Transforming Networks with Digi Remote Manager

In the ever-evolving landscape of network management, Digi Remote Manager (Digi RM) stands out as a transformative technology platform that takes networks to the next level, enabling smarter operations for both networks and the individuals tasked with managing them. By seamlessly bringing together a myriad of dispersed Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Digi RM evolves them into a dynamic, intelligent network. 

Features of Digi Remote Manager

1. Effortless Device Management

Digi RM simplifies the configuration, deployment, monitoring, and management of hundreds or even thousands of mission-critical devices from a single point of command. The platform’s exclusive drag-and-drop grouping technology facilitates the auto-assimilation, updating, and deployment of devices with ease.

2. Insightful Dashboard and Reporting

The flexible Digi RM dashboard allows users to customize and position crucial information as needed. Pre-built reports with critical device health metrics can be tailored to include specific data, and alerts can be configured for specified conditions. This allows for a deeper understanding of network performance and facilitates informed decision-making.

3. Security and Compliance

Digi RM ensures an always-on, always-secure network with software-defined protection. It automatically scans and fixes any out-of-compliance device configurations in the group, maintaining the integrity of the network and alerting administrators if key settings deviate.

4. Cloud Integration

Digi RM provides pre-configured APIs that streamline the access, connection, and analysis of data collected from devices. Cloud connectors enable seamless integration with third-party analytics and visualization dashboard applications. For custom integrations, the platform offers a rich web service API.

5. Digi Containers

Digi Containers, an add-on service to Digi Remote Manager, simplifies the deployment of custom applications via containers. These containers streamline the process of building, deploying, and running custom applications on devices managed with Digi RM. Lightweight Linux Containers (LXC) tools enable developers to package custom applications, complete with dependencies, into a portable bundle.

6. WAN Bonding

Digi WAN Bonding combines multiple connections into a resilient connectivity solution, ensuring optimal performance and maximum uptime globally. Features such as Digi SureLink®, policy-based routing, and interface bonding prevent external network failures from causing downtime, providing a robust and reliable network connection.

7. Mobile VPN

Digi Mobile VPN offers a secure connection between data centers and Digi routers, including connected edge devices. Orchestrated through Digi Remote Manager, this service provides persistent, secure connectivity—a crucial feature for applications in public sectors, emergency response, and mass transit.

8. Digi Remote Manager Mobile App

The Digi RM mobile app enhances user convenience by enabling device registration via QR codes. The Configuration Manager feature allows for the automatic application of custom configurations. Users can monitor the overall health of their network and individual device statuses through the app.

5Gstore’s Utilization of Digi Remote Manager

5Gstore harnesses the power of Digi Remote Manager across various aspects of network management.

  • Configuration Management
    • 5Gstore utilizes Digi RM’s Configuration Manager for both individual devices and bulk configurations, streamlining the process of setting up and managing devices across the network.
  • Firmware Management
    • Digi RM facilitates firmware management for 5Gstore, allowing them to update firmware on individual devices or in bulk, ensuring that all devices are running the latest and most secure versions.
  • Monitoring Data Usage
    • Leveraging Digi IntelliFlow, a key feature of Digi Remote Manager, 5Gstore actively monitors data usage via alarms and network traffic visualization tools. This provides actionable insights into the network’s application data, focusing on the top 10 users or destinations.
  • WAN Bonding for Network Redundancy
    • 5Gstore employs Digi WAN Bonding to achieve resilient connectivity and maximum performance across multiple connections. This ensures that our employees’ networks remain robust and operational even in the face of connection failures.

In conclusion, Digi Remote Manager serves as a cornerstone in modern network management, empowering organizations like 5Gstore to achieve efficiency, security, and resilience in their networks. As technology continues to advance, Digi RM remains at the forefront, providing a comprehensive solution for managing the complexities of IoT devices and ensuring the seamless operation of intelligent networks.

The Synergy of 5G and Cloud Gaming: Transforming the Gaming Landscape

The gaming industry is currently undergoing a revolutionary transformation, driven by the intersection of 5G cellular networks and the rise of cloud gaming. In this article, we will explore the myriad advantages of cloud gaming and how the integration of 5G technology addresses crucial challenges, particularly in mitigating latency. Additionally, we will delve into the groundbreaking Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput (L4S) standard, shedding light on its role in shaping the future of mobile cloud gaming.

Advantages of Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming offers a host of advantages that are reshaping the gaming experience for enthusiasts worldwide. One of the most significant benefits is the elimination of storage concerns. Unlike traditional gaming methods that require substantial storage space for large game files and updates, cloud gaming stores and processes games on remote servers. This not only frees gamers from storage constraints but also eliminates the need for expensive hardware upgrades.

Another standout feature of cloud gaming is the instant access it provides. With game files stored remotely and pre-loaded on servers, gamers can dive into their favorite titles without enduring the waiting times associated with local installations. This seamless experience extends to updates, as cloud gaming platforms automatically maintain up-to-date servers, ensuring gamers benefit from the latest patches and enhancements without disruptions.

Cloud gaming also democratizes access to high-end gaming experiences by eliminating the need for costly hardware upgrades. Regardless of the device used, gamers can enjoy demanding titles, making gaming more accessible to enthusiasts with varying budgets. The portability of cloud gaming is evident in the ability to play games anywhere, anytime, using smartphones or other portable devices, adding a new dimension to the gaming experience.

The Convergence of Cloud Gaming and 5G

The transformative moment in the gaming industry occurs with the convergence of cloud gaming and 5G cellular service. The enhanced connectivity provided by 5G is instrumental in overcoming one of the key challenges of cloud gaming: latency. As 5G continues to roll out globally, it is poised to make cloud gaming the undisputed future of gaming, offering unprecedented flexibility, accessibility, and a truly immersive gaming experience.

Understanding Latency Challenges in Mobile Cloud Gaming

The dynamic landscape of cloud gaming introduces challenges related to network latency, throughput, and the upgrading of mobile networks. System latency, the delay between input and on-screen movement, becomes perceptible in cloud gaming due to the shift from local connections to internet-based platforms.

Mobile cloud gaming requires stable latency between 40 to 80 ms for a smooth gaming experience. Throughput, particularly on smartphones, plays a significant role, with baseline requirements starting at 15 Mbps for optimal resolution and frame rates.

Addressing Network Latency

The distance between end users and server locations significantly affects network latency. To mitigate this challenge, distributed servers situated closer to users can be instrumental. Placing servers within a service provider’s network provides optimal control over traffic. The integration of 5G technology, coupled with higher frequency bands, contributes to improving latency, laying the groundwork for an enhanced gaming experience. The evolution towards 5G Standalone (5G SA) and network slicing further refines the latency dynamics, promising a future where cloud gaming is seamlessly integrated into the on-the-go gaming experience.

The Role of L4S in Improving Latency

The Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput (L4S) standard emerges as a crucial component in addressing latency challenges in cloud gaming. By reducing packet queuing congestion in networks, L4S introduces a setting within packets to adjust traffic flow immediately in the presence of congestion, minimizing buffering delays to single-digit milliseconds. While not yet widely adopted, major networking and ISP companies are involved in its development, paving the way for a more reliable and enjoyable cloud gaming experience.

Adoption and Collaboration for the Future

Though L4S adoption is in its early stages, major players like Comcast, Nokia, and Vodafone have been actively involved in its development. Trials conducted by Comcast with industry giants like Apple, Nvidia, and Valve showcase the commitment to advancing networking standards. Apple’s beta support for L4S in iOS 16 and macOS Sonoma, with plans for wider support in iOS 17, signals a positive trajectory for the adoption of this standard.

As the gaming industry charts its course over 5G networks, the integration of cloud gaming and advancements like L4S is pivotal for unlocking the full potential of on-the-go gaming. The collaboration between industry leaders, the adoption of innovative standards, and the ongoing evolution of 5G technology promise a future where gamers can enjoy a seamless and immersive experience, breaking down barriers and redefining the landscape of interactive entertainment.

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!

How Many 5G Devices Were Certified in 2021?

The Global Certification Forum (GCF) tests, certifies, and connects mobile and IoT products to networks and services. Each year, they publish a Mobile Device Trends report. Its recent report highlights the quick moving migration to 5G, with over 30% of all devices in 2021 integrating the technology. 

GCF has over 150 device manufacturers, located across 25 countries, that are currently working with their team. The analysis of GCF certifications – which are recognized by network operators with interests in global markets – provides insights into the mobile technologies and functionalities being requested by operators and end users across markets worldwide.

Information gathered shows that there has been an increase in support for 5G standalone (SA) operation – nearly 90% of 5G devices. However, even though the initial rollout had surpassed LTE in terms of its proportion of all devices, 5G has fallen behind in the third year of its deployment.

In 2021, GCF certified 609 device models from 89 manufacturers. This was up 18% from the 75 in 2020, but the number of certified devices dropped nearly 15% from the previous year.

It’s possible that this decline could be partly due to the continuing shift towards 5G. In 2020, many smartphones were produced (and certified) in separate 4G and 5G model variants. Compare that to 2021, where more models came in a single 5G version. Then there’s the worldwide chip shortage, which caused problems across many industries.

The integration of 5G into devices has continued to increase rapidly. However, after an initial burst in 2020, the proportion of new devices incorporating 5G has fallen behind the level for LTE. In 2021, the percentage of all devices certified with integrated 5G went up from 21% in 2020, to 31%. Among these, there was a significant jump in the proportion supporting 5G SA operation. 65% of the 5G devices certified in 2021 (123 of 189) supported 5G SA, up from 34% in 2020. This rate continues to grow and, in 2022 year-to-date, the proportion of 5G devices supporting 5G SA is 88%.

Smartphones remained the largest category of device in 2021 (43%) with modules in second place at nearly 30%. The third largest category in 2021 was WLAN routers, which made up 8% of devices certified. This was a considerable jump from 2020 and was largely due to operators supporting fixed 5G wireless access on their 5G networks, which drove up the demand for WLAN routers.

Currently, there’s still only a handful of 5G modules and WLAN routers available. We have slowly been seeing and hearing about more to come, such as the Pepwave MAX BR2 Pro 5G. For now, be sure to check out the 5G products you can get in your hands on tomorrow, including:

Inseego 4G/5G Routers Now Available at 5Gstore

Think back to the first time you saw or used a mobile WiFi hotspot. That’s where our new partner, Inseego got its start. For the past 25 years, they’ve been leading the way by creating entirely new types of devices that allow users to connect wherever they are. 

By staying at the front of innovation, Inseego has earned the trust of leading wireless operators, technology titans, business users, government agencies and consumers.

From 2G to 5G, they’ve been through it all. In the 1990s, they started with Industry’s First Modems for Mobile Broadband.

In the 2000s,  they invented MiFi® hotspots, enabled the First Cellular Amazon® Kindle®, and the First USB Memory Stick Modem Combos for nationwide and global use. 

In the 2010s, they came out with the First Touchscreen Mobile Hotspot, with Advanced Enterprise Features and were known to have the “Highest Performance in the Market.”

Now, Inseego has released its First Commercial Mobile Hotspots and its First Complete 5G Portfolio. This includes the S2000e Enterprise 5G, FX2000e Enterprise 5G, FW2000e Enterprise 5G (Outdoor), and the FG2000e Enterprise 5G.

Inseego also invents new technologies, which make their products work more efficiently. The company holds key patents for antenna designs, thermal performance, quick response algorithms and other know-how that sets them apart from the rest of the industry. They also work with industry leaders to design, develop, test and deploy successful, end-to-end solutions.

Something else we really favor Inseego for is the simple fact that they are designed and developed in the USA. Per Inseego, “That translates into the highest quality, security, performance and reliability that service providers, enterprises and government users demand.”

We’re happy to announce that we will be carrying these new 5G products along with a LTE solution, at 5Gstore – most of which we have available today! So let us not delay our introduction any longer. 

First, for 4G LTE support only, look at the compact Skyus 160. With a small, rugged design and multi-carrier support, it keeps you connected almost anywhere for both primary and failover communications. Its Cat 6 LTE modem supports speeds up to 300 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload. It also comes with a built-in battery for backup, so the Skyus 160 can support your most important workloads. 

Popular use case applications include mobile applications like creating a vehicle hotspot, setting up a temporary job site, or working from home. It’s also ideal for fixed environments such as SD-WAN installations for retail locations or branch offices.

Next, we have the S2000e Enterprise 5G. The Inseego Wavemaker™ 5G industrial gateway S2000e brings the best of 5G to a wide range of enterprise environments, from factories and warehouses to ports, fleets and smart city networks. This powerful, high-performance gateway can deliver multi-gigabit speeds, low latency and secure, reliable connections for facilities and distributed operations in virtually any location, from urban centers to rural areas. Use the S2000e to bring 5G to an existing router, or to connect remote surveillance cameras, kiosks, digital displays and other IoT endpoints.

Combining six antenna ports and 4×4 MU-MIMO with Inseego’s proprietary thermal mitigation technology, it delivers sustained high throughput even at the edge of the network. The S2000e provides ethernet, USB and I/O ports along with multiple power options and mounting options, offering the flexibility for almost any deployment scenario. 

Pair your S2000e with the Inseego mobile app and simplify self-installation. Inseego Connect™ cloud management makes it easy to configure, monitor and maintain the S2000e remotely. With unsurpassed RF performance and device-to-cloud intelligence, the S2000e industrial gateway opens the door to many new business solutions.

Whether you’re an operator providing high-performance fixed wireless access to your small business and residential customers, or an enterprise organization with distributed offices and remote employees, the FX2000 series is a great solution. It works well in homes, retail stores, restaurants, branch offices, medical clinics, dormitories, apartments and more.

In particular, check out the FX2000e Enterprise 5G. This is a compact indoor router that delivers fast, reliable 5G/LTE broadband to homes and businesses. It offers support for private networks, including CBRS, and boasts Wi-Fi 6 technology and ethernet with secure connections for up to 30 devices. A host of smart security and management features let users connect with confidence in their data privacy and protection.

The Inseego Mobile app makes it easy to find the best location to set up and remotely manage settings like network name and password. Users can also use the Inseego Connect™ platform to monitor, configure and troubleshoot a single FX2000 or an entire deployment of FX2000 series devices from one user-friendly platform. You can set alarm rules, schedule and run reports for data usage, signal quality, and alarm history, and group devices together to push widespread configurations.

The FX2000e offers dual SIM support and allows for auto-switching between SIMs based on signal strength, data usage, service availability, and quality. Multi-carrier firmware allows the FX2000e to be used on most major global carriers.

Look at the FW2000e Enterprise 5G (Outdoor) for more rural and suburban customers who might be at the edge of network coverage. Or, use this to provide 5G connectivity for private enterprise networks. In either case, the FW2000 series outdoor Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) uses high-gain directional antennas to extend the reach of carrier networks, providing 5G fixed wireless access (along with 4G LTE fallback at LTE CAT 22 speeds) to serve customers in more places.

The intuitive Inseego Mobile app makes it easy to find the strongest network signal and best mounting location for the FW2000 series outdoor CPEs. Once up and running the, IP67-rated FW2000 series is designed to stand up to harsh weather conditions and temperature extremes while protecting your network with enterprise-grade security.

Lastly, we have the FG2000e Enterprise 5G. The Inseego Wavemaker™ indoor router FG2000 series delivers blazing-fast internet access to homes and businesses worldwide with breakthrough 5G and 4G LTE speeds. From fast streaming to lag-free video conferencing, the FG2000 series delivers a superb 5G user experience with best-of-network performance anywhere.

The FG2000 series offers support for private networks, including CBRS, and boasts Wi-Fi 6 technology with gigabit-class data speeds with secure connections for up to 128 Wi-Fi devices. An optional RJ11 port provides VoLTE-enabled high-definition voice service. A host of smart security and management features let users connect with confidence in their data privacy and protection.

The FG2000e offers dual SIM support and allows for auto-switching between SIMs based on signal strength, data usage, service availability, and quality. Multi-carrier firmware allows the FG2000e to be used on most major global carriers. The Inseego Mobile app and Inseego Connect™ platform is also available with this device. 

If you have any interest in mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, IIoT (Industrial IoT), Enterprise SaaS, or Edge Computing, look no further than to the specialty products from Inseego.  

Contact our sales team today if you have any questions!

Xfinity Mobile told to stop ads for “Unlimited 5G”

Like other cable MVNOs, more competitive data plans were released to customers last year. Comcast’s service was included, however, their Xfinity Mobile was recently challenged by T-Mobile for certain ad claims about “unlimited 5G.” 

T-Mobile went to the National Advertising Division (NAD), who then recommended Comcast stop advertising plans as “unlimited 5G” and using messages that it has the “best price” for 5G plans. 

Specifically, NAD determined that Comcast shouldn’t use the term “unlimited 5G” because speeds are reduced to 3G after users reach a 20GB data threshold. They also noted that speed reductions contradicted the specific “unlimited 5G” message to consumers. This means it couldn’t be fixed by disclosing this in the fine print of their ad as they sometimes do.

In regards to cable MVNOs, analysts at MoffettNathanson took note Charter and Comcast’s throttled speeds, both of which run off of the Verizon network.

“After 20 GBs, Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile service is actually throttled, to a maximum download speed of 1.5 Mbps,” wrote analyst Craig Moffett in a December 8 research note to investors. In comparison, Charter’s Spectrum Mobile service is also throttled for unlimited plan subscribers after 20GB, but drops to 600 kbps maximum downloads. “This is obviously a much more aggressive limitation than a simple de-prioritization,” the firm continued.

Back to the advertising, a number of Comcast’s “best price” claims were also challenged by T-Mobile and didn’t pass inspection from NAD. They refer to Xfinity Mobile’s unlimited family plans that cost $30 per month, per line with four lines. NAD said ads (like get the best price for “unlimited 5G” and “Switch to Xfinity Mobile and get the best price for Unlimited”) conveyed an unfounded message that Xfinity Mobile plans were cheaper than competitors’ four-line plans on the market at the time – specifically noting a T-Mobile promo offer for $25 per line on its Essential plans.

That said, NAD acknowledged Comcast’s ads could use adjustments in the future that clarifies its pricing is the best when compared to other non-promotional rates.

Comcast, in an advertiser’s statement, said it would follow NAD’s recommendations and also “agrees that an appropriate disclosure can make clear to consumers the basis of comparison (including comparisons which exclude temporary promotional pricing) and will comply with NAD’s recommendation in future advertising.”

EU Extends the Free Mobile Roaming Policy Until 2032

According to the European Commission, mobile “roaming” will remain free within the European Union until 2032. 

In a press release announcing the agreement to extend the free roaming policy, the European Commission said:

Citizens will be able to call, text and use mobile data while traveling within the EU at no extra costs and with the same quality they experience at home; they will have improved access to emergency communications regardless of where they are in Europe; and, they will have the right to clear information when a service they use while roaming might cause inadvertent extra charges. The regulation will enter into force on July 1st 2022.

Prior to 2017, when roaming charges were abolished in the EU, travelers across Europe would often get hit with excessive phone bills upon returning home, with network operators charging exorbitant fees for calls, text, and data used abroad. Years of campaigning saw that the practice was stopped. 

Given that the United Kingdom has formally exited the European Union, UK residents won’t be able to enjoy the benefits of free roaming when they use their phones abroad. Originally, EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone –  the largest mobile operators in the UK – stated they had no plans to reintroduce roaming charges after Brexit, but all have since announced changes, some under a “fair use” clause.