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!

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.

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

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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!

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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

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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

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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!

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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!

Enterprise Satellite Internet Reinvented with 4G LTE!

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A closer look at Brilliant Broadband from Broad Sky Networks

Whether you’re a small business, you have several remote facilities in rural areas, or you have temporary internet needs like at a construction site, highly reliable internet access has never been more important. Businesses require fast, secure and reliable internet to keep machines connected, to fulfill customer orders, to run payroll, VoIP applications, VPNs and other critical SaaS applications like Office 365. Broadband internet is today’s business lifeline, and it’s needed anywhere business gets done.

It used to be that satellite internet services were often seen as the ‘last resort’ option for businesses in remote or rural areas. Due to line-of-site requirements and simply the orbit of the earth, enterprise satellite internet was slow and had significant latency issues. Providers would also set strict ‘bandwidth limits’ of data allowed per month. Those limitations meant business with streaming needs, VPN requirements, VoIP services or just those that had several users, couldn’t rely on it.

A new FAST and RELIABLE option for internet

Luckily, satellite services have improved significantly over the years, and businesses should take a closer look at service options that combine enterprise satellite, and 4G wireless.

Combining satellite with 4G/LTE – Due to the high cost of running cable and configuring wired connections, wireless broadband is an attractive option for many businesses and applications. Businesses who move into underserved wired areas need high-speed internet at a reasonable cost to run projects or support events.

Advanced 4G/LTE mobile broadband routers and satellite internet service combined delivers the best of both worlds. They bring together the low cost of satellite internet with a 4G/LTE router/modem to route and manage the most latency-sensitive traffic. This keeps business-critical VoIP and VPN traffic running smoothly, securely and reliably over LTE, while running all other internet traffic use over satellite for a more efficient and cost-friendly option. Combining enterprise satellite internet with 4G/ LTE also allows users access to bigger data plans such as 500GB and over.

Speeds are up to 25 Mbps download, and 3 Mbps upload- Satellite service speeds are faster than ever before, and they offer more bandwidth capacity and throughput to satisfy customers wherever they’re doing business. Look for solutions that combine the synergy of satellite and 4G wireless internet into one service. These options will deliver the best experience in terms of speed, price, and performance.

Reach anywhere in the US- When high-speed internet is a necessity to get the job done, an internet option that combines satellite internet with a 4G/ LTE router gives users the ultimate flexibility and reliability. Look for a solution that can be up and running quickly and can be provisioned anywhere in the country.

If your organization is expanding or starting a project in a rural area where traditional wired internet isn’t an option, talk to Broad Sky Networks. Broad Sky Networks’ new Enterprise Satellite 4G LTE Brilliant Broadband service is the only service that bundles low-cost satellite internet with a 4G LTE router for the best internet experience possible. The bundled service pricing begins at $200/month for 40GB of combined internet traffic. Email sales@broadskynetworks.net us or give us a call at (877) 291-9575.