Global leader in cloud-delivered LTE and 5G wireless network edge solutions, Cradlepoint is introducing a series of updates, reflecting the ongoing acceleration of Wireless WAN adoption within enterprise fixed location environments.

Cradlepoint Wireless WAN edge solutions offer speed, agility and resilience needed for organisations to transform their branch networks for the cloud with anywhere reach and always-on reliability.

Many enterprise environments utilise Cradlepoint Wireless WAN solutions for primary cellular connectivity to locations unreachable by wired connections. With 5G, the use cases for primary wireless are expanding and Cradlepoint is an essential part of the infrastructure to facilitate day-to-day operations, as well as accelerate digital transformation.

“The combination of COVID-19 and the resulting flurry of business transformation that has ensued has underscored the adoption of Wireless WAN for more agile, secure and reliable networks,” Cradlepoint vice president of product and solutions marketing, Donna Johnson said.

“Companies are rapidly shifting to use technology to transform their businesses and to get closer to where their customers live, work, play, and shop. Wireless WAN is a key enabler to making this happen.”

Disney uses a combination of public and private cellular technology and Cradlepoint wireless solutions to connect point-of-sale in retail stores and at special events, as well as for park entrance bracelet registration, and guest Wi-Fi on buses. 

“Our use of cellular broadband and Private LTE for on-site POS and guest service support has paved the way for new and innovative ways to interact with our guests and clients,” according to the guest experience manager for Disney.

Ticketek is using SDN to manage connectivity at over 30 of its venues, which are running on the National Broadband Network and required a robust 4G redundancy solution.

“Cradlepoint provides a seamless failover to 4G and back to the physical connection without interruption occurring, which was crucial for us, because at any one time, we are processing ticket sales or providing venue connectivity to hundreds of thousands of patrons at large events,” Ticketek head of IT, Matthew Coutts said.

“We also wanted to futureproof and implement a connectivity solution that had high bandwidth capability. Another important element was security, as Ticketek processes hundreds of thousands of customer credit cards every year and we have to comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. Applying a secure VPN to each location on the Cradlepoint devices means that the network is not broadcast, so it can’t be accessed by anyone,” he added.

Four in 10 (40%) enterprises want to improve their competitive position through speed and flexibility with 5G, SD-WAN, and Wi-Fi 6 over the next 12 to 24 months, according to IDC’s Future of Connectedness survey, while nearly 35% have the goal of investing in technology that helps connect people, things, processes, and applications.

“Today, the need for connectivity is more important than ever, keeping enterprises and consumers connected, informed, safe, productive, and entertained in what is an extremely uncertain time,” IDC Future of Connectedness survey research director, Paul Hughes said.

“Organisations must address unevenness in connectivity across different environments and locations as employees and consumers increasingly look for – and expect – digital experiences supported by ubiquitous, reliable, and robust connectivity. This is why the market is increasingly investing in Wireless WAN solutions to do just that.”