Tag: Backup

The Strategic Value of Out-of-Band Management Solutions

Maintaining an efficient and secure network infrastructure is paramount for businesses seeking sustainable success. Network disruptions can lead to revenue loss, operational inefficiencies, and eroded customer trust. In response, innovative approaches like out-of-band management have emerged, offering a robust solution to address these challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the realm of out-of-band management, exploring its mechanics, problem-solving prowess, and why the investment in solutions is a strategic decision that yields significant returns.

Decoding Out-of-Band Management

Out-of-band management (OOBM) is a cutting-edge practice that revolves around independently managing network devices separate from the primary network pathway. This ingenious approach empowers IT administrators to access and troubleshoot network components, even when the primary network encounters disruptions. By establishing an alternative avenue for device control, OOBM ensures critical management tasks proceed seamlessly regardless of the network’s operational status.

In other terms, OOBM can be likened to adding a back door to your house that provides a crucial alternative access point in times of need. Just as a back door allows you to enter your house if you’re locked out or the front entrance is inaccessible, OOBM establishes a separate pathway for network administrators to remotely access and manage network devices, even if the primary network is down or facing issues. This ‘back door’ approach ensures that critical management tasks can be performed, configurations adjusted, and troubleshooting executed, safeguarding against extended downtime and maintaining operational continuity. Just as the back door provides a valuable fail-safe option, OOBM serves as a vital lifeline for maintaining network functionality, particularly in critical situations where rapid response is essential.

The Inner Workings of Out-of-Band Management

OOBM operates through distinct communication channels that operate independently of the main network. These channels can include serial connections, cellular networks, or satellite links. By harnessing these supplementary pathways, IT teams gain the capability to remotely access and manage network devices, encompassing routers, switches, and servers.

In practice, when the primary network encounters a setback, administrators can pivot to the out-of-band channel. This maneuver allows them to diagnose and resolve issues, fine-tune configurations, execute software updates, and restore the network to peak functionality.

Addressing Critical Network Issues

  • Mitigated Downtime: The foremost advantage of OOBM lies in its potential to minimize network downtime. By furnishing an independent route for troubleshooting and maintenance, IT teams can swiftly resolve issues even in the absence of a functional primary network. This translates to shorter downtimes, reduced financial losses, and an amplified level of operational continuity.
  • Fortified Security: Cyber threats loom large in the digital landscape. OOBM augments security by maintaining a clear separation between management traffic and the primary network. This isolation thwarts potential attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities during network maintenance, thereby fortifying your network’s defense mechanisms.
  • Simplified Infrastructure: OOBM presents an opportunity to streamline infrastructure by centralizing network management tasks. This consolidation can lead to cost savings and heightened operational efficiency, as IT resources are optimized for more strategic endeavors.
  • Remote Mastery: The geographical dispersion of modern business operations necessitates remote management capabilities. Out-of-band solutions empower IT administrators to oversee widely distributed networks without physical presence. This feature is particularly invaluable for enterprises housing remote offices or branch locations.

Unlocking Strategic Value: Why Invest the Extra Capital?

The decision to invest in OOBM solutions, albeit involving an additional cost, is a calculated move with numerous compelling justifications. We’ve outlined a few below. 

  • Downtime Reduction and Business Continuity: The financial repercussions of network downtime can be staggering. OOBM equips IT teams to swiftly address and rectify issues, ensuring minimal disruptions even in the absence of a functional primary network. This agility translates to shorter downtimes, reduced revenue loss, and heightened business continuity.
  • Expedited Issue Resolution: Traditional troubleshooting methods often entail on-site visits, which are time-intensive and costly. OOBM empowers IT teams to remotely diagnose and resolve issues, expediting issue resolution and bolstering customer satisfaction through consistent service availability.
  • Security Enhancement and Risk Mitigation: Cyber threats pose a substantial risk in the digital realm. Out-of-band management’s isolation of management traffic from the primary network fortifies security by reducing the vulnerability to unauthorized access, data breaches, and malicious attacks. This proactive approach safeguards your business’s reputation and customer trust, potentially circumventing the substantial costs associated with a security breach.
  • Operational Efficiency: OOBM centralizes and simplifies network management, removing the need for intricate on-site infrastructure. This streamlined approach enhances operational efficiency, reduces the necessity for on-site visits, and optimizes IT resources for more strategic initiatives. The resulting efficiency can lead to sustained cost savings and refined resource allocation.
  • Remote Management Competence: In an era where remote work and dispersed teams prevail, the ability to manage network devices from any location is a distinct advantage. OOBM solutions empower administrators to execute tasks remotely, regardless of physical proximity to the affected location. This feature is particularly valuable for enterprises spanning multiple branches, remote offices, or geographically scattered assets.
  • Compliance and Audit Facilitation: Certain industries, such as finance and healthcare, are beholden to stringent regulatory mandates. OOBM solutions offer a structured approach to network management and monitoring, aiding compliance endeavors. The ability to audit and document alterations made to network configurations ensures accountability and enables your business to meet regulatory obligations seamlessly.
  • Future-Proofing: Technological progress is relentless, and your network infrastructure must remain adaptable. Investing in OOBM signifies a forward-looking stance toward network management. As your business expands and integrates new technologies, having a robust out-of-band solution in place positions you to seamlessly assimilate and manage these innovations.

Why Choose 5Gstore Solutions?

  • Cradlepoint: Renowned for its wireless edge solutions, Cradlepoint’s NetCloud Service incorporates a suite of out-of-band management features. This empowers remote configuration, troubleshooting, and software updates. Businesses with expansive operations, such as retail chains or IoT deployments, stand to benefit significantly from Cradlepoint’s offerings.
  • Digi: Digi’s out-of-band management solutions focus on delivering remote access, monitoring, and control capabilities, ensuring that IT administrators can effectively manage their network devices regardless of the status of the primary network. These solutions often leverage cellular connectivity, offering an independent communication channel that is separate from the main network. This approach enables administrators to troubleshoot issues, apply updates, and reconfigure devices even when the primary network is down due to outages, congestion, or security concerns.
  • Inseego: Inseego Connect with OOBM is a remote management solution that provides a high-speed data plane connection and secure management plane simultaneously from a single device. The always-on connection enables IT personnel to securely troubleshoot, adjust, and monitor any network device directly from a user-friendly terminal window within Inseego Connect.
  • Peplink: Acknowledged for its Balance and MAX series routers, Peplink offers advanced out-of-band management capabilities through its InControl 2 cloud-based platform. This platform facilitates remote management and monitoring, configuration adjustments, and resolution of connectivity issues. Peplink’s solutions are particularly valuable for enterprises seeking robust remote management capabilities.
  • Sierra Wireless: A recognized leader in IoT solutions, Sierra Wireless provides out-of-band management capabilities through its AirLink routers and management solutions. These solutions enable remote monitoring, diagnostics, and troubleshooting, ensuring seamless network management even in challenging environments.

What if My Device Doesn’t Support OOBM?

There are alternatives that can provide you some control over your network and other devices when your primary access fails. While a backup connection is still necessary, you may use a device like the 5Gstore Remote Power IP Switch to remotely reboot power to certain devices. Use either the 2 outlet model connected via Ethernet LAN or our single outlet, which can connect via WiFi. These Switches can either automatically reboot power when your primary Internet connection is dropped, or you may manually control power to it via a secondary Internet connection. For more information, check out our video. 

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Why You Should Use a Cellular Backup for IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the world as we know it. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and communicate, with billions of connected devices already in use around the world. IoT has a wide range of applications, from smart homes and cities to healthcare, industrial, and transportation. With this increased connectivity comes the need for reliable and resilient IoT networks. 

IoT networks are designed to connect billions of devices in real-time, providing access to information and data when and where it’s needed. This also means IoT networks are vulnerable to disruptions and outages. A single point of failure in the network can result in significant consequences, such as the loss of critical data, loss of productivity, and even financial losses. This is where cellular Internet can help.

Since 5G is becoming increasingly available, IoT devices and applications have become more sophisticated and data-intensive, which has led to the need for better connectivity and faster data transfer rates. Cellular provides a reliable and secure connection, even when other communication channels are unavailable. This is especially important for IoT devices that need to function in remote or challenging environments, where a reliable and stable connection is essential. For example, IoT devices used in agriculture, mining, or oil and gas production often operate in remote locations where traditional fixed-line networks are not available. Cellular can provide a primary or backup connection that keeps these devices online and functioning, even in the event of a network outage or disruption.

Speed and Reliability 

In addition to providing a reliable backup connection, cellular can also improve the speed and reliability of IoT networks. Cellular networks are designed to handle large amounts of data traffic, and can often provide faster and more reliable connections compared to traditional fixed-line networks. This is because cellular networks use the latest technology and have the ability to dynamically allocate bandwidth based on demand, providing a better user experience.

This improved speed and reliability can be particularly useful for IoT devices that require real-time data transfer, such as those used in healthcare, industrial, or transportation applications. All can benefit from high-speed connectivity, low latency, and advanced security features that some LTE, and 5G-enabled routers and gateways can provide. 

Enhanced Security

Another advantage of using a cellular backup for IoT is security. IoT networks can be vulnerable to cyber attacks and hacking, and cellular Internet provides an additional layer of security to protect against these threats. Cellular networks are designed to be secure and reliable, and use encryption and other security measures to protect against unauthorized access. This includes secure authentication methods, network-level encryption, and firewalls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.

In addition, cellular networks are subject to strict regulatory and compliance requirements, which ensure that they are secure and reliable. For example, in the European Union, mobile broadband networks must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which sets strict rules on data protection and privacy. In the United States, mobile broadband networks must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, which set standards for network security and reliability.

It’s important to note that the security features offered by mobile broadband services can vary depending on the service provider and the specific plan or package you choose. Additionally, users should always take basic security precautions such as keeping their device and software up to date, using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious websites and links.

Cellular and IoT

Cellular Internet can be used in IoT applications to provide connectivity to a wide range of devices and sensors, allowing them to communicate with each other and with cloud-based services. Here are some ways that cellular can be used in IoT applications:

  • Remote monitoring: IoT devices can be deployed in remote locations to collect data and transmit it to the cloud using cellular connectivity. This data can then be analyzed to provide insights and improve operational efficiency.
  • Asset tracking: Use cellular to track the location and status of assets, such as vehicles or shipping containers, in real-time. This allows organizations to optimize logistics and improve supply chain management.
  • Smart homes: Cellular Internet can be used to connect smart home devices, such as thermostats, security cameras, and lighting, to the internet. This allows homeowners to remotely control and monitor their homes from anywhere.
  • Wearables: When WiFi is not available, wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, use cellular to connect to the internet. This allows users to track their health and fitness data and receive real-time alerts and notifications, no matter where they are.
  • Industrial automation: Connect industrial automation systems, such as robots and sensors, to the internet. This allows organizations to automate processes and optimize production.

Cellular backup for IoT provides a flexible connection, improved speed and reliability, and enhanced security for IoT devices. By leveraging the strengths of cellular Internet, organizations can ensure the resilience and reliability of their IoT networks, and safeguard against network disruptions and outages. If you’re looking to optimize your IoT network and ensure the success of your IoT initiatives, consider implementing a cellular backup for peace of mind and increased functionality. Whether you’re operating in remote locations or urban environments, a cellular backup can be a valuable investment for any organization looking to fully leverage the power of the Internet of Things.

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Why Every Enterprise Business Needs a Cellular Backup Plan

Enterprise businesses today are dependent on the internet for day-to-day operations. Whether it’s for email communication, managing websites, or accessing cloud-based applications, a reliable internet connection is crucial. However, there are times when the main internet connection fails, and in these cases, a backup plan is necessary to ensure seamless business operations. A mobile broadband, or 4G/5G cellular backup is a cost-effective solution that provides a secondary internet connection for businesses.

What is Cellular Internet and How Can it Help?

A cellular backup provides high-speed internet access through a mobile network via a mobile device (phone, hotspot), USB modem, or router with embedded modem. It can be used as a secondary connection in case the primary connection fails. It can even be the primary connection in cases where no other service provider is available. With cellular Internet, businesses can continue their operations without interruption.

Reliability is one benefit of using cellular as a backup for your enterprise business. Mobile broadband networks are highly resilient and less susceptible to outages compared to traditional broadband since service is provided over the air. Even if a natural disaster takes out the cell towers, providers now have mobile command units that can broadcast signals. 

Cellular Internet can be accessed from just about anywhere. This is particularly useful for businesses that need to work from remote locations, such as construction sites, outdoor events, or even when traveling. Pop up stores can be up and running in less than a day, especially because setup is generally simple and straightforward. All you need is a compatible device and a cellular data plan from a service provider.

How Does Cellular Internet Compare to Wired Internet Services?

In comparison to traditional wired Internet services (e.g. cable, DSL, fiber), cellular can be more cost-effective. This is mainly because there is little to no installation costs involved. You may be curious about the differences in bandwidth speeds too. These can be quite similar, depending on your service plan. With some LTE and 5G modems, speeds can actually exceed wired services. 

One of the key challenges with cellular Internet, however, is that it can be subject to data caps. This means that businesses may have to limit their internet usage to ensure they don’t exceed their data allowance. To overcome this, businesses can opt for a cellular plan with a higher data allowance, or they can purchase additional data as required. However, businesses should carefully consider their internet usage and select a plan that meets their needs.

Another consideration is that cellular connections can be subject to network congestion, which can result in slower internet speeds. This is particularly true during peak periods when many people are using the network. To mitigate this, businesses can look for a cellular data plan that provides priority access to the network during busy periods.

Where Can Cellular Internet Help?

Retail businesses and restaurants often rely on constant internet access to process transactions, manage inventory, run security cameras, and communicate with customers. If their traditional broadband connection goes down, the cellular Internet can ensure that credit cards can still be processed and customers can still be serviced.

Healthcare providers need to be able to access patient information and communicate with other healthcare professionals in real-time. Cellular can provide the necessary backup to keep operations running so that patients receive the care they need.

Remote workers, such as field technicians or sales representatives, need to be able to access company resources and communicate with their colleagues while on the go. Cellular provides a primary or backup solution that allows them to continue working wherever needed. Having this flexibility can certainly lead to more productivity.

Conferences and events often require internet access for attendees to connect to company resources, access information, and participate in virtual sessions. If the event space charges too much for their service, or its performance is lacking, mobile broadband can act as a primary, or supplementary Internet connection.

By providing an alternative way of accessing the internet, cellular Internet can help your business maintain operations and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business world. With its quick and easy setup, high-speed internet access, and reliability, cellular is a cost-effective solution that provides businesses with peace of mind and ensures business continuity. Whether your business requires internet access in remote locations, on-the-go, or as a backup solution, cellular Internet provides a flexible and reliable solution that can meet your needs.

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How Can a Cellular Failover Help My Business?

Cellular routers are a type of networking device that allows you to connect to the internet using a cellular network rather than a traditional wired connection like cable or DSL. They are often used as a backup or failover option for businesses and organizations that need a reliable internet connection as frequently as possible. This would be because they may not have access to a stable wired connection, and cannot afford much downtime.

There are several benefits to using a cellular router for failover:

  • Reliability: Cellular networks are generally more reliable than wired connections, especially in areas where the wired infrastructure can be damaged or not yet installed.
  • Flexibility: Cellular routers can be used in any location with a cellular signal, making them a great option for businesses that need to be able to connect from any location
  • Cost-effective: In many cases, cellular data plans are more cost-effective than traditional wired internet plans. While prices can vary, wired services like cable or fiber can generally cost around $100 to $300. In comparison, many cellular data plans are around $25 to $100. 
  • Easy setup: Cellular routers are easy to set up and don’t require any special infrastructure or installation. They can be up and running in less than a day. 

WHAT IS FAILOVER?

Failover is a mechanism that allows a device to automatically switch to another network connection when its primary connection, such as a wired or wireless internet connection, becomes unavailable. This ensures that the device can continue to function and access the internet even if the primary connection is lost or disrupted. The goal of failover is to minimize disruption and maintain the availability of the system as much as possible.

Failover systems can be configured in a variety of ways. It can either be a totally automatic switch between WAN connections, or more of a manual switch between networks. Routers that provide automatic failover will support multiple WAN connections rather than just one. They will have some sort of automatic check in place to verify if the Internet connection is up or down. These checks allow the router to detect the outage of a connection and then switch to another available WAN connection that it has also verified is up or online. Aside from a possible difference in bandwidth, it’s likely you won’t notice the failure with these routers. 

Manual failover is going to be similar to using a single primary WAN connection through any router. Once a user detects the connection is down, they will need to manually switch their connection from the router that has failed, to one that is online. While this is not ideal for all users, it can certainly be more affordable. 

There are also multi-WAN, failover routers that support different manners in which failover operates. Normally, when a higher priority WAN connection is established, the backup connections are in an active, but passive state. While they are ready to connect, they do not actually establish a connection until the higher priority fails. This is also known as a cold standby state. 

The backup connections can also be in a completely active state where they are connected at the same time as the higher priority WAN. Traffic may or may not be routed over the backup while the primary WAN is connected – unless you’re using load balancing. This is what we typically call a hot standby state. The backup is already connected to the Internet and therefore the failover switch is much faster. 

Overall, failover systems are an important component of a robust and reliable network. They help to ensure that the system can continue to function even in the event of a failure.

USING A CELLULAR BACKUP

There are several situations in which cellular failover, in particular, can be useful. If a device is connected to a wireless network and the wireless signal becomes weak or unstable, the device can switch to a cellular connection to maintain a stable internet connection. Cellular failover can also be helpful in areas where wired internet is not available. Or, in cases where the primary internet connection is lost due to a line fault, power outage or other issue.

Cellular failover is often used in business settings, where a stable and reliable internet connection is critical for productivity. It can also be useful for individuals who rely on internet connectivity for important tasks, such as email or online transactions.

In order to use cellular failover, a device must be equipped with a cellular modem and have a cellular data plan in place. This is where the 5Gstore team can assist. We’ll determine which cellular failover router is best for your need. You can then pair it with one of our failover data plans. 

There are many different router solutions you can consider. Some cellular routers are just that. They have a cellular modem built in and allow for local connections via Ethernet and WiFi. They do not support any wired WAN connections and therefore cannot support an automated failover process. For example, the Inseego FX2000e or Inseego Skyus 160. These routers can stand alone. You may also put them into a passthrough mode and connect them to your existing router. For example, you would unplug your primary WAN once it has failed, and replace it with the cellular router’s connection). 

Other routers, like the Peplink Balance 20X, not only support a built-in cellular modem. They also have an Ethernet WAN port where you can connect your primary wired WAN. This will support an automated failover process since both the cellular and Ethernet WAN connections live in the same router. 

SELECTING THE APPROPRIATE ROUTER

The 5Gstore sales team can help to guide you towards the best solution for your needs. However, you’ll need to do a little research yourself as well. Some things to ask yourself include how and where you will be using the router. Are there specific devices that must have close to 24/7 connectivity? Are there devices that can survive without a connection temporarily? 

Keep in mind that there are a few key factors to consider when selecting a cellular failover router:

  • Carrier coverage: Make sure the router is compatible with a carrier that has good coverage in your area. It’s also a good idea to check the carrier’s data plans, their reliability and customer support.
  • Network speeds: Consider the speeds offered by the router and carrier, as well as the router’s ability to handle multiple devices. This is particularly important if you’ll be using the router for business purposes or if you have a lot of devices that need to connect to the internet.
  • Security: Look for a router with robust security features, such as a firewall, VPN support, and encryption. You can rest assured that any router you purchase from the 5Gstore will have all of these features. 
  • Ease of use: Consider the user interface and management tools of the router. You’ll want a router that is easy to set up and manage, particularly if you’re not technically savvy. While the user interfaces differ from one manufacturer to another, our team is trained to provide support for any of the products you purchase. 
  • Cost: Determine your budget and look for a router that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.
  • Brand reputation: Do some research on the brand and read reviews from other users to get a sense of the router’s reliability and customer support.

By considering these factors, you can find a cellular failover router that meets your needs. A solution which provides reliable internet connectivity when your primary internet connection goes down. 

For further information and assistance, please reach out to our team by phone, email, or chat!

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What is Verizon 5G Home Internet and 5G Business Internet?

After an exciting halftime show at the Super Bowl, Jim Carrey reprised his role in “The Cable Guy” to market Verizon’s new 5G Home and Business Internet solutions. The ad showcased how fast and easy the equipment was to set up as well as how it compares to traditional cable services. 

Today, Verizon is jumping back to their 5G expansion plans. They’ve already met their goal of 100 million users covered with 5G Ultra Wideband service and are capable of providing the Home and Business Internet solutions to 30 million households and more than 2 million businesses.

“We can’t wait for customers to experience our fast, reliable and secure internet options like our ultra-fast, ultra simple Home Internet, and we’ll continue to bring them to more and more places around the country, paving the path to becoming the top home Internet provider in America,” said Manon Brouillette, CEO of Verizon’s Consumer Group.

With 5G Home Internet, customers can be up and running with their computers, phones, tablets and any other network device, in a matter of minutes – whether they set it up themselves or have Verizon install it. They also have two options: 5G Home or 5G Home Plus. And, it’s 50 percent off for customers on one of Verizon’s new 5G Ultra Wideband Unlimited plans (only when you combine your plan with 5G Do More, 5G Play More or 5G Get More plan. Also requires Auto Pay and paper-free billing) There are no annual contracts, extra fees, data overages or equipment charges. The price is the price, guaranteed. Customers can even get the first month on Verizon.

5G Business Internet also offers customers great performance and reliability, with an easy setup, on all their devices. This solution can fit businesses of all sizes and includes self setup or professional installation options, multiple pricing and service options, unlimited data, and a 10-year price guarantee (applies to monthly access fee only).

Verizon’s wireless Internet solutions with fast, reliable and secure 5G Home Internet and 5G Business Internet are already available (or will be this week) in parts of Omaha, NE; Boise, ID; El Paso, TX; Grand Rapids, MI and Panama City, FL. 5G Home Internet will be available in parts of Baltimore, MD, next month.

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Avoid Costly Cellular Overages By Disabling this new iOS 15 Feature

With the latest iOS update, 15, there is a new option that allows you to let iCloud backups use your cellular data. Due to the amount of time these backups can take, it could cause you to quickly burn through your cellular data allotment. Even worse, this setting is enabled by default!

If you want to keep your iCloud Backups enabled, but avoid this possible risk, here is how to disable the setting over Cellular:

  1. Open your iPhone and go to Settings
  2. Select iCloud (click your name at the top), then iCloud -> iCloud Backup
  3. Refer to Back Up Over Cellular -> Set this to OFF by clicking the slider to the right
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