Many professionals working remotely are struggling with insufficient wireless networks and constrained bandwidth, whether they’re operating from home or a branch office. For companies still grappling with the “new normal” of remote work, getting the most from their networks requires maximizing remote office capabilities and targeting mission-critical business goals.
CBTS, already demonstrating a proven network solution track record, is offering optimized solution bundles leveraging software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology with Network as a Service (NaaS) to empower organizations to meet these new challenges. These bundles are designed for the needs of remote branch employees and allow staff to access their private networks from anywhere and on any device, while companies can enjoy easy scalability to meet bandwidth demands and facilitate new locations. This support takes the form of two distinct remote collaboration technology offerings.
Meraki Remote Worker Bundle
The first bundle, based on Meraki technology, utilizes an MX67C to provide a next generation full unified threat management firewall and also includes a SIM Slot, automatic VPN functionality, and an internal LTE modem to pair with an LTE data plan from CBTS.
VeloCloud Remote Worker Bundles:
The second package centers around a VeloCloud SD-WAN 510 LTE Edge that features an integrated LTE modem. When coupled with a managed LTE data plan from CBTS, this one-box solution provides improved signal strength and coverage over USB modems while also limiting the compatibility issues that non-standardized USB modems occasionally suffer from. Check Point Network Security can also be added to this second bundle for enhanced protection and peace of mind. Check Point Harmony Connect is a system that manages cloud security services at the enterprise level to integrate advanced threat protection measures and create secure connections over hybrid WAN transports.
Managed Cloud Network as a Service (Naas) from CBTS is another boon for the active remote office. Built on Cisco Meraki technology, the solution includes Auto VPN, switching, and Wi-Fi. Fully supported by CBTS engineers, the network is WAN-deployed, saving organizations from a management burden as their employees continue to operate from home.
Remote worker bundles include cloud-enabled security measures and remote management tools, while also eliminating the need for a second Internet connection and providing network survivability through LTE connectivity. Serving as a cost-effective backup, LTE offers flexibility and security for branch offices or home networks. Ensuring day-one connectivity for remote workers means leveraging an all-in-one branch solution that supports LTE as the primary WAN link. Once a wired connection is established, the same multi-WAN router can be utilized to load balance between wired and wireless links.
Companies now relying on remote environments—either temporarily or on a more permanent basis—must also furnish their workers with networking know-how equal to what is available in the office. CBTS is offering a suite of remote worker solutions that link employees to dependable networking options regardless of their location.
SD-WAN abstracts the network hardware and application transport characteristics to simplify management and enhance performance. It also allows companies to replace expensive private WAN connections such as MPLS by building higher-performance WANs using low-cost Internet access.
Ideal use cases for an SD-WAN solution combination include on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployment models that require a Quality of Experience (QoE) for real-time applications such as VoIP and video regardless of where the user is located. SD-WAN can be an especially good fit for organizations that operate call centers or rely heavily on critical applications.
Network solutions can be further bolstered by Check Point Harmony Connect, a cloud-hosted threat prevention service that protects SaaS, IaaS, and branch-office assets with scalability, intelligent provisioning, and consistent control across physical and virtual networks. Rather than burdening IT staff with the maintenance of dedicated hardware and supports, the system’s cyber protection benefits are added to existing routers or SD-WAN deployments. This enables branch offices to stay connected while removing the operational overhead of sustaining hundreds or thousands of physical devices.
Meanwhile, hosted unified communications (UC) is giving businesses control over their remote communications. This cloud-contained, fully-hosted solution can replace aging telephone systems, enabling organizations to allocate workloads across locations.
As many workplaces are still working diligently to implement efficient remote work solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, cloud-friendly tools are available to help companies avoid productivity losses and enhance the performance of their remote employees.
Contact CBTS for more information on how SD-WAN & NaaS networking solutions can accelerate the productivity of your remote workforce.
