Tag: security

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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A Guide to Understanding VPN

Online privacy and security are of utmost concern these days. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as a popular solution for protecting internet users. But what exactly is a VPN, and how does it benefit users in various scenarios? This article looks at what VPNs are, highlights their advantages, and explores common use cases for the technology.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that establishes a secure and encrypted connection over a public network, typically the internet. It allows users to access the internet as if they were connected to a private network, even while using a public or unsecured WiFi network. The VPN creates a secure tunnel between the user’s device and the VPN server, encrypting all data transmitted through the connection.

VPN Protocols

A VPN protocol is a set of rules and procedures used to establish and manage secure communication between devices over a VPN. It defines how data is encrypted, transmitted, and authenticated during the process of establishing a secure connection between the user’s device and the VPN server. Different VPN protocols offer varying levels of security, speed, and compatibility, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs.

VPN protocols determine how data packets are encapsulated and encrypted, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from potential threats and eavesdroppers while traveling through the internet. The most commonly used VPN protocols include OpenVPN, IPSec, L2TP, PPTP, IKEv2, and SSTP, among others.

When a user connects to a VPN service, the client application on their device negotiates with the VPN server to select the most appropriate protocol for the connection. Factors considered during this negotiation include the level of security required, network environment, and the capabilities of the user’s device and operating system.

Each VPN protocol has its advantages and disadvantages. Some protocols, like OpenVPN, provide strong encryption and high security, making them ideal for privacy-conscious users. Others, such as PPTP, are known for their ease of setup and fast connection speeds but offer lower levels of security. The choice of VPN protocol depends on the user’s specific needs, whether it’s prioritizing security, speed, compatibility, or a combination of factors.

Benefits of VPN

  • Enhanced Security and Privacy: One of the primary benefits of using a VPN is the enhanced security and privacy it offers. By encrypting internet traffic, VPNs prevent hackers, cyber criminals, and even Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from monitoring or intercepting users’ online activities. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, and personal communications, remains safe from prying eyes.
  • Anonymous Browsing: VPNs can also help users maintain anonymity while surfing the internet. By masking their IP address and routing their traffic through the VPN server, users can prevent websites, advertisers, and third parties from tracking their online behavior, providing a shield against invasive data collection.
  • Bypassing Geo-restrictions: VPNs enable users to access region-restricted content by connecting to servers in different countries. This capability allows users to enjoy streaming services, websites, and online resources that might be blocked or limited in their own region due to content licensing or government censorship.
  • Secure Remote Access: VPNs offer a secure method for remote workers to access their company’s private network and resources. This remote access ensures that employees can work from virtually anywhere while maintaining a high level of data security.
  • Protection on Public WiFi: Public WiFi networks are often unsecured, making them hotspots for hackers to exploit vulnerable connections. Using a VPN on public WiFi encrypts data, making it extremely difficult for hackers to intercept or steal sensitive information from unsuspecting users.

Typical Use Cases

VPNs serve a variety of practical purposes in the digital world. Businesses leverage VPNs to create secure communication channels for their offices and remote employees, ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive data and facilitating seamless collaboration across different locations. Additionally, users find value in VPNs for accessing region-specific content, such as streaming services and websites that are restricted in their home country. By connecting to servers in other countries, they can unlock a wider range of content. 

VPNs are also popular among individuals engaged in file sharing and torrenting, as these services allow users to maintain anonymity and safeguard their online identity during such activities. Lastly, privacy-conscious individuals rely on VPNs to protect their online privacy and prevent intrusive advertisers, data brokers, and other entities from tracking their internet behavior, resulting in reduced exposure to targeted ads.

Putting VPN to Use

Virtual Private Networks have become a crucial tool for internet users seeking to enhance their online security, protect their privacy, and access content unrestricted by geographic boundaries. With the numerous benefits they offer, VPNs have gained popularity in both personal and professional spheres. However, it is essential to choose a reputable and reliable VPN service provider to ensure the best performance and protection while enjoying the advantages of this valuable technology. Keep in mind that there are also routers that support VPN, meaning it can support your entire network of devices rather than having something running on each individual device.

For more information on routers with VPN compatibility, reach out to the 5Gstore team.

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Revolutionizing Connectivity: The Power of Edge Computing

In our everyday lives data is generated at an unprecedented rate. Traditional cloud computing infrastructure is facing challenges in meeting the demands of real-time applications. Enter edge computing, a groundbreaking paradigm that promises to reshape the way we process and analyze data. By bringing computation and storage capabilities closer to the data source, edge computing offers faster response times, reduced latency, enhanced security, and improved reliability. In this article, we will delve into the world of edge computing and explore its transformative potential across various industries.

What is the “Edge,” or “Edge Computing?”

Edge computing is a decentralized computing model that enables data processing and analysis at or near the edge of the network, closer to where data is generated. Unlike conventional cloud computing, where data is sent to a centralized server for processing, edge computing distributes computational resources to local devices, such as routers, gateways, and IoT devices. This approach reduces the need for data transmission to distant data centers, minimizing latency and enabling real-time decision-making.

What Makes Edge Computing So Important? 

Edge computing is crucial because it enables computing processes to take place at the edge of networks, in locations like hospitals, factories, and retail stores, where sensitive data is processed and critical systems need to function reliably and independently of a network connection. This low-latency, on-site processing capability excites businesses as it has the potential to revolutionize various industries and functions. Edge computing allows the integration of the digital world with physical environments, leading to improved customer experiences, enhanced worker training, and the creation of smart, safe, and comfortable environments. By running applications with high reliability and real-time data requirements on-site, businesses can innovate faster, launch products and services more efficiently, and explore new revenue opportunities.

Key Benefits of Edge Computing

  • Reduced Latency: By processing data at the network edge, edge computing significantly reduces latency, allowing for near-instantaneous response times. This is crucial for applications that require real-time data processing, such as autonomous vehicles, remote healthcare monitoring, and industrial automation.
  • Improved Reliability: Edge computing improves system reliability by reducing dependence on a centralized cloud infrastructure. By distributing computational resources across multiple edge nodes, it minimizes the risk of single points of failure. This resilience is particularly vital for critical applications that cannot afford downtime.
  • Enhanced Security: Edge computing offers increased data security by reducing the exposure of sensitive information to potential cyber threats. By processing data locally, it minimizes the need for data transmission over public networks, mitigating the risk of interception and unauthorized access.
  • Bandwidth Optimization: With the exponential growth of data, transmitting all information to a centralized cloud can strain network bandwidth. Edge computing allows for local processing and filtering of data, transmitting only relevant information to the cloud. This optimization reduces bandwidth requirements and minimizes associated costs.

Applications of Edge Computing

Edge computing plays a vital role in unlocking the potential of various applications, starting with the Internet of Things (IoT). By processing data locally, IoT devices can quickly respond to local events and make timely decisions, promoting seamless communication and adaptation within a smart home environment without excessive reliance on cloud connectivity. Moreover, edge computing is crucial for the advancement of autonomous systems like vehicles and drones. These systems heavily depend on real-time decision-making capabilities, achieved through processing vast amounts of sensor data at the edge, which in turn reduces latency and enhances responsiveness, leading to safer and more efficient operations. 

In the realm of healthcare, edge computing shows immense promise, particularly in applications such as remote patient monitoring and real-time diagnostics. By deploying edge devices in hospitals or even patient residences, critical health data can be analyzed locally, enabling faster response times and easing the burden on centralized healthcare infrastructure. With regards to industrial automation, edge computing empowers real-time analytics and control within factories and plants. Manufacturers can leverage edge devices to monitor and optimize operations, detect anomalies, and improve efficiency. This facilitates predictive maintenance, reduces downtime, and ultimately enhances overall productivity in industrial settings.

Challenges and Considerations

While edge computing brings significant advantages, it also comes with its fair share of challenges that require careful attention. One such challenge is scalability, as managing numerous distributed edge nodes can be intricate and demands efficient coordination. Scaling the edge infrastructure to handle expanding workloads and seamlessly integrating it with existing cloud systems presents both technical and logistical hurdles. Additionally, data privacy and governance become critical concerns with edge computing. The local processing of data requires meticulous adherence to data protection regulations and the establishment of secure transmission channels between edge devices and centralized systems to protect sensitive information. Furthermore, the lack of standardized protocols and interfaces in the edge computing ecosystem poses interoperability challenges. The establishment of industry-wide standards becomes essential to fully unlock the potential of edge computing and facilitate smooth integration across a wide array of devices and platforms.

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7 Tips for Ensuring a Secure Internet Connection

The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, do business, and access information. However, the internet is also a hub of malicious activities, making it imperative to ensure a secure internet connection. Whether you are browsing the web, conducting online transactions, or accessing sensitive data, securing your internet connection is crucial. Let’s take a look at some of the ways we can help protect our connections. 

#1: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an excellent tool to secure your internet connection. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, making it difficult for anyone to intercept your data. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi, as these networks are often insecure and can be easily hacked.

When choosing a VPN, ensure that it uses strong encryption and has a no-logging policy. A no-logging policy means that the VPN provider does not store any of your internet activities, ensuring your privacy. Some popular VPN providers include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and SurfShark.

#2: Keep your devices updated

Software updates are not just about new features and bug fixes; they also include security patches. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in software to exploit. Thankfully, software updates often include security fixes that address these vulnerabilities. Keeping your devices updated ensures that you have the latest security patches, making it harder for hackers to exploit your devices.

Ensure that your operating system, antivirus software, and other applications are updated regularly. Most software updates can be set to automatic, making it easier to keep your devices updated.

#3: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication

One of the most common ways hackers gain access to your online accounts is through weak passwords. A strong password should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Using a different password for each account is also important, as it prevents hackers from gaining access to all your accounts if they manage to crack one password. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification method, such as a code sent to your phone, before allowing access to your account.

#4: Use a Firewall

A firewall is a security tool that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. A firewall can help prevent unauthorized access to your computer by blocking incoming traffic from suspicious sources. Most operating systems come with a built-in firewall, but you can also install a third-party firewall for additional protection.

#5: Avoid suspicious websites and emails

Phishing attacks are a common way hackers use to gain access to your online accounts. Phishing emails often look legitimate, but they are designed to trick you into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card details. To avoid falling victim to phishing attacks, be cautious of emails that ask for sensitive information or come from unknown sources.

Similarly, malicious websites can also be used to steal your information or install malware on your device. Be cautious when clicking on links, and always verify that the website is legitimate before providing any sensitive information.

#6: Disable file sharing

File sharing is a convenient way to share files between devices, but it can also be a security risk. If file sharing is enabled on your device, anyone on the same network can access your files, including sensitive information. Ensure that file sharing is disabled when using public Wi-Fi or in any other situation where you do not trust the network.

#7: Use HTTPS

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is a secure version of HTTP, the protocol used to transfer data between your browser and websites. HTTPS encrypts your data and ensures that the website you are accessing is legitimate. You can check if a website uses HTTPS by looking for the padlock icon in the address bar. If the website uses HTTPS, you should see a padlock icon and the website address should start with “https://” instead of “http://”.

Using HTTPS ensures that your data is encrypted and secure, making it harder for hackers to intercept your data or manipulate the website you are accessing. It is particularly important when accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or making online purchases.

Maintaining Security on Your Network

In addition to the tips provided, utilizing a secure router is also advised as it adds another layer of protection. Most routers come with their own firewall as well as configuration settings that allow you to block certain devices from accessing your network. For example, you might set a configuration rule that blocks any device [from your network] that does not exist on a trusted list you’ve created. If any new devices need to connect, a secure guest network can be used rather than your primary network. Should you be in need of a secure router, just contact the team at 5Gstore and we’ll assist you in selecting the most appropriate solution based on your Internet connection(s), usage, and other requirements.  

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What Kind of WiFi Do I Need?

WiFi technology has revolutionized the way we connect to the internet. It allows us to access the internet wirelessly and eliminates the need for cumbersome cables. It was first developed in the 1990s and has since become a ubiquitous technology, with most modern smartphones, laptops, and other devices equipped with WiFi capabilities.

WiFi networks typically consist of a wireless router, which acts as the central hub for the network, and a number of devices that connect to the network wirelessly. The router communicates with the devices using radio waves, and data is transmitted back and forth between the router and the devices.

The technology uses a set of standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), known as the 802.11 standard. These standards define the technical specifications for how WiFi works. This includes the frequencies used, the data transfer rates, and the security protocols used to protect data.

So what should you look for when deciding to purchase a WiFi product? Read on for details about different types of WiFi technologies and securities. 

Types of WiFi Technologies

  • 802.11a: This standard uses the 5 GHz frequency band and provides faster data transfer rates but with a shorter range compared to 2.4 GHz. It is ideal for high-bandwidth applications such as streaming video and online gaming.
  • 802.11b: This standard uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band and offers slower data transfer rates but longer range compared to 5 GHz. It is suitable for low-bandwidth applications such as email and web browsing.
  • 802.11g: This standard also uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band and offers faster data transfer rates than 802.11b but has a shorter range. It is ideal for medium-bandwidth applications such as file sharing and online conferencing.
  • 802.11n: This standard operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands and offers faster data transfer rates, improved range, and improved reliability compared to its predecessors. It is suitable for high-bandwidth applications such as video conferencing and cloud computing.
  • 802.11ac (WiFi 5): This standard uses the 5 GHz frequency band and offers even faster data transfer rates than 802.11n. It is ideal for high-bandwidth applications such as streaming 4K videos and online gaming.
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6/6E): This newer standard operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands and offers faster data transfer rates, increased capacity, and improved performance in dense wireless environments. It is suitable for high-bandwidth applications such as virtual reality and smart homes.

WiFi 5 vs 6 vs 6E?

WiFi 5, WiFi 6, and WiFi 6E are different generations of WiFi technology. Each has its own set of features and capabilities. Here’s a comparison of the three:

WiFi 5 (802.11ac):

  • Uses the 5 GHz frequency band
  • Supports a maximum data transfer rate of up to 3.5 Gbps
  • Uses MIMO technology to increase the amount of data that can be transferred simultaneously
  • Supports wider channels up to 160 MHz and higher-order modulation up to 256-QAM
  • Can handle multiple devices simultaneously, but not as efficiently as WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E

WiFi 6 (802.11ax):

  • Uses both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands
  • Supports a maximum data transfer rate of up to 9.6 Gbps
  • Uses OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) technology to enable multiple devices to transmit data simultaneously on the same channel
  • Uses MU-MIMO technology to allow multiple devices to receive data simultaneously from the same access point
  • Includes improved security features such as WPA3 encryption and Target Wake Time (TWT).

WiFi 6E (802.11ax-6E):

  • Uses the 6 GHz frequency band, which is less congested and has more available channels than the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands used by previous WiFi generations
  • Supports a maximum data transfer rate of up to 9.6 Gbps
  • Uses the same features as WiFi 6, such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO, but with the added benefits of operating in the less congested 6 GHz band
  • Provides better performance and capacity, especially in high-density environments with many connected devices

In summary, WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E offer significant improvements in speed, performance, and reliability over WiFi 5. WiFi 6E is the most advanced technology at this time. 6E uses the newest frequency band as well, but it requires compatible hardware and may not be widely available yet.

What About WiFi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 was only recently announced, but is going to use a new IEEE standard known as 802.11be. This provides a wider channel and utilizes the 6GHz spectrum to deliver peak rates of up to 46 Gbps, which is 4 times more than Wi-Fi 6E. It introduces multi-link options, including High-Band Simultaneous Multi-Link, which reduces latency and increases throughput. Wi-Fi 7 also standardizes 4K QAM modulation and Flexible Channel Utilization technology to increase throughput and capacity while avoiding interference.

Note that WiFi 7 is expected to be released next year. Currently, there is a limited number of devices which have support for the technology. Interested in learning more about WiFi 7? Check out this page on WiFi 7 from TP-Link.

WiFi security types

  • Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP): This is an outdated security protocol that is easily cracked and no longer considered secure. It uses a shared key encryption method that can be easily intercepted by hackers.
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA): This security protocol uses a pre-shared key (PSK) for authentication and encryption. It offers better security than WEP but is still vulnerable to attacks such as brute-force attacks.
  • WPA2: This is an improved version of WPA that uses stronger encryption methods such as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). It is currently the most widely used WiFi security protocol and offers better security than its predecessors.
  • WPA3: This is the latest and most secure WiFi security protocol that uses even stronger encryption methods such as Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) and Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE). It provides better protection against attacks such as dictionary attacks and offers enhanced security for public WiFi networks.

Understanding different types of WiFi technologies and WiFi security types is essential for ensuring a secure and reliable wireless connection. Users should choose WiFi technology based on their bandwidth requirements. It’s also important to pick an appropriate security protocol to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized access. 

If you need assistance selecting an appropriate WiFi solution for your application, contact the experts at 5Gstore.

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Understanding Firewalls: The Key to Network Security

In today’s digital age, network security is more important than ever. With the rise of cyber threats such as malware, phishing, and ransomware, it’s essential to have robust security measures in place to protect your organization’s data and network resources. One such measure is a firewall.

What is a firewall?

A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of predefined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted, internal network and an untrusted, external network, such as the internet.

Firewalls can be implemented as hardware devices, software programs, or a combination of both. They typically work by examining the data packets that are being transmitted between networks and applying predefined rules to determine whether or not the packets should be allowed through. These rules can be based on various criteria, such as the source and destination IP addresses, the type of traffic (e.g. HTTP, FTP, etc.), and specific keywords or patterns in the data.

Why is a firewall important?

One of the key benefits of using a firewall is that it helps to protect a network from unauthorized access and malicious attacks. By blocking potentially harmful traffic and limiting access to certain network resources, a firewall can prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive data or disrupting network operations.

Firewalls can also be used to enforce corporate security policies and ensure regulatory compliance. For example, a firewall can be configured to block access to websites that are known to be sources of malware or other security threats, or to limit access to certain types of data to only authorized users.

Types of firewalls

There are several types of firewalls that are commonly used, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

  • Packet-filtering firewalls: These firewalls examine individual packets of data as they are transmitted across a network and filter them based on specific criteria. Packet-filtering firewalls are relatively simple and efficient, but they may not provide sufficient protection against more sophisticated attacks.
  • Stateful inspection firewalls: These firewalls maintain a record of the connections that are being established between different network devices and use this information to make more informed decisions about which traffic to allow or block. Stateful inspection firewalls provide a higher level of security than packet-filtering firewalls, but they may be more resource-intensive.
  • Proxy firewalls: These firewalls act as an intermediary between a client and a server, and can be configured to filter and modify network traffic as it passes through. Proxy firewalls provide a high level of control over network traffic, but they may introduce additional latency and complexity into the network.
  • Next-generation firewalls: These firewalls combine traditional firewall functionality with additional security features such as intrusion prevention, malware detection, and application control. Next-generation firewalls provide the highest level of security, but they may be more expensive and complex to implement.

Choosing the right firewall

Choosing the right type of firewall for your organization depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of your network, the types of applications and data that you need to protect, and your budget and resource constraints.

It’s also important to configure your firewall properly to ensure that it provides maximum protection against cyber threats. This includes regularly updating your firewall software and security rules, monitoring network traffic for unusual activity, and conducting regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Firewalls are an essential component of any network security strategy. They help to protect against unauthorized access and malicious attacks by monitoring and controlling network traffic based on predefined security rules. By choosing the right type of firewall for your network and configuring it properly, you can help to keep your organization’s data and network resources secure.

Need help finding a firewall with cellular connectivity? Look no further than 5Gstore.com. Our team is available to assist Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm CT by phone, email, or chat!

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Adding Firewall Rules to Secure Your Peplink

Firewalls establish a security barrier between your devices and the Internet by using rules to allow or deny access in and out of your network. 

In the case of our Peplink routers, the firewall configuration may differ from other routers, but the result is always the same. 

You may want your network locked down from any incoming connections and only allow your personal devices access out to the Internet. Or you might have devices on your network separated in different VLANs. Should you need to allow communication with one of these devices, but deny other connections, set up an Internal network rule to accomplish this. 

For more information, check out our Peplink firewall demo video on YouTube. Have questions? Just reach out to your friends at 5Gstore today!

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T-Mobile Certifies the Sierra Wireless XR Series Routers on the 5G Network

Sierra Wireless, a world leading IoT solutions provider, announced today that its AirLink® XR Series cellular routers architected for 5G performance, are certified to operate on T-Mobile’s 5G network – the largest, fastest and most reliable in the United States. This includes the models XR80 and XR90. 

The supercharged AirLink XR90 is purpose-built for public safety and transit with available dual-5G cellular radios and dual independent 4×4 MIMO Wi-Fi 6 antennas. It is the highest performing, most flexible router in the Sierra portfolio. The AirLink XR80 is optimized for fixed and mobile applications. The available dual-5G cellular radio and 5X4 MIMO Wi-Fi 6 delivers flexibility for customized configurations. 

These solutions deliver the full performance of 5G across any network (5G, Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet) enabling customers to leverage the higher data speeds and lower latency of 5G, required for real-time video streaming in mission-critical and high performance business-critical environments. Security is designed into the routers with device to cloud security including secure boot, cryptographic keys, and support for WPA-3. Each model can accommodate expansion modules and are purpose-built for rugged environments. 

In addition, both are fully-supported, out-of-the box solutions complete with integrated device management, advanced mobility reporting and 24/7 technical support. AirLink Connection Manager delivers complete VPN security and their AirLink Professional Services maximizes your system performance and customer satisfaction. 

Yet another added benefit to your remote access and out of band management – an embedded LPWA cellular radio, connected through Sierra Wireless Global Connectivity, provides an always-on link to ALMS (AirLink Management System (ALMS), is a cloud-based management platform which includes remote device management and mobility-focused reporting through AirLink Premium). This unique capability ensures the ongoing operational success of these 5G deployments.

“The XR Series is our fastest, most intelligent, flexible, and secure router yet,” said Tom Mueller, Vice President of Product Enterprise Networking, Sierra Wireless. “The XR Series routers are purpose-built for advanced, mission and business-critical 5G applications. With a passively cooled industrial design, future-proof flexibility offering single and dual 5G as well as Wi-Fi 6 radio options, always-on connectivity, rapid response, and strong multi-layered end-to-end security, they boast best-in-class reliability. When you combine this performance with T-Mobile’s industry-leading 5G network , it’s easy to see why you should choose Sierra Wireless to enable your next-generation applications.”

For more information about these products, contact your friends at 5Gstore!

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Tech Tip: How to Use VLANs to Secure Your Router Network

IoT devices – such as cameras, smart thermostats & doorbells – can generally be less secure than most network attached devices (i.e. computers, network drives, servers, etc). Still, they require Internet service to operate and allow you remote access for control and monitoring. In effort to better secure these devices from the rest of your network, this is where creating a “VLAN” can help. This stands for “Virtual Local Area Network.” This is much like creating a Guest WiFi network on your router, so it can be done on just about any router including Sierra Wireless, CradlePoint, Peplink and Digi devices. 

Check out our video on how to create a VLAN for IoT security here! 

For more videos like this, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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SD-WAN Branch Solutions by Peplink

5G is in our scope! Internet technologies are advancing. Security risks are increasing, along with the number of local and remote connections to manage. Many companies find themselves in a state of urgency to find the best solution, but run into confusion trying to understand what they need and how it will work for them. Not to mention having the adequate support when required. Together with Peplink, 5Gstore can assist your team at every level.

First, familiarize yourself with the terminology. For example…

  • SD-WAN means Software Defined Wide Area Network. This is a virtual Internet connection rather than a physical one coming from the cable or phone company. When you hear about Peplink’s SpeedFusion technology, this would be considered an SD-WAN. SpeedFusion creates one connection from many by establishing a VPN link between 2 or more sites – whether those be physical sites using a Peplink or Pepwave router, or a virtual site like Peplink’s FusionHub or SpeedFusion Cloud service.
  • SaaS stands for Software as a Service. If you’ve used our Remote Power IP Switches, or a security camera such as those from Nest or Amazon, think of the mobile application you use on your phone to access the Switch or Camera. In other words, this is a cloud based application rather than an application you might download onto your computer.
  • Bandwidth Bonding is part of Peplink’s SpeedFusion VPN technology. This can take any WAN connection (Wired, Cellular, or WiFi) and combine the bandwidth speeds, LESS a 19% overhead. For comparison, that’s only about 5% more than the commonly used IPSec VPN. Still, it’s important to note that high latency differences between connections can also affect the overall bonded speeds. Working with our Peplink certified sales and support engineers, we can help provide insight on factors to consider and configurations that could help combat the issues individual WAN connections may be experiencing.
  • Load Balancing, in comparison to bonding, still can utilize all your WAN connections simultaneously. However, it does not combine them together. Instead, it allows devices and types of applications/ traffic to be sent over a specific WAN connection or multiple. If your individual WAN connections are fast and stable enough for certain connections, this could save on cost.
  • Failover and the different types of failover is a good transition here as with load balancing, you do not have session persistence like you would with SpeedFusion Hot Failover. This feature can be used alongside bonding since it’s essentially the base for the other SpeedFusion features (i.e. WAN Smoothing and Bonding).

With all this in mind, even if your company only has a few users, it’s possible your bandwidth and/ or network availability needs will continue to grow with the industry. If you don’t grow with it, your legacy setup could compromise business. This doesn’t have quite as much to do with bandwidth (LTE is still more than enough for some), but more so with security, as hackers continue to find new ways into our devices.

We’ve listed some popular branch solutions as example hardware solutions for your reference below. When needed, contact the experts at 5Gstore and we’ll help guide you through the rest of the process!

Balance SDX

  • Deploy at headquarter or datacenter
  • SpeedFusion VPN provides reliable and fast access to the network resources
  • Modular design offers flexible choices of interchangeable connection interfaces, upgradeable to 5G

MAX HD4 MBX

  • Wireless SD-WAN router with up to 4 bonded LTE connections ensures high performance and 100% uptime in remote branches
  • Access corporate network resources with SpeedFusion VPN in minutes, rather than weeks with wired line

MAX HD2

  • Wireless SD-WAN router with 2 bonded LTE connections for smaller mobile branches
  • Access corporate network resources with SpeedFusion VPN in minutes

MAX Transit Duo

  • Lightweight wireless SD-WAN router with 2 LTE slots for unbreakable connectivity to HQ resources
  • Great for pop-up site or “office in a box” type setup
  • Affordable, easily scalable and manage
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