Overcoming Connectivity Challenges

Introduction

Despite being a developed nation, Australia's regional areas still face considerable connectivity challenges. This blog post delves into these challenges and offers potential solutions, focusing on SOE Network Equipment Implementation and leveraging advanced equipment for improved connectivity.

The ultimate goal is to help technical audiences understand the landscape and potential approaches to overcome these issues.

Challenges Faced by Regional Australia

1.?????Poor 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage

2.?????Expensive and limited LTE coverage improvement options

3.?????Cellular service can be limited due to backhaul saturation

4.?????Unreliable NBN Sky Muster satellite service with high latency

5.?????Complex and expensive copper radio networks for landlines

6.?????High costs and low quality of typical satellite technology

7.?????Expensive private LTE and 5G networks

8.?????Remote location servicing and ongoing support challenges

Connectivity Solutions and Considerations

1. Where cellular signal is available, 4G/5G tends to be the best non-terrestrial solution from a consistency and latency perspective.
2. Caveat: Always requires a site survey, typically firms that provide cellular surveys will be able to offer advice on expected performance based on work they may have already completed in the area
3. Generally high cost/GB.
4. The Dual WAN feature of some higher-end SD-WAN devices can be leveraged to send high-value and/or latency-sensitive traffic over 4G/5G, with less business-critical and/or bandwidth-hungry stuff over Starlink.
5. Professional specification and installation of aerials can make a huge difference for 4G/5G Yagis and fixed wireless NBN.
6. Wireless point-to-point links should be scoped and installed by professionals
7. Look to reduce the amount of networking hardware onsite. hardware must be able to be remotely managed.
8. All solutions should be thoroughly documented, and onsite staff should be shown critical elements so that they at least know how to power-cycle and complete other simple troubleshooting steps

Hewitt's Case Study

Hewitt's geographical challenges stem from the size and distribution of its sites. The business is slow to accept change, with a core motto of “We are not early adopters”. In other words, we are cautious of new technology. Due to budget constraints and business requirements, VoLTE/VOIP became the focus of improvements. Zetify, a local solution that is a similar concept to a much more expensive Rajant Networks', was chosen for its affordability, Starlink integration, and managed installation.

Emerging Technologies and Partnerships

It is essential to carefully consider connectivity projects due to Horizon Technologies. Communication companies are partnering with Starlink to build zero-gap cellular networks. Vodafone New Zealand, rebranded as One NZ, has partnered with SpaceX to enable MMS and SMS functionality by the end of 2024, with voice, data, and video following in early 2025.

Recommended LAN Technology Stack Improvements

Rural businesses can enhance their LAN technology stack by deploying:

1.?????WAN SD-WAN Security Appliances with centralized management

2.?????4G/5G Modems (optional)

3.?????Rackmountable POE Gigabit Switching with centralized management

4.?????Meshable Wireless Access points with centralized management

5.?????Manageable Point-to-Point Wireless

6.?????Comms cabinets mounted high in air-conditioned rooms

7.?????Rackmountable 1 RU Manageable UPS as standard

8.?????Color-specific network cabling, CAT6 standard

9.?????Voice migration to SIP, with SIP-capable DECT handsets, MS Teams direct calling, and 3CX

10.??4G boosting where applicable

11.??Primary backhaul - Starlink ($139 per month)

12.??Secondary backhaul – Cellular or NBN, whichever is better

Leveraging this equipment will result in:

1.?????Separate connectivity options reducing risk

2.?????Reduced reliance on old, less well-maintained networks

3.?????Reduced IT load and FTE requirements

4.?????Simplified deployment and troubleshooting with managed devices

5.?????Multiple price tier options for budget flexibility

Premium Tier Deployment

A premium tier deployment would involve a complete LTE Comms Survey ensuring all vendors are considered “Optus, Telstra, Vodafone”.

• Elevated Roof mounting or purpose-built Comms tower, to host, Satellite Dish/s, Yagi antenna and or High Gain Cellular Data Modem and antenna arrays, with relevant shielding between Yagi and High Gain antennas, if used in conjunction:
• Cloud-managed SDWAN Unified threat management (UTM) appliance
• Cloud-managed Enterprise POE switching
• Self-healing Wireless Mesh Network equipment

Reduced Scope Deployment

A reduced scope deployment would make the following changes to the premium tier:

1.?????Replace switching and wireless networks with UniFi hardware

2.?????Deploy centrally managed cloud key in DC

3.?????Optionally eliminate secondary WAN link

4.?????Eliminate SIP DECT phones. Use mobiles only

5.?????Remove standard landlines, where they are not fixed or unreliable