If indeed we are about to see the type of SD-WAN adoption that most analyst types predict, and private MPLS links in corporate WANs get replaced at those rates by pairs of traffic-shaped internet connections (see cover story, page 36), it’s hard not to see wireless broadband as an eventual winner. Wireless, that is, powered by emerging 5G capabilities. In an SD-WAN deployment, wireless internet connectivity, both fixed and mobile, mostly will play the role of the failover connection that largely assists the primary connection, as well as serve in the obvious cases such as where temporary locations are involved. And, keep in mind, lots of businesses suddenly are going to require this secondary, backup line when maybe one private connection used to be enough. Currently, all the types of internet underlay services are being used in SD-WAN setups, research shows, including everything from DIAs to consumer broadband access. Wireless WAN links, in particular, are relatively quick and easy to deploy, even up within weeks, relatively plant-free and offer a truly diverse back-up option. As remote workers gobble up more and more bandwidth, wireless mostly reaches urban and suburban workforces and sometimes is the only real option to getting a second fatpipe to a home. Assuming the necessarily competitive pricing can be achieved, that would all seem to make wireless broadband a strong play for a failover line. Speed and performance don’t appear to be a problem. As reported in this issue (see page 26), real-world analysis of global networks by CELLSMART found that 5G peak download speeds already are approaching 1 gig, while samples in Norway and the Philippines had outdoor speed tests that showed latency of less than 10ms. “5G is ramping up in 2023 and showing the viability of fixed wireless access as a simple, efficient and reliable alternative to fiber or other terrestrial network infrastructure,” said CELLSMART executives. CELLSMART certainly is not alone in its optimism surrounding wireless broadband and its potential as an underlay service. Both Gartner and TeleGeography expect its role to grow within enterprise WANs. Also worth noting, Analysys Mason estimates there will be more than 20,000 private wireless networks by 2026, and that enterprises will spend more than $5 billion on these networks in the next four years. Within the realm of the channel, familiar partner provider AireSpring recently announced its Managed Wireless WAN service, combining 4G and 5G wireless connectivity, premises equipment and management portal. The managed service, said AireSpring, “is designed to be used as wireless failover for SD-WAN, primary wireless connectivity, or for short term or temporary solutions.” “Modern enterprises require extremely reliable, flexible and redundant connectivity to conduct business efficiently,” stated Avi Lonstein, AireSpring CEO. “Our new offering provides a comprehensive, turnkey managed solution that simplifies wireless WAN management and implementation.” We will be further discussing the ongoing transformation of the WAN at our upcoming CVx 2023 Expo, as well as the impacts and opportunities brought by the shift in business networks to SD-WAN. Proposals for panel sessions are currently being accepted (martin@bekabusinessmedia.com). Please join us in Scottsdale this November at (cvxexpo.com). 5G & the WAN LETTER Martin Vilaboy Editor-in-Chief martin@bekabusinessmedia.com Bruce Christian Senior Editor / Event Coordinator bruce@bekabusinessmedia.com Brady Hicks Contributing Editor brady@bekabusinessmedia.com Percy Zamora Art Director percy@bekabusinessmedia.com Rob Schubel Digital Manager rob@bekabusinessmedia.com Jen Vilaboy Ad Production Director jen@bekabusinessmedia.com Berge Kaprelian Group Publisher berge@bekabusinessmedia.com (480) 503-0770 Anthony Graffeo Publisher anthony@bekabusinessmedia.com (203) 304-8547 Michael Burns National Account Executive michael@bekabusinessmedia.com (262) 993-9116 Beka Business Media Berge Kaprelian President and CEO Corporate Headquarters 10115 E Bell Road, Suite 107 - #517 Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 Voice: 480.503.0770 Email: berge@bekabusinessmedia.com © 2023 Beka Business Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in any form or medium without express written permission of Beka Business Media is prohibited. ChannelVision and the ChannelVision logo are trademarks of Beka Business Media 6 CHANNELV ISION | MARCH - APRIL 2023
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