In today’s business environment, mobility has become a critical factor. People are constantly on the go, and they need their data, wherever they are, at any time of the day. And they need that access to be fast, easy to use and reliable.
Simply put, if your employees are out in the field trying to find a Wi-Fi connection at a hotel or coffee shop, you’re at a significant competitive disadvantage. Not to mention the money you’re wasting on wireless cards and connection fees.
As a result, more and more companies are embracing wireless solutions, technologies that allow people to access data anytime, anywhere.
“It has become incredibly affordable for businesses to implement wireless technologies,” says Jitesh Bhayani, the vice president of marketing for the Midwest Region of Time Warner Cable Business Class. “If you’ve been spending money on per-day access charges at hotels or coffee shops, a wireless solution is a no-brainer. If your people are on the road and need access to the Internet, to access their data, they need a wireless solution.”
Smart Business spoke with Bhayani about wireless solutions, how they work and how you can benefit from using them.
What technologies are available to help with wireless data and mobility?
A very popular technology that’s growing every day is a 3G or 4G mobile network — a high-capacity mobile broadband network that uses WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), a wireless technology standard. These networks offer high-speed mobile Internet connectivity anywhere you need it, without having to find a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Taking this anywhere, anytime connectivity a step further are new hotspot devices that allow you to connect multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices at the same time. These coaster-sized devices provide a high-speed mobile Internet connection for up to six users at the same time, assuming they’re at the same location.
It’s a wireless connection, but you have to be in the same general vicinity. So now you can send six people out into the field and they’ll be able to connect to the Internet and access all of their data wherever and whenever they need it.
What’s the difference between 3G and 4G?
You’ve probably heard a lot recently about 3G and 4G networks. 4G refers to the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards, which is a successor to 3G. 4G provides higher data rates compared to 3G technologies, allowing you to access applications, stream content and download e-mails and attachments faster.
4G offers network speeds up to 6 Mbps. Typically, you can expect download speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps, with bursts of up to 10 Mbps and uploads up to 1 Mbps. 3G network speeds average .3 Mbps to 1.4 Mbps for downloads, peaking at 3.1 Mbps and .35 Mbps to .5 Mbps for uploads, peaking at 1.8 Mbps.
Actual speeds may vary based on a number of factors, including signal strength, your wireless device, structures, buildings, geography, etc.
Besides speed, what other benefits do wireless solutions provide?
When your people are on the road, they likely pay $10 to $20 a night to use their laptops in their hotel rooms. Then, once they leave the hotel, they have to stop at a coffee shop to send e-mail, or ask clients to connect to their network to share files.
Needless to say, this method is inefficient, costly, time-consuming and, often, unreliable.
A wireless solution saves money and increases productivity. Your employees can use their computers to access the Internet anytime, anywhere. And you don’t have to worry about them connecting to unsecured networks.
With just one device, your employees will be able to connect to the Internet, and, with a VPN, access everything that they would be able to at the office, whenever they need it. There are three major benefits to wireless solutions:
- Your users will have access to both 4G and 3G networks, so they’ll always have network connectivity, no matter where they travel.
- You’ll be able to increase productivity by connecting multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including laptops, PDAs, network printers and scanners. Users will be able to share their connection with co-workers or clients, again, assuming they are at the same location.
- Easily compatible with Wi-Fi-enabled computers, allowing you to access the Internet quickly and without purchasing additional hardware.
Are there any drawbacks to wireless solutions?
Like with your cell phone, there is always the possibility of a dropped connection, but these are usually few and far between. Also, like a cell phone, there may be certain spots in an area or a building where you simply can’t get service.
In addition, if you have to move from a 4G connection to a 3G one, or vice versa, you may have to reconnect to the network.
Other than that, wireless hotspot devices are durable and reliable. You do need to keep them charged, of course.
Jitesh Bhayani is the vice president of marketing for the Midwest Region of Time Warner Cable Business Class. Contact a Time Warner Cable Business Class account consultant at (877) 612-7474 to discuss your communications needs.
