4G ‘Enterprise-class’ Connectivity – Why Wi-Fi Matters

(Aug 6 2012) 4G , 4G Device , Mobile Enterprise , Offload , Smartphones , Tablets , Wi-Fi

1. There’s no doubt about it, 4G mobile broadband offers unprecedented throughput and capacity and for bandwidth-hungry applications it would seem to be a panacea for enterprise IT. But just how practical is it for enterprises to set loose a flood of 4G mobile devices in the office, at home or on the road? For enterprises Wi-Fi offload is gaining both visibility and momentum as one element of the logical solution – but there’s no slam-dunk at present.

   Delivering 4G ‘enterprise-class’ connectivity can very simply be defined as deploying a network and devices that can cost-effectively provide secure access to applications and information when and where a user requires it. The definition itself is simple enough but the challenges to deliver it can be daunting.

   Lets consider some of the challenges.

   Managing the Value of 4G

   Almost every major wireless network operator from around the world has announced plans for, is undertaking or has completed deployment of, a 4G network. These networks are typically designed to provide an almost ubiquitous blanket of connectivity both outdoors and indoors, in major urban centers as well as more rural areas. They provide all-IP, carrier-grade reliability and are managed 24 x 7 – truly ideal for enterprise.

   But for many enterprises the value of 4G is something that needs to be carefully managed. Sure, the network specs are excellent and there’s no capital outlay necessary but operationally, turning loose users on a network other than the corporate LAN is a challenging proposition:

   Devices – smartphone and tablets mainly.

   • Corporately provided or user provided (BYOD)?
   • What kind of devices are supported?
   • Does the device provide the necessary capabilities and applications for enterprise use?
   • Who deploys and supports the device?
   • Can the device, its connectivity and contents be made secure?

   Costs – how much and who pays?

   • Optimizing data and voice plans and usage rates
   • Managing usage (consumption); selecting appropriate connectivity in and out of the office, roaming fees

   Building Wi-Fi for the Enterprise

   Wireless LANs have become almost a staple in any enterprise environment. Initially employed in limited applications such as connecting corporate laptops in boardrooms, Wi-Fi connectivity in the enterprise now supports smartphones, VoIP handsets, tablets, M2M devices and more. Along with the growing number of wireless connected devices in the enterprise comes the growing complexity of designing and deploying WLANs to support them.

   • 802.11n or 802.11ac – range, rate or rage?  Can the architecture and elements be easily upgraded, especially with the growing use of video applications in the enterprise?
   • Manageability – are user devices easily connected, managed and supported? A growing number of network infrastructure elements are employed to deliver connectivity. How are they managed?
   • Security and Wireless Intrusion Prevention – protecting the enterprise, whether securing end user devices or safeguarding data or computing assets from rogue devices or users.
   • Interference management – mitigating interference, whether from a microwave oven, wireless video camera or another nearby WLAN is a key consideration to ensuring network availability and throughput.
   • In many respects building today’s enterprise WLAN presents challenges similar to what mobile network operators face in deploying 4G networks – both require thoughtful design and application of capital to recognize an effective return on investment.

   Wi-Fi on the Go

   But access to Wi-Fi is limited to the carefully groomed and managed connectivity of the corporate WLAN. Users on the go may seek, or even be compelled to use connectivity through Wi-Fi hotspots in public venues, while traveling in planes, trains and buses or at home.

   Traditionally these environments would have been considered as hostile by enterprise IT however, whether managed by carriers or by a home user, the advantages of Wi-Fi offload are just too beneficial to be overlooked. And with the emergence of carrier Wi-Fi connectivity is beginning to resemble the attributes of 4G networks with support for user experience and traffic management as well as enhanced authentication services.

   With all of these connectivity options how can IT departments effectively capitalize on Wi-Fi and 4G without compromising enterprise integrity or breaking the bank?

   4G and Wi-Fi Complementary Solutions for Enterprise - Device Considerations

   It seems obvious that unique benefits of 4G and Wi-Fi would be the ideal solution for a mobile enterprise - balancing coverage and cost along with the choice of a wide range of available devices. Ideally yes, however there remain a few hurdles to consider.

   A key consideration in the development of a mobile enterprise strategy is the user device. BYOD (bring your own device) is increasingly being viewed as a viable option, especially with advancements in MDM (mobile device management) and mobile security solutions. The question is now no longer just whether it’s safe to connected BYODs but whether these devices can deliver what’s necessary for an enterprise user.

   The vast majority of 3G and 4G smartphones being shipped today are Wi-Fi equipped. But while almost every tablet shipped today is equipped for Wi-Fi, there are proportionally fewer that are shipped enabled with 3G and even fewer for 4G. Tethering, iPad and iPhone being quite common, where Wi-Fi isn’t available for a tablet is a solution although it can often result in ‘bill shock’.

   Another increasingly important consideration is support for voice services and unified communications. Is a tablet a viable form factor for mobile voice services? Does the smartphone or tablet integrate with the enterprise’s UC environment for email, integrated messaging and voice and video services?

   Handsfree and hands-off

   Configuration of Wi-Fi parameters for a wireless device isn’t always straightforward or easy and quite often it’s a task that needs to be undertaken all too frequently for a mobile user. Beyond configuring the user device to connect and authenticate with a public Wi-Fi hotspot is the question of whether the network is actually a viable one. Is it secure? Will there be sufficient throughput? Does it support VPN?

   Devicescape of San Bruno, California offers a solution to relieving the user from configuration and decision making when it comes to connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Using a “Curated Virtual Network of qualified hotspots”, Devicescape’s Offload Client automatically connects devices to available and appropriate Wi-Fi networks. MetroPCS and Republic Wireless are two carriers who are taking advantage of the benefits of offloading by incorporating the client in their handsets.

   What’s next for enterprise IT?

   The challenge for enterprise IT is no longer ‘how to connect’ but ‘how to manage’ connections. Supporting users, securing access, protecting data and managing costs are all key considerations in setting the enterprise mobile strategy. With a special focus on the enterprise, 4G World 2012 delivers informative and interactive workshops during the 4G Mobile Connect track which will bring together industry thought leaders to discuss enterprise applications and information systems that run on a truly converged mobile broadband platform enabled by 4G and Wi-Fi.

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