The IT Nerd

Ericsson today announced its Enterprise 5G strategy that includes Private 5G and neutral host 5G solutions, designed to deliver business-critical connectivity across operational and public-facing enterprise environments. These innovative solutions enable both carpeted and industrial enterprises to advance innovation, safety, and operational efficiencies.

The Ericsson Enterprise 5G portfolio includes three solutions:

• Ericsson Private 5G: A converged 4G/5G private cellular solution with industry and licensed spectrum support, offering flexible deployment models and best-in-class coverage, mobility, security, and latency.
  
• Ericsson Private 5G Compact: A U.S. CBRS-based offering designed for enterprises that need robust connectivity in environments where Wi-Fi falls short, leveraging a simplified radio architecture (Previously branded as Cradlepoint NetCloud Private Networks).
  
• Ericsson Enterprise 5G Coverage: A best-in-class neutral host solution, currently certified by all major U.S. carriers, that offers a simplified and scalable architecture compared to legacy DAS, resulting in attractive total cost of ownership for enterprises.

The Enterprise 5G portfolio leverages the broader Ericsson radio access network (RAN) portfolio, including the Radio Dot System for indoor deployments and small cell radios for outdoor. Acquisition costs are reduced through simplified subscription-based packaging with optional services and feature add-ons. Additionally, Ericsson has focused resources on pre- and post-sales support, including vertical expertise and training for channel partners which allows enterprise customers to focus on their business outcomes and innovation.

Customers can look forward to deploying and managing any solution in Ericsson’s Enterprise Wireless portfolio (Enterprise 5G, Wireless WAN, and SASE) under NetCloud Manager, a comprehensive cloud management and orchestration platform. Ericsson’s innovations remove the complexity that enterprise customers are challenged with when wanting to leverage the power of 5G:

• Simplified deployments with seamless provisioning and configuration capabilities, unified policy management, and single-pane-of-glass visibility across the network.
• Effortless enterprise 5G network operations, leveraging AIOps to turn visibility into actionable insights for enhancing performance. 
• Streamlined lifecycle management making it easy to update, upgrade, and expand.
• Innovative features driving business outcomes such as indoor 5G positioning to locate assets with high accuracy.

In a separate announcement, Ericsson also announced the new networked devices that complement private LTE, 5G, and coverage extension solutions for reliable connectivity where wired networking is unavailable or ineffective.

SITA, a leading technology company in the air transport industry,  will be leveraging Cradlepoint, part of Ericsson, technology as part of its transformative cloud-based secure mobile to Wi-Fi solutions. 

SITA Mobile to Wi-Fi includes Cradlepoint routers and NetCloud Manager, a cloud-based network management platform, that will ensure best-in-class customer service and network performance through a fully managed service. SITA Mobile to Wi-Fi provides everything from initial ordering through delivery, implementation, support and on-going maintenance.

Some of the uses for this new solution will include: off-airport passenger processing operations, SDWAN backup for remote sites, quick access for new airline routes, pilot/crew access in cockpit and aircraft data connectivity.

Cradlepoint’s fixed and mobile routers leverage precision GPS, AVL and telemetry data to transform operational efficiency, improve management decision-making and other functions for on-time service sustainability, thus improving each passenger’s travelling experience. 

SITA will also be offering the new technology to clients across the travel and transport sector moving forward.

 Cradlepoint, part of Ericsson, the global leader in cloud-delivered LTE and 5G wireless network and security solutions, today announced that Coach Atlantic Maritime Bus, the largest motorcoach transportation provider in Atlantic Canada, has selected Cradlepoint as its technology provider to deliver internet connectivity onboard its fleet of 250+ vehicles across Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Coach Atlantic serves a variety of customers including tours and school sports teams, and has been delivering Wi-Fi to its passengers for over 10 years in line with the company’s dedication to offering great service and amenities. However, over time the company found it was running into issues with the connectivity solution it was using. Uptime was becoming problematic, and maintenance and troubleshooting became more difficult and time consuming — causing frustration for drivers and the IT department, while also costing more money. 

The company made the decision to look at a different solution, and after reviewing several options selected Cradlepoint’s IBR1700 dual modem ruggedized router to roll-out across its fleet, including NetCloud Service for management, service updates and more. The solution delivers access to passengers and drivers on one network.

Providing full-featured routing, security and Wi-Fi, the IBR1700 is a Gigabit-Class LTE networking offering that extends connectivity across a wide range of in-vehicle solutions used by fleets including mass transit, commercial trucks, first responders and near-shore vessels. NetCloud is included with the IBR1700 as an all-in-one subscription, providing a complete cloud management platform with specialized features for connecting, tracking, managing and troubleshooting in-vehicle networks. NetCloud allows Coach Atlantic to manage devices, set limits on data consumption, create web browsing content filters, and manage performance in real-time.

Better connectivity is on the minds of many Canadian business leaders over the next year, according to the recent State of Connectivity report, which found 25 per cent of Canadian business leaders expect improving their organization’s connectivity will grow their organization’s revenue by 10 to 14 per cent. 

Learn more about how Cradlepoint is working with Coach Atlantic in this case study. 

 Cradlepoint, part of Ericsson, the global leader in cloud-delivered LTE and 5G wireless network and security solutions, today launched its single vendor Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution, NetCloud SASE. Designed to serve agile enterprises, NetCloud SASE integrates cellular-centric SD-WAN and security into a fully unified solution. The cloud-delivered platform enables lean IT teams to provision true zero-trust networks in as little as six minutes.

IDC forecasts the global 5G and 4G/LTE Enterprise Wireless WAN market will reach US$5.5 billion in revenue by 2027. While this adoption allows organizations to extend their reach and move services closer to customers, an influx of connected devices increases the attack surface. This is driving the need for simplified, scalable, and specialized SASE solutions that extend beyond fixed sites to secure dynamic environments, such as shifting locations, roaming vehicles, multiplying IoT devices and employees connecting from anywhere.

NetCloud SASE’s unique design elements include:

• Cellular Optimization: Delivers Wireless WAN optimizations that preserve bandwidth, improve performance, and deliver a 5G standalone slicing-ready solution. SD-WAN with intelligent bonding provides a zero loss WAN for mission-critical communications from vehicles and sites.
  
• Unparalleled Simplicity: While many SASE vendors have focused on unifying management across multiple disjointed products, Cradlepoint NetCloud SASE is based on a clean, single pass architecture that delivers one platform, one policy engine and a consistent provisioning experience across all services. 
  
• Zero Trust Built in Rather Than Bolted On: Combines security with the network creation process to construct a zero-trust foundation that is deny-all by default. The solution also obscures all IP addresses and blocks east-west traffic, minimizing the attack surface and preventing lateral movement, as the network grows and scales. 
  
• Powerful Isolation Technology to Block Zero-day Exploits: Offers a zero-trust approach to web and email security by leveraging Remote Browser Isolation to completely airgap users from malicious web activity. Without impacting the browsing experience, the solution protects organizations against phishing attacks (even when a user clicks on the link), retains intellectual property from potential leaks and disarms embedded malware in attachments.
  
• Robust Security for Unmanaged Devices: Replacing the common practice of providing clientless browser-based access for unmanaged devices, NetCloud SASE uses isolation-based security to airgap corporate applications from unmanaged devices – mitigating the risk of malware infection.

Availability

The early access version of NetCloud SASE is available immediately. General availability will follow in late Q2 2024. To learn more about Cradlepoint security capabilities, please visit their NetCloud SASE site. 

Cradlepoint, part of Ericsson, the global leader in cloud-delivered LTE and 5G wireless network and security solutions, today announced findings from its 2024 State of Connectivity report which found 92 per cent of Canadians rate the overall reliability of their organization’s network connectivity as good or very good. However, downtime continues to be a concern for Canadian businesses, with 53 per cent of respondents saying they experienced one to two hours of connectivity downtime per week on average in the last 12 months, due to fixed line/fibre network failure. Twenty-eight per cent indicated they experienced three to four hours of downtime per week.

The survey, which was conducted by Censuswide, indicates these outages have affected productivity and the ability for organizations to be competitive. Specific impacts cited by business leaders include higher operational costs (45 per cent), operational inefficiencies (41 per cent), and loss of talent (36 per cent). Looking ahead, respondents indicated key investment areas that should be made for private and public Canadian organizations to address the advancement of connectivity include stronger security (43 per cent), improved reliability of communication networks (40 per cent) and faster roll-out of 5G/advanced wireless networks to rural areas (38 per cent). 

Improving connectivity is on the minds of many business leaders. Looking ahead over the course of 12 months, 25 per cent of respondents expect their business revenue to grow by 10 to 14 per cent as a direct result of improved connectivity.

5G: A priority for government and businesses
Respondents see the value 5G will bring to their organization, especially as it advances the competitiveness of Canadian businesses. Thirty-nine per cent of respondents indicated 5G will improve security; 38 per cent said it will offer expansion opportunities for business; and 37 per cent said it will improve bandwidth. Another 37 per cent said it will play a major role in infrastructure and transport. 

While many organizations are already taking advantage of the benefits of 5G networks, it continues to be a focus for the government and service providers. With the Federal government’s plan to offer local licensing, there will be easier access to 5G spectrum for small internet service providers and innovative industries as well as rural, remote and Indigenous communities – specifically, 80 MHz of mid-band spectrum at 3900-3980 MHz for local shared and private 5G networks, and portions of the mmWave bands for local use. Three quarters of Canadian organizations (73 per cent) indicated they are planning for this. 

However for some businesses, hurdles related to investing in 5G connectivity solutions remain. The top barriers reported by business leaders include complexity of change (30 per cent); perception of costs (27 per cent); concerns over the ability to secure connectivity across the enterprise (27 per cent); and 5G not being offered by a mobile carrier (27 per cent).

Securing connections
While security is always top of mind, as Canadian organizations leverage 5G and invest in new technologies such as IoT, it’s becoming even more important to combat bad actors who are developing new tactics and ways to compromise businesses. Over the last 12 months, 27 per cent of respondents said their business had been subject to a network security attack. Of those, 28 per cent indicated it was a major security breach that resulted in the loss of data.

Of those respondents who indicated their organization suffered an attack:

• 40 per cent indicated their network security had been compromised by a data breach
• 33 per cent indicated it was compromised by a denial-of-service attack
• 33 per cent indicated it was compromised by phishing
• 31 per cent indicated it was compromised by ransomware

Business leaders also indicated there is a gap in knowledge of some areas of their network. Seventeen (17) per cent of respondents said their network security had been breached as the result of a hacked IoT device, however almost nine out of 10 (89 per cent) were unsure of the number of IoT devices that were already deployed or are planned to be deployed in their organization in the next 12 months and beyond. 

Additional findings:

* Improving security awareness and education will be key for organizations moving forward. Less than half of organizations are using or are familiar with crucial endpoint and network security solutions including the following:

• Multi-factor authentication (45 per cent)
• Secure Access Service Edge/SASE (39 per cent)
• Web browser isolation (38 per cent)
• Mobile device management (37 per cent)
• Zero trust network access (36 per cent)
• Edge security (36 per cent) 

* Three-quarters (75 per cent) of Canadians believe the Canadian government is doing its part to ensure there is reliable connectivity across the country since the national outage in 2022. This number has increased from 72 per cent in 2023.

* Sustainability is an important issue for organizations in Canada, with 76 per cent of respondents strongly agreeing or agreeing that it plays a key role in their organization’s short- and long-term goals and another 78 per cent noting that by increasing their sustainability efforts, they could help improve revenue.

• In order to operate more efficiently and sustainably, however, 78 per cent of respondents agree that smarter facilities are required – for example, by incorporating IoT and connected devices.
• Canadian businesses are making headway in this area, with many already using or planning to invest in technologies to reduce waste and make their facilities more efficient. In particular, 56 per cent of business leaders said they are already using cellular networks across the business to achieve this, with 41 per cent planning to invest within the next 36 months. 
• Additionally, 76 per cent of businesses have IoT devices in place, and 42 per cent are already using AI and Machine Learning, with another 53 per cent planning to invest in these over the next three years.

The full 2024 State of Connectivity Report for Canada can be found here: https://cradlepoint.com/state-of-connectivity-2024-ca. 

 Cradlepoint, the global leader in cloud-delivered LTE and 5G wireless network solutions, today announced the release of the X10 5G router, designed to equip service providers with an all-in-one fixed wireless access (FWA) service for small and medium-sized businesses, temporary sites, and remote workers. The X10 5G router delivers enterprise-grade connectivity and ease-of-management through NetCloud Manager while enabling service providers to craft tiered security and Quality of Service (QoS)-based plans. 

The X10 5G router is designed to provide fast and reliable 5G connectivity, enabling service providers to offer their business customers day-one connectivity using the cellular network or as a backup cellular connection, helping businesses connect quickly and securely to the internet and avoid network downtime. This enables service providers to offer business internet solutions that are quickly deployed, reliable, resilient, and more secure than other best-effort solutions on the market today.

With 5G expected to account for almost 80 per cent of FWA connections by 2028, businesses of all sizes will increasingly demand tailored solutions from service providers. The enterprise-grade yet cost-efficient X10 5G router represents Cradlepoint’s commitment to the growing FWA Business Internet solutions market and will enable service providers to meet growing demand for these solutions. Opportunities for service providers include:

• Attract FWA customers across various markets: The cost-efficiency and flexibility of the X10 Router appeals to small and medium-sized businesses across a variety of industries and use cases.
  
• Upsell security, Quality of Service, and managed services: The Cradlepoint X10 router will be available with the NetCloud Exchange advanced service architecture, which enables providers to construct and offer tiered service plans and further differentiate their FWA Business Internet offerings.
  
• Enhanced operational efficiency and reduced operational costs: Cloud management through NetCloud enables service providers to more effectively and efficiently support their managed services at scale while robust APIs give them the flexibility to integrate X10 management into their existing management systems.

The Cradlepoint X10 router is available immediately. For more information, please visit here. Cradlepoint will debut the X10 at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, February 26-29, 2024. Please visit Cradlepoint at Hall 2 Stand 2L20 or Ericsson at Hall 2 Stand 2060.

Cradlepoint today announced new comprehensive AI functionality to make 5G networks smarter, simpler, and more secure. Cradlepoint is the first enterprise 5G router vendor to adopt an AI model uniquely focused on cellular networking. Organizations are also able to embrace the productivity benefits of generative AI tools without the risk of data leakage through a security service acquired from Ericom. 

Cradlepoint’s AI capabilities include:

• NetCloud AIOps Dashboard – Simplifies the ongoing operations of enterprise networks leveraging 5G SASE capabilities. The NetCloud AI model aggregates learning into a single dashboard that identifies areas of performance degradation, isolates the cause of the issue, and pinpoints the affected sites, users and applications. With a unique focus on cellular networking, NetCloud AIOps will turn cellular signal quality indicators, such as proximity to cell tower, signal quality and signal strength into actionable insights to enhance performance. 
• AI-based NetCloud Assistant (ANA) – Uses natural language processing to assist NetCloud users with everyday queries about the operation of their network. From providing recommendations on cellular endpoints for specific use cases, to effectively troubleshooting network performance issues, ANA will be an invaluable assistant to simplify day-to-day operations.
• Network Traffic Analysis – Provides centralized flow-level visibility for traffic analysis and forensics. This service will evolve later this year to leverage AI to establish a baseline of normal traffic patterns for the most common 5G use cases (distributed IoT, vehicles, sites) and flag any anomalies indicating the signs of a breach. 
• GenAI Data Loss Prevention – With 79 per cent of organizations reporting generative AI adoption without established policies, this solution applies access policies to block confidential data, personally identifiable information, or other sensitive data from being submitted to the generative AI site which can be potentially exposed in future responses. Ericom’s remote browser isolation technology also protects against weaponized responses infecting employee assets.  

For more information on Cradlepoint’s AI strategy and new offerings, please read more about NetCloud’s AI enhancements here or Ericom’s Gen AI Data Loss Prevention solution here. 

 Cradlepoint, the global leader in cloud-delivered LTE and 5G wireless network edge solutions, today announced the release of the E100 5G Enterprise Router. Specifically designed to support retail and small office applications — including POS, video surveillance, inventory applications, and IT — the E100 5G combines the performance of 5G with modern security through Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange. Integrated SD-WAN and zero trust deliver leading edge 5G SASE capabilities and enable IT teams to provision and manage networks and security at scale with fewer staff. 

With retail vacancy rates in Canada at historically low levels, retailers are turning to creative pop ups and experiential stores, often smaller in size, to meet consumer demands for interactive experiences. With this, IT teams need to sustain creative business models while supporting applications and security policies consistently even in small spaces where higher performance, lower latency and minimized downtime is imperative. 

The E100 5G Enterprise Router meets this demand in the retail and small office markets by enabling reliable connectivity and protecting the network and users accessing web applications, from external threats. IT teams can gain further confidence in deploying communications, IoT and point of sale (POS) devices in small and temporary sites just as they would in flagship locations. 

Key capabilities of the E100 5G Enterprise Router include: 

• Connect-and-go zero trust architecture: Secures the WAN by enabling enterprises to replace complex VPNs with a more secure zero trust network
• Additional high availability: Integrated and easy to configure failover for hybrid WAN or dual cellular locations provides IT teams with the confidence needed to be assured of connectivity during unpredictable conditions
• Latest 5G standard to match the latest capabilities from carriers: Access high performance 5G and future proof network connectivity with an integrated 5G modem
• Scalability across locations: Supports thousands of small offices and temporary sites, allowing global management with limited-to-no incremental staff

For more information on the E100 5G Enterprise Router, please visit here. 

Cradlepoint will also be onsite at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show in New York from January 14-16, 2024. Please stop by booth #5675.

Here’s a few predictions from Cradlepoint for 2024 on AI, IoT, Zero Trust, 5G wireless strategy and private 5G networks.

1.  AI will become one with the network, impacting all business operations

If 2023 was the year of flashy AI investments, 2024 will be the year of AI impact—which may not be as visible to the naked eye. AI will move from a “tool you go to” (such as ChatGPT) to being integrated into the applications we are using everyday and empowering network connectivity. As such, we’ll begin to see the benefits of AI being integrated into all applications related to the network, bolstering network predictability, troubleshooting, security and more. Businesses will need to ensure AI transparency and security practices are adequate in order to make the most of AI. 

2. IoT will finally bring the “smart” society to life — from cities, to malls, to businesses

From powering smart infrastructure to traffic management to smart parking, IoT devices throughout cities are actively creating seamless experiences and empowering the cities of the future In 2024, we’ll see an increase in industries that leverage IoT devices to bolster connectivity opportunities to increase efficiency, bolster productivity, and meet the need for consumer and customer experiences. As such, we’ll begin to see the inklings of a “smart society” as IoT-enabled establishments from shopping malls to public transportation to modern businesses take flight.

3. A 5G wireless strategy will become a key boardroom decision as connectivity moves from foundational to essential 

Fixed wireless access, private networks, satellite, WAN—today’s enterprise connectivity options are as expansive as ever. In 2024, enterprises across verticals will have more opportunity to choose which solutions may work best on their end, but will ultimately need to pick the option that will cater to their specific business needs and operations. As such, the wireless conversation will move into the C-Suite and become a strategic decision for the modern business. As part of this decision, organizations will need to weigh their decisions and engage in debates such as satellite versus 5G, to determine what will work best for them. 

4. The move to nearshoring will be a catalyst to private 5G and the edge

In the next year, we’ll see an increased need to drive cost savings while manufacturing in home countries and neighbouring regions. In order to do this, we’ll see more enterprises and the manufacturing space invest in edge computing technologies to increase efficiencies and drive down the costs of product inspections, management and overall plant operations. The manufacturing space will specifically look to technologies like private 5G networks and IoT in 2024 to create networks and tools to give us more control over products. 

5. Zero Trust evolves with a growing risk landscape in 2024

Over the last few years, companies have taken steps to get ahead of ransomware threats by enhancing their internal security measures while training their employees on security best practices. While these implementations have seen success, the unpredictable, disruptive, and costly nature of cyber-attacks has left companies tired of playing cat and mouse with ransomware actors. Looking ahead, businesses will look to proven, yet not widely adopted technologies such as zero-trust web browser solutions, like remote browser isolation, to air-gap their employees’ web and email sessions. By running web browser sessions in an isolated cloud container, information will be rendered in a safe stream to an employee’s device. 

Authors:

Eric Purcell, Senior Vice President of Global Partner Sales, Cradlepoint  (1 and 2)

Donna Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, Cradlepoint  (3 and 4)
Vancouver-based Camille Campbell, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Cloud Management & Orchestration Platform, Cradlepoint (5)

Cradlepoint, the global leader in cloud-delivered LTE and 5G wireless network edge solutions, today announced the re-designed outdoor Cradlepoint W1855-5GC Wideband Adapter. Adding to Cradlepoint’s innovative 5G portfolio, the W1855 enables enterprises to future-proof connectivity investments as they adopt Standalone (SA) 5G networks and commit to stronger sustainability goals. Purpose-built to require less design materials and operational energy than its predecessor while adhering to the latest 5G standards, the outdoor Cradlepoint W1855-5GC Wideband Adapter ushers in the latest generation of Wireless WAN networking with a goal of supporting global sustainability objectives. 

 As the enterprise adopts innovative 5G connectivity solutions to transform business operations and prevent disruption, the increasing volatility stemming from climate change has highlighted the need to implement technology that mitigates further negative environmental and business impact. According to Gartner, 86 per cent of business leaders see sustainability as an investment that protects their organization from disruption. Designed for distributed sites that require secure cellular connectivity or failover in the event of a primary link disruption, the W1855-5GC Wideband Adapter enables the enterprise to guarantee connectivity while furthering sustainability goals. Key benefits include: 

• Connectivity offerings for the expansion of 5G: The refreshed modem features the latest 5G standards with 3GPP Release 16 specifications, providing customers with expanded carrier aggregation and band combinations as service providers grow their 5G services. The W1855-5GC adapter is certified on most first responder networks in the United States.* 
• More sustainable design: Compared to its predecessor, the W1855-5GC Wideband Adapter is 78 per cent smaller and 74 per cent lighter, requiring 30 per cent less energy when under load. In addition, the device is securely packaged with 84 per cent less packaging, which is 100 per cent plastic free. The aluminum housing reinforces Cradlepoint’s commitment to sustainably sourced and recycled materials. 
• Centralized device management and visibility: With Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager, lean IT teams can successfully manage the deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting of each device from centralized locations, reducing unnecessary complexity and costly on-site visits. 
• Streamlined installation: At half the size and weight of previous outdoor adapters, the stylized W1855-5GC eases installation for field personnel.  

Cradlepoint’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future 

Cradlepoint and its parent company Ericsson have set an ambition to be Net Zero across its value chain by 2040 and their most important contribution to climate change mitigation is delivering an energy efficient portfolio that will help break the energy curve of mobile networks, reducing customers’ energy use, energy cost and carbon emissions.  

All Cradlepoint routers and adapters are packed using plastic-free and recyclable shipping material. Reducing the impact of used hardware is also important to the company. The Cradlepoint Recycling Program collects, repurposes, and recycles products around the globe.  

For more information on the Cradlepoint W1855-5GC Wideband Adapter, please visit https://cradlepoint.com/product/endpoints/w1855-series-5g-wideband-adapter/.