Tag: Failover

A Guide to Planning Your SD-WAN Setup

Traditional wide-area networks (WANs) have long relied on connectivity methods such as multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) to facilitate data movement across networks. However, these methods are often costly and may not deliver the desired performance. The rise of cloud computing has spurred interest in software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WAN), offering enterprises a more flexible and efficient solution. In this article, we’ll explore the key considerations and steps involved in planning for an effective SD-WAN setup.

Understanding Network Requirements

Before diving into SD-WAN deployment, enterprises must thoroughly plan and design their network architecture. Key considerations include:

  • Network Topology: The physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections significantly impacts network utility. Properly understanding how traffic flows through the network is essential for efficient placement of SD-WAN gateways.
  • Bandwidth: Determine the required bandwidth based on your business needs. Scalability is crucial – ensure that your SD-WAN solution is appropriately sized to accommodate network traffic.
  • Application Traffic Patterns: Recognize that different applications have varying requirements for latency, bandwidth, and security. Tailor your SD-WAN architecture to meet these specific needs. Consider features such as Load Balancing or Bonding and QoS.

Security Measures

Security is paramount in any network infrastructure. Ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your business network by thoroughly evaluating the security features of your chosen SD-WAN solution. Note that some solutions offer additional security with add-on licenses. 

Utilize the advanced firewall capabilities that fall in line with your business’s security policies and industry best practices. Seamless integration with existing security infrastructure is important to maintain a consistent level of security across the network. If you need to keep using an existing firewall while implementing new hardware for SD-WAN capabilities, consider using a feature called Drop-In Mode. This is available with Digi and Peplink hardware and would allow you to make use of Failover and Bonding features. 

Deployment Models

Consider how your SD-WAN will be deployed based on your business needs.

  • On-Premises Deployment: Ideal for enterprises with multiple physical locations like branch offices, allowing for in-house management of on-site equipment.
  • Cloud-Based Deployment: Suited for organizations with remote employees, eliminating the need for on-premises equipment and providing secure access for remote users.
  • Hybrid SD-WAN: An optimal solution for businesses supporting both branches and remote employees, combining physical devices at office locations with cloud-based access for remote users.

Feature Implementation

Implement QoS policies to prioritize critical network traffic and ensure a seamless user experience. You can prioritize certain devices, and even applications, as needed by controlling how much bandwidth is provided to each. Additionally, utilize Load Balancing to split LAN connections across different WAN services, which can help alleviate the load on one connection at a time. Or, combine WAN services via Bonding for better performance and uptime.

Testing and Validation

Before implementing SD-WAN in a production environment, run thorough testing and simulations. Conducting real-world testing to simulate network conditions ensures the solution can handle peak traffic loads and diverse application and user types. Testing failover and redundancy mechanisms help maintain network connectivity in case of device or link failures. Some products provide tools for testing network performance, which is typically available via the webUI or a cloud management service. 

Continuous Monitoring and Optimization

Admins can ensure optimal network performance by regularly monitoring network efficiency and making informed decisions for improvement. Cloud managers can assist by supporting automated alerts for critical performance thresholds. This allows admins to act quickly as issues arise. Start by establishing performance baselines to benchmark network performance, which can help identify deviations that require attention. Overall, ensure that you have visibility into all parts of the network, including WAN, LAN, and cloud deployments.

Looking for a SD-WAN Solution? Contact 5Gstore.com!

5Gstore.com has solutions available for any use case. From your home office, to a large enterprise, look no further. We have solutions available from Cradlepoint, Digi, Inseego, Peplink, and Sierra Wireless. Our team of experts are available to assist you Monday thru Friday 9am to 6pm CT at 833-547-8673. You may also reach out to sales@5gstore.com and we will follow up with you ASAP. 

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Widespread Cellular Outages and the Benefits of Failover

In a surprising turn of events, major cellular carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon experienced widespread outages across the United States on Thursday morning. The disruptions left thousands of customers without cellular service and internet connectivity, sparking concerns, especially regarding emergency services. Details sourced from NBC News reveal the extent of the outages and the subsequent responses from the affected companies.

AT&T Takes the Brunt of Outages

AT&T faced the most severe impact, with over 32,000 outages reported at around 4 a.m. ET on Thursday. The number skyrocketed to more than 71,000 just before 8 a.m. ET. Downdetector indicated that major cities such as Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta were the epicenters of the reported issues. The exact cause of the service disruption remains unclear.

T-Mobile and Verizon Experience Lesser Outages

While T-Mobile and Verizon also experienced outages, their scale appeared less widespread compared to AT&T. Around 1,100 T-Mobile outages and approximately 3,000 Verizon outages were reported as of 7 a.m. Thursday. Both companies addressed the situation promptly, assuring customers that their networks were operating normally, and the reported outages may have been a result of customers attempting to connect to other affected carriers.

Company Responses

AT&T acknowledged the issue Thursday morning, stating, “Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning.” The company assured customers that they were working urgently to restore service and recommended the use of Wi-Fi calling until normal service was resumed. Similarly, Verizon clarified that the outages were not directly impacting their network but were affecting customers trying to reach other carriers experiencing issues. T-Mobile echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that their network was operational.

Emergency Concerns

One of the most alarming aspects of these outages is the potential impact on emergency services. Reports indicate that some customers, particularly those using AT&T, were unable to make or receive phone calls, including emergency calls to 911. The San Francisco Fire Department and various police departments across the country issued warnings, urging affected customers to seek alternative means to contact emergency services.

City Responses

Officials from various cities affected by the outages expressed concern and worked to mitigate the impact on emergency services. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens assured the public that Atlanta’s e-911 was operational, but acknowledged that AT&T customers were facing difficulties. Similar statements were issued by emergency management offices in Chicago, Virginia’s Prince William County, and North Carolina’s Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

The Importance of Failover

Problems like this make it apparent that having a backup in place is important. Network diversity via SD-WAN capable routers allow users to have more than one WAN connection available. While this is mainly used for failover purposes, it can also allow for smoother VoIP calls and video meetings, and faster uploads.

Unbreakable VPN and VoIP, faster speeds and smoother calls are possible via a feature typically known as Bonding or WAN Bonding, which combines multiple WAN connections together for one, more reliable connection. So whether you utilize more than one cellular connection, or one cellular and one wired connection (Cable, Satellite, DSL, etc), simple failover or Bonding may be what you need to keep your business running 24/7.

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Enhancing Network Reliability: Incorporating Cellular Routers for Automatic Failover

We all know how crucial a reliable internet connection is for both personal and business operations. However, even the most dependable internet service providers can experience outages or downtime. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity, it’s essential to have a failover solution in place. One effective way to achieve this is by incorporating a cellular router or adapter into your existing network. 

The Need for Failover Solutions

Downtime caused by internet service interruptions can have significant consequences. For businesses, it can lead to lost revenue, productivity, and damage to reputation. For individuals, it can disrupt essential online activities like remote work, streaming, and communication. This is where automatic failover solutions come into play.

A cellular router or adapter acts as a backup internet connection when your primary service fails. It seamlessly switches over to cellular data, ensuring continuous connectivity even during ISP outages. Setting up this failover mechanism is relatively straightforward and can save you from the hassle and losses associated with downtime.

Topology: How Cellular Routers Fit into Your Network

To incorporate a cellular router or adapter into your existing network, you need to understand the network topology. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Evaluate Your Network Setup: Before you begin, assess your current network configuration. Identify the primary modem and router (or combination modem/ router unit) that connects your network to the internet and locate the devices that require internet access.
  2. Select the Cellular Router or Adapter: Choose a cellular router or adapter that suits your needs. Do you have a separate modem and router in place or has your Internet Service Provider (ISP) supplied you with a combination modem/ router unit? If you have a separate modem and router, you can simply select a cellular adapter. If using a combination modem/ router, look at cellular routers instead. In this case, you would configure your modem/ router unit in a bridge or passthrough mode and then connect it to the WAN port of the cellular router. In either case, ensure the cellular router or adapter supports automatic failover and is compatible with your cellular provider. 
  3. Position and Install the Cellular Router: If using a cellular adapter, place this between your ISP’s modem and your router. The modem’s Ethernet cable should plug into the WAN port of the adapter. Then, from the LAN port on the adapter, connect it to the WAN port of your router. When you have a combination modem/ router, take an Ethernet cable from a LAN port and plug it into the WAN port of the cellular router. Place the cellular router or adapter in a strategic location where it can receive a strong cellular signal. This may require an external antenna to be installed if the signal inside is not usable.
  4. Configure the Cellular Router or Adapter: Access the router’s web-based configuration interface using a computer connected to the router. Typically, you can do this by entering the router’s IP address in a web browser. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up the cellular connection. In a lot of cases, this may be a plug and play setup!
  5. Confirm Failover is Enabled: Most failover capable routers will have this feature enabled by default. In other cases, you may need to enable it and/or prioritize your Internet connections. The router will likely include some sort of connection health monitor as well. This setting determines when the router should switch to the cellular connection and back to the primary connection. It simply verifies that the connection is online or offline multiple times before it triggers the failover or failback [to the primary Internet connection]. 
  6. Test and Monitor: After configuring the cellular router, thoroughly test the failover mechanism to ensure it works as expected. Also, set up monitoring and alerts to be notified of any failover events. This way, you can take action or troubleshoot issues promptly.

Benefits of Cellular Failover

Incorporating a cellular router or adapter into your network can be quite simple with features like drop-in mode or IP Passthrough mode. These are features that allow you to utilize the settings of the failover router or adapter, while seamlessly incorporating it into your existing network. It also offers several other advantages: 

  1. Seamless Connectivity: The failover process is automatic and swift, ensuring minimal disruption to your online activities or business operations.
  2. Reliability: Cellular networks are independent of your ISP, reducing the risk of simultaneous failures. This redundancy improves overall network reliability.
  3. Remote Access: Cellular routers are invaluable for remote locations or areas with unreliable wired internet connections. They provide a dependable connection for monitoring and managing remote devices.
  4. Business Continuity: For businesses, uninterrupted internet access is critical for customer service, financial transactions, and data backup. Cellular failover ensures business continuity even during network outages.

Putting a cellular router or adapter in place for automatic failover is a smart investment in ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. By understanding your network topology and following the steps outlined in this article, you can enhance your network’s reliability and minimize the impact of internet service disruptions. Whether for personal use or business continuity, cellular failover solutions are a valuable addition to any network. 

Do you still have questions? Let the 5Gstore team help you with your setup! We’ll guide you through the pre-sales process to determine the best solution and then assist you with the configuration once the product is received. We’re here with you through the whole process! 

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Enhancing Internet Connectivity: The Power of Bonding

In today’s interconnected world, having a stable and fast internet connection is crucial for both individuals and businesses. These days, just about everything runs on the Internet. Things like our phones, TVs, credit card machines, thermostats, and security systems. When we rely on a single Internet connection we often encounter problems like choppy video chats, slow speeds, or even complete connection failures. Creating business continuity can easily be done by adding a secondary Internet connection. This can be used as a backup when your primary connection fails, which is why it’s normally referred to as “failover.” However, there’s another feature we want to explore with you that also utilizes multiple Internet connections, which is called bonding. 

Failover with a Backup Internet Connection

Using a secondary connection from a different Internet service provider can sometimes be difficult. There may only be one reliable cable, DSL, or fiber Internet service provider available in your area. This results in many businesses choosing a wireless service provider instead. Providers like Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile have nationwide coverage available with easy to install hardware. You can normally have the connection up and running in under 15 minutes. When your primary connection fails, your computers and other devices disconnect temporarily, then reconnect to your secondary network to keep your business operating. 

Due to this temporary loss in Internet, failover is most ideal for users and applications which do not require a 24/7 connection. In other words, those who can afford some downtime. The occasional home user, for example, may not mind having to wait a couple minutes before they can continue checking email or watching a video.  

Load Balancing 

With regards to routers, load balancing refers to the distribution of device traffic (i.e. browsing emails on your phone or playing videos on your computer) across multiple Internet connections. The purpose of load balancing is to optimize resource utilization, maximize speed, minimize response time, and avoid overloading any single Internet connection.

Load balancers act as intermediaries between client devices and the Internet connections they are accessing. They receive requests to access the Internet, distribute them among the available connections, and forward the responses back to the clients. This distribution can be based on various factors. That might be to evenly distribute device traffic across each Internet connection, or use the connection that has the fastest response time. Essentially, the router can intelligently select the best Internet connection to use, or it can split your devices evenly across the multiple Internet connections. 

Still, failures can occur. Any devices connected to a failed connection will need to be rerouted back to an available Internet service, assuming there is one. This creates additional downtime for your devices since they will need to disconnect and reconnect to another service. So, load balancing is most useful for households or businesses that have several users or devices that need to connect to the Internet more frequently and reliably. For example, you would connect some of your devices over one Internet connection and other devices over a second Internet connection. This is mainly helpful with cellular networks that can slow down as more devices connect. Load balancing allows you to alleviate the load on an individual Internet service by splitting your device’s Internet traffic across multiple services simultaneously. 

Poor Service vs No Service

On occasion, you may find your Internet connection to be slow or show intermittent issues like buffering video or choppy audio. Unfortunately, failover and load balancing routers do not have the ability to detect weak or spotty service. They only detect if the connection is available or not and sometimes how the connection performs. When you’re on a phone call, in a video meeting/ chat, or running a credit card, and your Internet connection fails, your call, meeting or transaction stops. You now have to re-establish your call, meeting or transaction over the secondary Internet service. No matter how this is done, it’s going to take time and effort on your part. Luckily, bonding can help you to avoid this disconnection.

Understanding Bonding

Bonding is the process of merging multiple internet connections to create a stronger and more efficient connection. Through specialized hardware or software, these connections are intelligently combined to form a single connection with improved capabilities. Instead of relying on just one connection, bonding distributes the load across multiple links, resulting in increased bandwidth speeds and a more reliable connection. This means instead of your phone call, video meeting, or credit card transaction dropping, bonding allows it to continue over your available Internet connection(s). 

Bonding vs. Load Balancing

Bonding and load balancing are two different approaches to optimizing internet connectivity, though both work by using multiple Internet connections. Bonding involves combining multiple internet connections into a single virtual connection. In this case a network can merge the bandwidth of multiple weak or intermittent connections to create a single, more reliable high-speed connection. It works by combining the speeds of these connections and using a protocol to split network traffic across them. 

Unlike bonding, load balancing doesn’t require specialized hardware or software. It distributes traffic across multiple connections based on predefined settings (called algorithms). When devices connect to the load balanced network they will only use one of the connections at a time. This is why when a connection fails, any device using that connection must stop its Internet activity and restart it using an established connection. Load balancing is beneficial for managing traffic efficiently and preventing bottlenecks in scenarios with multiple users or devices, but will not increase bandwidth speeds.

Bandwidth Speed

Bonding can be a lifeline for individuals in areas with only slow DSL services, for example, which limit internet speed and productivity. By combining multiple slow connections, bonding effectively increases the overall internet speed. It surpasses the limitations of individual links, providing a faster and more efficient online experience. This technology empowers individuals living in remote areas or regions with limited internet infrastructure to access the full potential of the digital world. It is also particularly advantageous for bandwidth-intensive applications like live video streaming or large file transfers.

Reliability and Redundancy

Bonding enhances reliability by providing seamless failover capabilities. If one connection fails, your Internet traffic keeps flowing over the remaining connections. This redundancy and resilience are crucial for critical applications requiring continuous and reliable internet access such as day trading or 24/7 surveillance. 

Let’s say you have a VoIP (an Internet based phone) call established with an important client. If you’re using failover and your primary Internet connection fails during the call, the call is dropped. At that time, you have to connect your phone to your secondary Internet and start the call over. If you’re using load balancing, the call also drops, but the switch to another Internet connection is automatic rather than manual. Of course, failover can also be automatic if you’re using a router that supports this feature. 

Bonding is the only feature that would allow your call to continue without any disruption. In fact, it should be unnoticeable. This is because unlike load balancing where device traffic is sent to individual Internet connections, bonding sends the traffic to ALL Internet connections at the same time. So, if one of those connections happens to fail, your device remains connected to the Internet as if the failure didn’t occur.  Where failover creates some disruption in Internet service, bonding does not.  

Enhancing Business Continuity

Businesses relying on internet connectivity for critical operations can greatly benefit from bonding. For example, Point of Sale (POS) systems, which require a stable internet connection for credit card transactions, can experience significant disruptions if the primary connection fails. By implementing bonding, a secondary connection is readily available to seamlessly take over, ensuring uninterrupted transactions. Bonding provides a failsafe mechanism to prevent potential losses and maintain customer satisfaction. Additionally, businesses utilizing internet-based phone services and video conferencing understand the importance of clear audio and video quality during calls. With bonding, multiple weak and/ or unreliable connections are combined into one robust link. This ensures uninterrupted and high-quality conversations, even if individual links fail.

Unleashing Connectivity on the Go

Frequent travelers or remote workers with limited internet access can benefit from bonding. By leveraging multiple cellular internet connections from different providers, bonding enables faster speeds and increased reliability. If one provider’s coverage is unavailable or weak, the other connections seamlessly take over, allowing users to stay connected without interruption. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a field professional, or an adventure seeker, bonding offers the flexibility and reliability needed to stay connected on the go.

The Solution is Bonding

Bonding is a revolutionary technology that significantly enhances internet connectivity in various scenarios. Whether you’re a business owner relying on seamless credit card transactions and phone services, a traveler in need of reliable connectivity, or an individual struggling with slow internet speeds, bonding offers a solution. By combining multiple connections into a single, more powerful link, bonding improves reliability, increases speed, and ensures uninterrupted connectivity. Embrace the power of bonding and unlock a world of enhanced internet experiences. Say goodbye to frustrating connection issues and welcome a seamless online journey.

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Uninterrupted Connectivity for Mobile Businesses: The Advantages of Dual Cellular Failover Routers

Having a reliable and continuous internet connection is crucial for businesses of all sizes and types. This is especially true for businesses that operate on the move, such as food trucks, coach buses, and passenger trains. These businesses need to stay connected to their customers, suppliers, and employees at all times to ensure that their operations run smoothly. One of the most effective ways to ensure reliable and continuous internet connectivity is by using a dual cellular failover router. 

What is a Dual Cellular Failover Router?

A dual cellular failover router is a device that uses two different cellular networks to provide a reliable and continuous internet connection. The router is designed to automatically switch between the two networks, ensuring that the internet connection remains stable even if one network experiences downtime or poor signal quality.

The router works by connecting to two different cellular networks, typically from different carriers. When one network experiences downtime or poor signal quality, the router will automatically switch to the other network, ensuring that the internet connection remains stable.

Benefits of Using a Dual Cellular Failover Router

Reliable and Continuous Internet Connectivity

One of the primary benefits of using a dual cellular failover router is that it provides reliable and continuous internet connectivity. The router ensures that the internet connection remains stable even if one network experiences downtime or poor signal quality. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on the internet to conduct their operations.

Increased Productivity

A reliable and continuous internet connection can help increase productivity for businesses that operate on the move. With a dual cellular failover router, businesses can stay connected to their customers, suppliers, and employees at all times. Features like load balancing allow businesses to prioritize one connection over the other so that they are always running on the best connection. This can help them process transactions, respond to inquiries, and carry out other business activities, wherever they may be located.

Improved Customer Experience

Businesses that offer WiFi connectivity and other services to their customers can provide a better customer experience with a dual cellular failover router. Providing reliable WiFi connectivity, for example, can help improve customer satisfaction and increase loyalty. Of course, when connectivity is limited, this guest WiFi can be disabled or limited so that business function is not disrupted. 

Cost-Effective Solution

Sure, the initial investment in a dual cellular failover router may be higher than a standard router. However, the cost-effectiveness stems from the mitigation of potential losses during internet outages, reduced infrastructure expenses, flexibility, scalability, and competitive pricing of cellular data plans. Ultimately, the cost savings and uninterrupted connectivity provided by a dual cellular failover router can outweigh the initial investment. 

Easy to Set Up and Manage

Dual cellular failover routers are easy to set up and manage, and they require minimal maintenance. In most cases, you just have to configure them once and you’re done. You also will typically have access to some sort of cloud management service, which makes it easy to monitor and configure the devices from anywhere, as needed. 

Use Cases for Dual Cellular Failover Router

Food Trucks

Food trucks often operate in the city where buildings can sometimes block or degrade signals. Connections may drop offline at times. Using a dual cellular failover router provides redundancy and ensures the food truck stays connected to the internet, even if their primary connection fails. This can help food truck operators continue to process transactions, update menus, and communicate with their customers.

Coach Buses

Coach buses generally travel long distances, sometimes going in and out of coverage areas. They generally provide WiFi to their passengers as well, which requires enough data for all users. Using a dual cellular failover router can help ensure a longer Internet uptime, along with more data. This can help bus operators provide connectivity to their passengers, process transactions, and carry out other business activities, all while on the move.

Passenger Trains

Passenger trains travel through all types of locations. Using a dual cellular failover router can help ensure that the train stays connected to the internet, even in areas with poor signal quality. This can help train operators provide Wi-Fi connectivity to their passengers, process transactions, and carry out other business activities.

Mobile Clinics

Mobile clinics often operate in remote areas. Maintaining a reliable and continuous internet connection can be difficult. Using a dual cellular failover router can help ensure that the clinic stays connected to the internet, even in areas with poor signal quality. This can help clinic operators process medical records, communicate with patients, and carry out other medical activities.

Construction Sites

Construction sites often lack wired internet connections, making it challenging to maintain a reliable and continuous internet connection. Using a dual cellular failover router can help ensure that the construction site stays connected to the internet, even in areas with poor signal quality. This can help construction workers communicate with each other, access blueprints and plans, and carry out other construction activities, even in remote locations.

Conclusion

Using a dual cellular failover router can provide significant benefits to businesses that require reliable and continuous internet connectivity while on the move. From food trucks to construction sites, businesses of all types and sizes can benefit from this technology. With a dual cellular failover router, businesses can stay connected to their customers, suppliers, and employees at all times, increasing productivity and improving customer experience. Moreover, this technology is cost-effective, easy to set up and manage, making it an ideal solution for businesses that have limited IT resources.

If you have questions, or would like to discuss dual cellular router solutions, contact the team at 5Gstore.com!

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How to Reduce Internet Downtime with Digi WAN Bonding

A reliable internet connection is crucial for businesses to stay competitive and efficient. Unfortunately, depending on a single WAN connection can be risky, as even the best internet service providers can experience downtime, leaving businesses with frustrating connectivity issues. Failover connections can offer some relief, but they still take time to switch over, leading to a loss of productivity and revenue. Digi International now has a solution for this problem – WAN Bonding. 

Digi WAN Bonding is a software service that combines multiple wired and wireless connections into a seamless and resilient connectivity solution. It ensures optimal performance and maximum uptime anywhere around the world. Digi WAN Bonding is powered by Bondix S.A.NE. This is a WAN bonding add-on service to Digi Remote Manager® (aka Digi RM – Digi’s cloud management service) that provides ultra fast, ultra reliable network connectivity. With Digi RM, you have a single point of command with added security for your devices. 

These incredible resources enable users to centrally set up, deploy and manage the bonding of multiple WAN Internet connections together. The result is a combination of increased throughput speeds, WAN smoothing, packet redundancy, and seamless failover for always-on Internet connectivity. Digi WAN Bonding can scale to hundreds or thousands of sites to provide ultra fast, ultra reliable connections for your entire fleet or network to guarantee you are getting unbeatable connectivity that is always ready, always online.

Digi devices provide a range of connectivity options including cellular failover with features such as Digi Surelink®, policy-based routing and interface bonding. These features are excellent at preventing any external network failures from causing downtime.

Key Benefits of Digi WAN Bonding 

  • Hot failover: Digi’s bonded tunnel interface stays up across all WAN links with no packet loss or failover wait time  
  • WAN aggregation: Combines multiple WAN links for increased speed and bandwidth for one or multiple devices  
  • WAN smoothing: Reduces latency and jitter by sending data through multiple channels simultaneously to eliminate packet loss and maintain connection resiliency  
  • WAN prioritization: Automatically senses or manually sets the best active WAN link and balances traffic accordingly  
  • Packet duplication: Ensures delivery of mission-critical data by replicating packets on multiple WAN links  
  • Simple integration: Digi WAN Bonding is easy to deploy on a range of Digi enterprise (EX), industrial (IX) and transportation (TX) routers in a variety of public and private environments at fixed or mobile locations via Digi Remote Manager  
  • Increased throughput: Digi WAN Bonding offers 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps and 1 Gbps max throughput subscription options

Built-in capabilities with DAL OS 

DAL OS is Digi’s standard operating system that is integrated into Enterprise (EX), Industrial (IX) and Transportation (TX) routers, console servers and USB-connected devices. With DAL OS, an extensive set of software features and capabilities are built into firmware that is signed, vetted, and distributed as part of the Digi TrustFence® -approved standards.

When a client enables the WAN Bonding feature in Digi Remote Manager and configures their Digi devices to combine their WAN and WWAN interfaces, the default route for any traffic is through the WAN Bonding application. This application then negotiates a tunnel with a virtual private server (VPS). This can be managed by the customer, by Digi Professional Services or by a Digi partner, and begins sending data to the VPS to be recombined and sent onwards. Any replies are sent via the VPS, fragmented appropriately, and sent to whichever interface the device identifies as the most performant and is not saturated. If a device sends a packet via the WWAN connection and proceeds to lose signal before a reply is possible, the VPS will send the reply through the connected WAN interface.

Use Cases for Digi WAN Bonding

Uptime in vehicles, such as buses and trains, is a major priority for many use cases. Setting up multiple cellular connections with failover through Digi Surelink helps ensure uptime if one connection goes down. However, as the vehicle moves, connections can gradually degrade in quality. With Digi WAN Bonding, multiple connections are intelligently balanced based on quality metrics such as packet loss and latency. As one connection degrades, it is only used when the most effective connection has been saturated. These benefits also make it a good solution for offices, retail, industrial, and energy companies. 

Digi WAN Bonding is an excellent solution for any business looking to ensure reliable and seamless connectivity. By combining multiple WAN connections into a single, resilient network, Digi WAN Bonding offers increased speed, bandwidth, and uptime, helping businesses to stay competitive and efficient in today’s digital landscape.

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Using WiFi as WAN: A Cost-Effective Backup Internet Connection

Let’s face it. The internet has become an integral part of our lives. It’s essential for both personal and business purposes. With the increasing demand for internet connectivity, it’s crucial to have a reliable internet connection. So what do you do when your internet connection goes down? Is there a WiFi network available near you that you can connect to? This is where WiFi as WAN can be used as a backup internet connection.

What is WiFi as WAN?

WiFi as WAN is a technology that enables you to use a nearby WiFi network as a Wide Area Network (WAN) or in other words, your Internet connection. This means that you can use a WiFi network to connect to the internet, just like you would with a wired connection. It works much like a WiFi repeater where it takes one WiFi signal and rebroadcasts it using its own WiFi network. However, you also have the ability to connect wired devices too. This is because in most cases, the WiFi as WAN device is just another router. 

Benefits of WiFi as WAN

Using WiFi as WAN for a backup internet connection has many benefits. Firstly, it’s cost-effective. WiFi networks are widely available, making it easy to find a connection when your primary connection goes down. If you travel, a lot of locations provide free WiFi to their guests. Should you need this at your home or office, check with your neighbors to see what ISP (Internet Service Provider) they use. If it’s different from your own, suggest sharing your WiFi connections as a backup to your primary connections. 

WiFi as WAN is easy to set up. It’s a lot like connecting your laptop or cell phone to a WiFi network. All you need is a WiFi as WAN enabled device, such as the Cradlepoint IBR600C cellular router, or a dedicated WiFi as WAN device, like the Peplink Device Connector IP55. Once you have this device, you’ll log into its administration page to enable the WiFi as WAN connection. After it’s enabled it will start scanning for nearby WiFi networks. Simply pull up the list like you would on any WiFi device, select the network of your choice and enter the password, if required. Want to see how it works for yourself? Check out the Pepwave/Peplink MAX example in our YouTube video below.

There are several WiFi as WAN devices that are portable. You can take your WiFi as WAN enabled device with you wherever you go, making it easy to stay connected even when you’re on the move. This is particularly useful for people and businesses that need to stay connected while traveling.

WiFi as WAN can help to better protect your network devices. When connecting to an unknown WiFi network, especially when there’s no password protection, it can put your devices at risk. By using a WiFi as WAN connection instead, you can protect, or encrypt, your network and keep it private. This prevents any unwanted connections from being established to the same network as your personal devices. 

Using WiFi as WAN as a backup internet connection can be more reliable when using multiple WiFi networks. Just like most WiFi devices, they will remember more than one WiFi network so that they may connect whenever they’re available. WiFi as WAN devices can do this also. If one WiFi network fails, another one can connect. Then, if the primary WiFi WAN connection reconnects, it can automatically switch back.

Are There Any Downsides to WiFi as WAN?

There are some considerations to keep in mind when using WiFi as WAN as a backup internet connection. Due to the many ways you can set up your WiFi, not all WiFi networks are created the same, nor are they managed similarly. Some may have settings in place that can prevent your WiFi as WAN device from establishing a connection. That’s even when they do not have a password for connecting. Instead, they use a page to verify who you are before they allow or deny your connection. Unfortunately, WiFi as WAN devices typically cannot work around these management settings. 

WiFi networks can be slow and have limited bandwidth. This can be impacted even more with WiFi as WAN because you are repeating another connection. Every time you repeat something, it’s not quite as perfect as the original. This can be a problem if you’re using WiFi as WAN for bandwidth-intensive activities, such as video conferencing or streaming. In this case, you may need to use a wired connection or a dedicated WAN connection.

WiFi networks can be subject to interference. This can cause disruptions to your connection, particularly if you’re in an area with a lot of competing wireless signals. To mitigate this, you may need to look at using a different frequency and channel than other nearby WiFi networks. 

Finding a WiFi as WAN Device

Before you purchase any WiFi as WAN hardware, start by determining your requirements. Consider factors such as the number of users, the coverage area, the internet speed, and the types of devices you will be connecting (in case you need any Ethernet ports for wired connections). Research the different WiFi as WAN devices available in the market. Consider factors such as the brand reputation, customer reviews, and the features offered. Look for WiFi as WAN devices that offer security features such as encryption, firewalls, and access control to protect your network from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Ensure that the WiFi as WAN device you choose is compatible with your existing network infrastructure, including your router, modem, and other devices. Of course, also consider the cost and included support and warranty on the device.

In conclusion, using WiFi as WAN as a backup internet connection is a cost-effective, reliable, and easy-to-use solution. It’s particularly useful for businesses that need to stay connected, even when their primary internet connection goes down. However, it’s important to ensure that the WiFi network you’re connecting to is fast enough for your needs, and to be aware of the potential limitations of WiFi networks, such as interference. With the right precautions, WiFi as WAN can be a powerful tool for staying connected in today’s increasingly digital world.

To learn more about WiFi as WAN, ask the experts at 5Gstore.com. You can reach us by phone, email, or chat!

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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 to Maximize Your Internet Connection Time: 9 Tips for Reliable Connectivity

From communication to work and entertainment, we rely heavily on the internet. But, what happens when the internet goes down? We can experience frustration, loss of productivity, and even financial losses. Maximizing internet uptime is essential, and here are some ways to achieve this.

Choose a Reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP)

One of the primary factors that affect internet uptime is the quality of your ISP. Not all ISPs are created equal, and some are more reliable than others. When choosing an ISP, consider their reputation, customer service, and the quality of their network. Look for an ISP with a proven track record of providing high uptime and fast internet speeds. If you’re looking to cellular Internet services providers (4G LTE/ 5G), also consider the coverage in your location and any other areas you may frequently visit. 

Use a Reliable Router

Your router is the device that connects your home or office network to the internet. Using a reliable router is crucial to ensure maximum uptime. Make sure your router is up to date and has the latest firmware installed. A router that is outdated or has an old firmware version can cause connection issues, leading to downtime. It’s also helpful to have a router that can support multiple Internet connections so that you can implement redundancy (more on this below).

Keep Your Equipment in Good Condition

Your internet equipment, including your router and modem, needs to be in good condition to ensure maximum uptime. Dust, heat, and other environmental factors can affect the performance of your equipment. Regularly clean your equipment, keep it in a cool and dry place, and replace any faulty parts as soon as possible.

Use Wired Connections Instead of WiFi

WiFi is convenient, but it is also more prone to interference and signal degradation than wired connections. Using a wired connection can help you achieve a more stable and reliable internet connection. If you have the option, consider using an Ethernet cable to connect your devices to your router.

Use a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)

Power outages can cause internet downtime, especially if your ISP’s equipment and your router are affected. Using a UPS can help prevent this by providing backup power during power outages. A UPS can give you enough time to save your work and shut down your devices properly, preventing data loss.

Monitor Your Network

Monitoring your network can help you detect issues before they cause downtime. You can use network monitoring software to monitor your network and receive alerts when there are issues. This can help you take action quickly and prevent prolonged downtime.

Use Cloud-Based Services

Using cloud-based services can help you maximize uptime. Cloud-based services are typically hosted on multiple servers, which means they are less likely to experience downtime. They are also accessible from anywhere, making it easier for you to access your data even if your local network is down.

Implement Redundancy

Redundancy is the practice of having multiple systems or backups in place to ensure maximum uptime. For example, you can use a failover internet connection, which automatically switches to a backup connection if your primary connection goes down. Most users typically opt for a cellular Internet connection in these cases because of their availability and flexible data plans. 

Use a VPN

Using a VPN can help you maximize uptime by providing an additional layer of security and privacy. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it more difficult for hackers and other malicious actors to intercept your data. It also allows you to bypass internet censorship and access content that is not available in your region. However, not all services will allow you to connect when coming from a VPN connection. Still, if you want to give it a try, Peplink includes their own VPN service with warranty plans, which is called SpeedFusion. This allows you to build a VPN connection anywhere in the world, directly from your router. This means that all your devices connected to the router can benefit from the VPN. Other benefits include having seamless failover between multiple Internet connections as well as bandwidth aggregation.

Maximizing internet uptime is essential to ensure productivity, prevent data loss, and avoid frustration. By following these tips, you can ensure that your internet connection is as reliable and stable as it can be. Start by selecting a reliable ISP and router. Keep your equipment in good condition and use a UPS to ensure connectivity when power goes out. You may also use wired connections instead of Wi-Fi, implement redundancy, and use a VPN. 

Looking for further assistance with routers, VPN and redundant connections? Reach out to the 5Gstore team via phone, email, or chat!

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Why 5G is a Beneficial Backup to Fiber Internet

In today’s digital age, having a reliable internet connection is essential for both personal and professional activities. With the increasing use of cloud-based applications and remote work, a strong and stable internet connection is a necessity. While fiber internet is the most reliable and fast internet connection available, it can still face disruptions due to various reasons such as network maintenance, hardware failure, or natural disasters. This is where mobile broadband comes in as a beneficial backup to fiber internet. With mobile broadband as a backup, you can ensure a continuous internet connection even in the event of a disruption to your fiber internet. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that rely heavily on a stable internet connection. 

The Connections

Fiber Internet, or fiber-optic broadband, is a type of internet connection that uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data. These cables are made of thin strands of glass or plastic that are capable of carrying large amounts of information over long distances at high speeds. In a fiber-optic broadband connection, data is transmitted through these cables using pulses of light. The light signals are sent down the cable using lasers, and they travel at close to the speed of light. This allows fiber-optic broadband to offer much faster internet speeds than traditional broadband connections that use copper wires.

In comparison, mobile broadband refers to wireless internet access that is delivered through a mobile network operator’s cellular network. The signal is broadcast over the air from cell towers. This allows users to connect to the internet using their mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or cellular modems/ routers, while on the go. It uses a technology called Long-Term Evolution (LTE/ 4G) as well as 5G, to provide high-speed data connections. Users can connect to the internet by either using their mobile device’s cellular data connection or by using a mobile broadband modem that is connected to their device.

The Benefits of Mobile Broadband

Since the connection is mobile, it provides increased flexibility to your internet connection. With a mobile broadband connection, you can easily move around and work from any location with cellular coverage. This means that you can work from home, at the office, or even while on the go. Additionally, a mobile broadband connection is not dependent on any physical infrastructure. So, you can be up and running on a cellular network in a matter of seconds to minutes. 

Having a cellular backup in place can be a cost-effective alternative to installing a second fiber or other wired connection. Especially for smaller businesses or individuals who do not need high-speed internet all the time. Plus, when a second line is run, it’s generally done through the same trench as the first connection. This puts you at higher risk of losing both connections should something happen to the lines. You could of course have a new trench run, but that adds to the cost and time of installation. 

Also, with regards to payments, you generally have more options for data plans. In certain cases you may choose the amount of data you need and pay as you go. Some plans can be adjusted as your needs change. The 5Gstore failover data plans, for example, are about $10 per month for 1GB of data.

Mobile broadband is typically easier and faster to deploy than fiber internet. Fiber internet requires physical infrastructure such as cables and installation. Mobile broadband can be quickly set up by simply plugging in a USB style modem or connecting to a hotspot device, or cellular router. This means that you can quickly switch to a mobile broadband connection in case of an emergency, reducing downtime and productivity losses. 

Even in the event of an outage, fiber Internet connections take much longer to repair in comparison to cellular connections. Reliability is one benefit of using mobile broadband as a backup. They 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. 

Redundancy is key. Using mobile broadband as a backup to fiber internet provides redundancy to your internet connection. They are designed with redundancy in mind, meaning they have multiple layers of backup systems in place. It is essential for business continuity as it ensures that your business operations are not disrupted in case of an internet outage. With mobile broadband in place, there’s a better chance you won’t lose connectivity. You can rest assured that your business operations continue to run smoothly.

Conclusions

Both fiber Internet and mobile broadband have their advantages and disadvantages, so using them together can help provide more redundancy. If you’re looking for a fast and reliable Internet connection and are willing to pay for it, fiber Internet is a great choice. However, if you need a 24/7 Internet connection that’s also portable and easy to set up, mobile broadband is a good addition.

In fact, using mobile broadband as a backup Internet connection can be a smart choice for both individuals and businesses. In a business setting, having a redundant connection to the Internet can be essential, as downtime can lead to lost productivity and revenue. With mobile broadband, businesses can have a backup connection that’s always available in case of an Internet outage. Additionally, mobile broadband can be helpful for people who work from home or in remote areas where fiber Internet may not be available.

Looking for more information on cellular backup? Reach out to our team for assistance by phone, email, or chat!

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