particularly a concern as 4G/5G is becoming the infrastructure of choice for the Internet of Things (IoT) and business communication applications.

Think about how security issues could play out in a ‘smart city’ IoT application. Potential risks in 5G networks could pose a threat to smart traffic lights and street lighting, or electronic road signs – causing potentially dangerous situations. A recent study by Positive Technologies highlights flaws found in wireless’s GTP protocol (General Tunneling Protocol). With no built-in encryption included in GTP, security and authentication are left to be managed elsewhere in the applications. The report goes on to explain that exploiting these issues doesn’t require super hacker skills either. Instead, it only takes a laptop, a free software installer for ‘testing,’ and basic programming skills. (Source: Positive Technologies).

Don’t forget about AKA

Another issue is that 5G security is built around AKA (Authentication and Key Agreement). This authentication protocol is supposed to address the issue of devices using fake base stations known as IMSI catchers (International Mobile Subscriber Identity-catcher) also sometimes called ‘StingRays.’ However, there are some holes. (Source: Naked Security). Why is this a problem you might ask? By luring a smartphone to connect to a fake base, the protocol permits traceability attacks. Attackers can potentially identify the device’s owner and track their physical location. Although this scenario is harder with 5G, setting up fake base stations is still possible – however, the subscriber’s identity would be hidden using public key encryption managed by the mobile network.

How can security risks affect real users

Even if your business isn’t building a smart city, designing self-driving cars, or launching an enterprise-wide IoT project, organizations should still take notice. Not addressing security holes could lead to data breaches giving bad actors access to your network, Denial of Service (DoS), or a complete takeover. Ordinary mobile users are also vulnerable – would-be attackers can spy on mobile subscribers or potentially intercept internet traffic. If that’s not scary enough, these types of threats could allow for attacks on autonomous vehicles, medical identity, and more.  The good news is that understanding wireless security issues more clearly can help organizations take the proper precautions around their adoption and dependence on mobile wireless networks.

  • 5G offers some security enhancements – Experts tell us setting ISMI StingRays for 5G devices requires a lot more time and sophisticated hacking skills, compared to 4G. This fact buys defenders much needed time to close critical security gaps.
  • Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and advanced malware – Minimizing security risks are all about reducing issues that account for most security incidents. These tools can help block primary 5G security threats. Malware that goes going beyond signature-based tools can better identify attacks designed to evade basic filters.
  • Network switches and routers should leverage big data and machine learning – For multi-stage threats that avoid basis filters, big data and machine learning tools embedded into network switches and routers can offer advanced protection. Most believe these add-on technologies are ideal because they turn the devices into 5G security sensors.

Security is one of the fastest growing concerns when it comes to the enterprise network. If you want help better understanding security challenges your customers may be facing with 4G/5G connectivity, talk to Broad Sky Networks! We can show you the best practices and steps for keeping data secure at the network’s edge and in transit. We can help! Visit our video library to learn more!

Getting Ready for 5G – What you Need to Know

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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

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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.

Unlimited Data? Not So Much. Here’s What You Need to Know

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To be successful, companies today need more bandwidth and with higher reliability than ever before. Whether you’re an SMB or a large enterprise, your business requires agile and effective connections to supplement wired network access and to provide coverage in areas that lack wired access. The growing need for remote cloud access, IoT, and increasingly mobile employees, means that businesses need a new foundation for building a truly ‘connected organization.’ 4G LTE and LTE-A are ideal technologies for supporting a connected organization because the solutions provide lightning-fast Internet connectivity, regardless of where connectivity is needed. While most 4G LTE business-grade solutions are multi-carrier to ensure that networks are always-on and applications are always available, carriers’ so-called ‘unlimited’ data plans leave much to be desired. The fact is, plans advertised as unlimited are, in reality, far from it. Performance in real-world conditions varies greatly, and it’s hard to know if advertised speeds are delivered consistently.

When evaluating data plans and 4G LTE options, organizations need to ask smart questions to determine if the wireless connectivity and data plans will work for their needs. For example:

  • Are there any usage limitations or application limitations on the data plan?
  • Can the 4G LTE service plans be used in a router or device or just a tablet or phone?
  • Can users run business applications like cloud-based UC, VoIP or VPN using these data plans?  Is there throttling at a threshold?

Let’s go over the best use-cases for 4G LTE and learn more about how to determine carriers’ unlimited data hype from reality.

  • Great for enterprise edge connectivity – When conventional wired connections aren’t available, 4G LTE connectivity solutions provide reliable, flexible, and easy to manage connectivity solutions to support data-rich applications. Companies that have remote locations, or those in retail, food, and beverage, or others with branch networks, mobile networks, or IoT may benefit from 4G wireless. Wireless routers can also provide reliable internet for remote and temporary locations, such as fairs or events, or interactive media applications, industrial sites, and more. Putting together the right 4G LTE routers with the right data plan can also support sophisticated networks at the edge and make consistent connectivity possible for organizations of any size and nearly any application or vertical.
  • Business continuity guaranteed – When primary wired networks go down businesses are at tremendous risk. Without backup internet in place, organizations can miss out on critical sales, miss deadlines, accrue penalties, and irritate customers – all of which can impact revenue in the short term and long term. 4G LTE plans can help customers avoid these pains and minimize risks across their organization. On top of that, 4G LTE married with the right data plans can help customers stay connected to the internet, plus provide access to VoIP applications and data networks no matter what.
  • More flexibility to pool data – One of the primary benefits of 4G LTE for WAN network access is that it provides hugely flexible connectivity options for business customers compared with traditional wired line connections. As organizations expand their connectivity needs requiring internet access for everything from remote offices to kiosks and IoT devices, 4G LTE is the clear winner because it provides users access to a shared data pool needed to support all of these business applications in the most effective and efficient way possible.

As a trusted technology partner, customers will be looking to you to answer critical questions about what 4G LTE solutions are optimal and which carriers and data plans they can trust. Luckily, you have Broad Sky Networks on your side! We offer 4G LTE options that your customers will love and that will meet their demands for connectivity across the enterprise. Contact us to learn more about why LTE is the connectivity choice for many enterprises to support data-rich applications and to provide highly reliable, flexible, and easy to manage the internet. We’ll help you understand which 4G LTE data plans are the best and show you how these plans perform in the real world. Your customers with thank you!

Why Your Customers Need Gold Standard Wireless….Quality Matters

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The internet is no longer a luxury item, it’s an integral part of every business. As companies push more and more applications to the cloud their reliance and survival rely on their connectivity to the cloud! To meet these demands, there’s an increasing need for faster speeds and a network that can handle the capacity of today’s Cloud Applications. But, with more options and features available for business-grade wireless, the market has also become much more confusing and cluttered. Carriers are promoting cheaper IoT and Machine to Machine (M2M) wireless solutions that are marketed as ‘business-grade’ wireless when in actuality they don’t deliver the speeds or high-availability required. So what are businesses doing to overcome wireless internet challenges?

A lot of companies are going with the ‘hope for the best’ method, which, unfortunately, misses the mark and can lead to tarnished business reputations. Leading companies, however, are taking a different path. They are turning to their technology partners (like you!) for guidance about selecting their right enterprise wireless solutions. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about enterprise-grade wireless options.

  • Think about how wireless integrates with a customer’s overall environment – Today most enterprises have a hybrid mix of traditional IT and new cloud-hosted application. This dynamic environment dramatically impacts the requirements for connectivity between branch offices, plus connections to cloud services (i.e. Office 365, Salesforce, etc.). Corporate Wi-Fi is just one more piece of the puzzle. When looking at deployment options, consider those that have unified management capabilities. Customers want web-based tools for viewing VPN and WiFi performance, and things like inventory, configuration, and bandwidth usage. With analytics and web-based management capabilities, organizations will have visibility across their entire connectivity infrastructure, including managed WiFi networks, broadband, MPLS VPN, and access to cloud services.
  • Be wary of ‘business-grade’ options – While there are multiple options available for speed and latency that are touted as ‘business grade’ wireless, the fact remains that not all wireless packages can support enterprise functions like VoIP, IPSec VPN, VDN or video applications. Be confident that your wireless internet partner can deliver superior throughput, maximum performance, and extensive coverage for each customer deployment.
  • Make sure the equipment being used is the latest Chip Set for Carrier Aggregation – As the carriers have poured money and resources into upgrading their wireless networks for faster speeds and more bandwidth, a customers connection is only as good as the receiving equipment. You want to make sure you are looking at Category 6 or higher in the equipment deployed in your wireless connections. Category 6 Modem or higher provides access to the additional bands available on all the carriers providing faster speeds, more bandwidth and Carrier aggregation for the fastest performance at each location.
  • Why is everyone talking about Cat-M1 and when should it be used? Cat-M1 is just one of the technologies that are paving the way for 5G networks. Many believe that M1 marks a step closer to carriers delivering cellular-based IoT capabilities. While still being improved upon and further developed, LTE Cat M1 technology offers significant enhancements over Cat 1 such as ease of integration, battery life, and coverage. Once Cat-M1 goes mainstream, it will mean lower cost IoT projects, and enhanced flexibility. If your customers are looking for next-gen connectivity for large-scale IoT projects, you should look into the availability of Cat-M1.

The demand for secure, enterprise-grade wireless internet options is pushing leading companies and technology partners to cut through the clutter to bring next-generation wireless networks to life.                 

Whether a business requires wireless internet at multiple branch offices to support VoIP, or connectivity for M2M communications, Gold Standard Wireless from Broad Sky Networks can help you get there. At Broad Sky Networks, we engineer the fastest possible connections at every location. We also offer a winning pre-install process that simplifies installation, and makes partners look good! While carriers have segmented their wireless offerings and networks into categories like ‘good, better, and best’ you’re customers always deserve the best! Let Broad Sky Networks help you deliver. Your customers will love it!

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

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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!

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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.

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

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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

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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!

Temporary Deployments and the Construction Industry

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For contractors and others in the civil engineering and construction industry, high-speed broadband has become as routine as using a hard hat on the job site. Contractors and builders require reliable, fast internet access to file project status reports, access and share 3D models, share designs with machine control equipment, other Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The challenge is, construction job sites often require short-term broadband access which can get expensive. Not only that, construction job sites are often remote or are in new undeveloped areas where traditional DSL or cable carrier access is not yet available. Even when carriers promise service by a specific date, circuits often don’t turn up in time. Or they are delays in the carrier buildout or plans change at the last minute. This can be a serious problem because any lag in broadband service on a construction site can lead to costly delays and massive schedule disruptions that can impact the project timeline.

What’s the solution for temporary deployments? Today’s leading companies in the construction industry are turning to wireless services that harness the power of 4G LTE and LTE-A networks, instead of traditional wired networks. By moving away from the wired internet, business owners, project managers, and other users can get streamlined and reliable access to all the business-critical applications they depend on every day. This includes software-as-a-service applications and intense bandwidth applications. Wireless broadband services supported by 4G LTE networks can deliver lightning-fast Internet connectivity no matter where the offices or job site are located. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest benefits and what to look for when selecting wireless broadband for temporary deployments.

  1. Quick deployment- A wireless router that leverages 4G LTE and LTE-A networks is an easy, affordable way for construction crews and others working at remote sites to share a single Wi-Fi connection. Not only that, instead of needing to lay down the actual carrier lines, which can take months, 4G LTE wireless services can be up and running in just days. When evaluating wireless routers and providers, look for ‘enterprise-grade’ options that are pre-provisioned, with a plug-and-play modem/router for simplified and faster installation.
  2. Fast broadband speed- One of the biggest advantages to 4G LTE wireless services is that it offers fast enough internet speeds to support all business applications and multiple users at the same time. These solutions offer mobile broadband speeds that are comparable to those of fixed-line access technologies. Taking advantage of the latest technology upgrades by the wireless carriers, LTE Advanced areas offer increased speeds and carrier aggregation for superior performance.
  3. Flexible plans to fit all needs and changing requirements- In some cases, a construction site has dozens of contractors and subcontractors that require reliable internet access to share project design files or collaborate using VoIP. Or perhaps it’s a small operation that’s compiling as-built data after the completion of a large warehouse. Either way, there’s a 4G/LTE broadband package that can fit those needs. Unlike traditional broadband access that can be costly with rigid offerings with long commitments, 4G/LTE services can deliver flexible, usage-based data plans that can be customized to meet the needs and price points of the customer.

New enterprise-grade wireless routers that leverage 4G LTE and LTE-A networks are a breakthrough for those in the construction industry and those requiring reliable, temporary internet deployments. Talk to Broad Sky Networks today about our flexible 4G/LTE plans and premium support services. Combined with our exclusive white glove service our wireless routers are rapidly deployable, highly available, combining internet access and wireless services all in a single device that is easy to deploy for almost-instant connectivity. Broad Sky is an expert for connectivity in the construction industry, we make wireless work.  Contact us today to learn more!