The Race for Radio Waves: Will 5G Give High Frequency Spectrum New Life?

Network Infrastructure, Network Management

Article | July 10, 2023

If we’ve learned anything in the past year, it’s how much our progress hinges on the ability to share and collaborate around data.During the pandemic, we watched as scientists from around the world raced to develop COVID-19 vaccines in record time. A process that typically takes 10 to 15 years took less than a year—due in part to global collaboration and data sharing. As we transition to the post-COVID-19 era, the “need for speed has never been greater,” says McKinsey. The organizations that will thrive in this new economy will facilitate collaboration, empower individuals and teams, and build impactful partnerships. That success requires shifting from the traditional “don’t share data unless” mindset to a data-sharing mindset grounded in a solid foundation of technology, data-driven culture, and processes.

5G

Article | May 18, 2023

5G trends are shaping the future of various technologies, from the Internet of Things to Virtual Reality. Learn more about the top trends in 5G to stay ahead of the competition in this sector. Contents 1 The Value of 5G for Businesses 2 5G Trends to Watch in 2023 2.1 Shift to Standalone 5G 2.2 Edge Computing for IoT 2.3 Adoption of Private 5G Networks 2.4 General Availability of 5G 2.5 Partnerships for Rapid Deployments 3 Conclusion 1 The Value of 5G for Businesses The fifth-generation network technology, or 5G, promises to revolutionize the way businesses communicate and operate. It offers lower latency, faster data transfer speeds, more robust security, and new and enhanced experiences. These capabilities enable 5G to support high-quality video conferencing, real-time collaboration, immersive virtual experiences, and more. By investing in 5G, businesses can stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of their employees and customers. With the growing adoption and use cases of this technology, keeping up with the technology trends in 5G is essential for staying ahead in today's business landscape. 2 5G Trends to Watch in 2023 2.1 Shift to Standalone 5G The rapid deployment of 5G across the world has been made possible due to the existence of an already-established 4G infrastructure. This has allowed operators to concentrate on developing the radio access network components while relying on 4G networks as a failsafe. This approach has enabled operators to deploy 5G networks at a faster pace, thereby allowing the benefits of this technology trend to reach a wider audience. The integration of a 5G core and radio forms the backbone of 5G infrastructure, enabling the 5G stand-alone network to achieve its full potential. Wireless providers have been actively promoting the key features of 5G, such as ultra-low latency and complete network slicing, which are exclusively available through the stand-alone version of this advanced technology. By utilizing this emerging technology, businesses can unlock an entirely new level of performance, allowing them to deliver innovative and immersive services to their end-users. Stand-alone 5G is also a necessity for certain unique use cases, and many 5G trends in 2023 will rely on its capabilities. It is essential for businesses to understand the benefits of this advanced technology and adopt it to remain competitive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. 2.2 Edge Computing for IoT The convergence of 5G technology and IoT is transforming how businesses operate across industry verticals. This 5G trend enables edge computing for the IoT by providing low-latency and high-bandwidth connectivity. With 5G, data can be transmitted and processed at the edge of the network, closer to the source of the data, rather than being sent to a central data center for processing. While extensive IoT fleets can operate on a 4G network, a 5G network will improve upon those capabilities with massive multiple-input, multiple output capabilities, enabling an increased number of devices to connect with the cell tower. This is especially useful in IIoT, where a large number of IoT devices are present within a small area, which requires this level of connectivity. The low latency and high bandwidth offered by 5G infrastructure also support innovative IoT solutions, such as integrating artificial intelligence, by enabling real-time processing of data and faster response times. Edge computing allows IoT devices to perform complex processing tasks and make decisions locally, rather than relying on a centralized cloud server. Businesses that operate in industries that require real-time processing will especially benefit from the digital transformation through 5G. 2.3 Adoption of Private 5G Networks Private wireless networks are suitable for many industrial applications, and the market for private 5G networks is set to expand rapidly. Private 5G networks offer greater cybersecurity, control, and reliability, making them ideal for mission-critical applications that require high levels of security and privacy. This is one of the key 5G trends because it is applicable to industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, where IoT devices collect and share sensitive data that requires greater cybersecurity. Businesses can also utilize private 5G networks to benefit from higher bandwidth, lower latency, and greater flexibility compared to public networks. Private 5G networks can be customized and tailored to meet the specific requirements of each application, making them ideal for specialized functions. As more enterprises look to benefit from network-intensive technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and big data, the demand for private wireless networks will continue to rise. Network operators are also more willing to offer private 5G networks because they represent a new revenue stream and a growth opportunity while also allowing them to provide a more personalized service to their customers. 2.4 General Availability of 5G The 5G trends have moved towards access to 5G across the world, with 5G now available in 95 countries and reaching to more than 1.2 billion people. 5G networks are becoming more widespread in 2023, and as a result, many 5G trends and technologies are expected to emerge. Furthermore, 5G has become standard across all premium devices and many mid-range ones, making it an attractive option for consumers. For businesses, this means a whole new world of possibilities. 5G networks offer faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and lower latency, enabling businesses to offer more innovative products and services. With the increased availability of 5G, businesses can develop and deploy emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Remote work and related use cases will also rise in popularity as 5G becomes more common. However, the distribution of 5G networks differs by region. 5G trends indicate that urban populations will likely be the first beneficiaries of public 5G rollouts and will benefit the most from 5G capabilities such as network densification and massive MIMO. With the deployment of 5G small cells for connectivity, 5G networks will support new use cases and faster, more reliable connectivity for the general public, especially in urban areas. 2.5 Partnerships for Rapid Deployments By connecting disjointed B2B and B2C networks with ecosystems, service providers can become service enablers, working with businesses, consumers, and even competitors to create unique 5G offerings. Digital transformation is possible through new approaches to partnerships, through which service providers manage commoditization pressures and a hyper-competitive market. Partnerships also provide businesses with access to industry skill sets that are in high demand, such as cloud, cybersecurity, and automation. By partnering with players who are already experts, cellular network providers offer specialized solutions to their customers that they may not have been able to provide otherwise. Hosted labs also help to speed ecosystem validation of use cases and new technology, ensuring that solutions are effective and efficient. Furthermore, partnerships enable service providers to create products with global scale, as demonstrated by SAP, IBM, ServiceNow, and Deutsche Telekom, which have collaborated to create global connectivity offerings ranging from 5G to software-defined networks. In the race to increase revenue and control costs in the 5G industry, collaborating with industry experts and integrating solutions will become one of the key 5G technology trends. Through collaboration, service providers can offer unique solutions to their customers, access necessary industry skill sets, and create products with global scale. These partnerships are necessary for businesses to remain competitive in an ever-changing market. 3 Conclusion The ongoing rollout of 5G networks is set to transform businesses across all industries, bringing faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices than ever before. As technology continues to evolve, businesses need to stay up-to-date with the future trends in 5G in order to take advantage of its full potential. The growing demand for low latency and massive connectivity due to new use cases such as edge computing and the IoT is driving the growth of 5G networks. These trends will enable businesses to create new products and services, increase efficiency and productivity, and ultimately transform the way they operate. As 5G networks continue to mature, businesses that invest in this technology will have a competitive advantage over those that do not. They will be able to deliver faster, more reliable services to customers, streamline operations, and reduce costs. With the right approach, organizations can capitalize on the latest trends in 5G and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation in the years to come.

Network Management, Network Security

Article | July 17, 2023

Digital liberation has opened up several avenues for businesses. The current scenario is a bright example of how a remote or hybrid work model seamlessly became a norm, establishing digital workspaces, including laptops and PCs. But this has also led companies to deal with a lot of challenges in managing their enterprise mobility. Whether it is the security or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) to the user experience or migration, Mobile Device Management (MDM) plays a significant role in digital transformation. PROTECTION VS. PRIVACY: THE PROBLEM WITH (MDM) – INTRODUCTION Mobile device management pertains to software solutions and reliable practices that enable companies to easily manage and obtain wide-ranging mobile devices in compliance with corporate guidelines. In addition, the MDM functionality addresses the security of devices and data, management of devices, and configurations. Essentially, MDM as security is an element of an enterprise mobility management solution that integrates a clustered set of tools to secure and manage mobile apps, BYOD devices, content data and access, configurations, risk management, software updates, and application management. MDM allows a single-interface control over all connecting devices, enabling each device registered for corporate use through the MDM software to be easily monitored, managed, and controlled as per organizational policies. “It’s clear that our network is better protected. We have solved our BYOD issues and can rely on great support via e-mail, phone, or Skype.” - Raymond Bernaert, IT Administrator at ROC Kop van Noord, the Netherlands However, when it comes to an understanding, this technology is of utmost importance to consider the key challenges that companies face regarding protection vs. privacy of mobile device management. Key Challenges MDM solutions are built to improve visibility and secure better control into an end user’s mobile device activity. However, unrestrained tracking of the device’s activities poses a huge threat to the end user’s privacy. For instance, the mobile device management solution may track real-time location and browsing detail. The information exposes employees’ data and usage habits beyond the employer’s device management and security needs. Moreover, as the mobile device market expands, employees choose devices from various brands and platforms, which companies extend support and manage; nevertheless, unanticipated security issues with a specific platform and software version could emerge at any point. Thus, executing the entire process without compromising the end-user convenience. Now, let’s check out some of the most common mobile device management challenges. Security Using numerous devices and endpoints could potentially increase the risk of hacking. This is because, for hackers, it would be a lot easier to exploit the endpoints. And, no wonder mobile device security is one of the fastest-growing concepts in the cybersecurity landscape today. Incorporating mobile devices under the umbrella of mobile device management would be helpful to bridge the vulnerable gaps and prove to firmly manage the entire digital fleet, including mobile phones and PCs. In addition, this will increase up-time significantly and containerize the personal data from corporate data. The Privacy Issue Though MDM solution helps organizations obviate data breaches, they also open up doubt and questions regarding employee privacy. This is because various MDM tools allow employers to monitor the entire device’s activities, including personal phone calls and web activity, at any point. Subsequently, this empowers the IT team to command control in corporate security, whereby they perform many such remote actions, which harm the employees’ privacy. Organizations over the years have used mobile device management solutions with the intent to put BYOD in place. When an enterprise enables BYOD, employees use their devices to access data to help achieve the tasks. With the intent to secure the endpoints, companies choose MDM as their key solution and take control over the entire mobile device, but with that comes the potential for abuse. So, naturally, there is an unwillingness among employees to get MDM installed on their devices. Network Access Control (NAC) The sudden surge in digital workspace culture has also brought in additional complications with varied mobile devices. It is crucial to ensure the team has access to all the apps and corporate data they need. However, it is also important to note that there should be a check on direct access to the data center. One of the core elements for enterprise mobility is network access control (NAC). NAC scrutinizes devices wanting to access your network and it carefully enables and disables native device capabilities distinctly. With designated devices getting connected to the network as per resource, role, and location, it is relatively easy for NAC to ascertain their access level based upon the pre-configured concepts. User Experience It is essential to consider the end-user experience while managing mobility as it often becomes a big challenge. Therefore, a successful mobile device management structure lies mainly in creating a satisfying user experience. A company that uses various devices and has extensive BYOD users may find VMware Workspace ONE or MobileIron effective. However, if the enterprise is all Apple iPhones, the ideal enterprise mobility management would be Jamf Pro, an Apple-only EMM. A single sign would be a perfect method to get into the virtual desktop to ensure efficiency for the remote workers. Moreover, it won’t ask you to sign into different applications separately. Sturdy enterprise mobile device management is an absolute necessity to have a hassle-free experience. Let’s cite the example of this case study, where ‘The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate’ (S&T) initiated the Next Generation First Responder (NGFR) Apex program to assist tomorrow’s first responder in becoming protected, connected and aware. DHS S&T held a series of NGFR Integration Demonstrations to incrementally test and assess interoperable technologies presently at the development stage. These demonstrations have changed from tabletop integration to field exercises with partner public safety agencies incorporating increasingly complex technology. The NGFR- Harris County OpEx included 23 varied DHS and industry-provided technologies involving six Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, five situational awareness applications and platforms and live-stream video feeds. Additionally, Opex technologies also integrated body-worn cameras and real-time data aggregation and access across numerous agencies. In a nutshell, this case study identifies and explains the mobile device management (MDM) solutions that provided an application-level cybersecurity evaluation and remote device management. The Opex addresses how nationwide public safety agencies could utilize MDM to enhance the operational deployment of new devices and applications. Final Words There are surely both pros and cons involved in mobile device management. Over the years, the BYOD program has turned out to become a norm in corporate culture. In addition, the use of personal devices has significantly surged due to the gradual increase in remote and hybrid work models. Thus, many believe that the MDM solution is naturally aligned with BYOD. However, the fact is, a perfectly planned BYOD policy is the only way to ensure clarity. Having no policy in place will expose a firm to the so-called ‘Shadow IT’ as users will circumvent the IT infrastructure working from their mobile devices. Though the breach of privacy is likely, the policy can be tailored based on the company’s needs. The IT security is adequately maintained and protected and strikes a balance between protections vs. privacy in mobile device management. Frequently Asked Questions What can mobile device management do? Mobile device management keeps business data safe and protected and secures control over confidential information. MDM also exercises its power to lock and remove all data. This is the capability that sustains the device’s security. What are different mobile management tools? With the introduction of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), several enterprise mobility management tools have also been inducted into MDM. To name a few, some of the prominent MDM tools are Miradore, Citrix Endpoint Management, and SOTI Mobicontrol. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What can mobile device management do?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Mobile device management keeps business data safe and protected and secures control over confidential information. MDM also exercises its power to lock and remove all data. This is the capability that sustains the device’s security." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are different mobile management tools?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "With the introduction of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), several enterprise mobility management tools have also been inducted into MDM. To name a few, some of the prominent MDM tools are Miradore, Citrix Endpoint Management, and SOTI Mobicontrol." } }] }

Article | April 20, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been relentlessly spreading across the world. Countless events, both international and domestic, big and small, have been either postponed or canceled due to the ongoing pandemic. This was supposed to be the year the 5G network rollout would make the technology mainstream and widely available. But the much-anticipated rollout of the lightning-quick 5G network may now be in the slow lane. Because of the increasing spread of the disease in many European countries, various 5G network spectrum regulators have postponed the long-awaited auction of the 5G spectrum. These auctions were crucial for network providers to launch or expand the already existing 5G network systems.