DIY Wireless WAN Management: A Case for Rethinking Your Approach

The Promise and Challenges of WWAN

Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology is ideal for enterprises with expansive branch networks and dynamic operational needs. It offers quick setup and adaptability, yet business expectations often surpass the IT team’s delivery capabilities. Let’s delve into why this occurs and how to address it.

The Complexity of Rapid Deployment and Recovery

If only it was that easy…!

When business leaders demand new sites to be operational within weeks, IT teams face a task list of mixed complexities involving numerous sequential and parallel steps:

• Conducting thorough site surveys

• Evaluating connectivity options

• Pre-design and planning

• Hardware procurement and supplier coordination

• Managing specialist contractors for power, cabling, and antenna installation

• Staging, configuring, and testing equipment

• Ensuring compliance with local regulations

This intricate choreography necessitates meticulous management, often resulting in delays and frustration as IT teams strive to meet internal SLAs.

In many cases, WWAN serves as a temporary solution until terrestrial services become available, adding layers of complexity, costs, and risks. The process of cutover, decommissioning, and equipment recovery for potential redeployment further compounds these challenges.

Plus, the rapid advancement of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, such as Starlink, introduces additional complexities, making coordination even more demanding.

Management and Optimisation

Deploying WWAN as a primary link, network backup, or in-vehicle network solution requires continuous monitoring and specialised management. This can be resource-intensive and costly if not handled effectively.

Maintaining pace with the rapid evolution of edge technology necessitates ongoing investment in team skills and knowledge. However, many organisations adopt a “set and forget” approach, missing optimisation opportunities.

While WWAN can offer cost savings, hidden expenses can accumulate from overprovisioning, inefficient bandwidth usage, and costs associated with downtime and slow problem resolution. Effective WWAN management demands technical expertise and strategic resource allocation.

Key areas of focus should include:

• Continuous monitoring and performance optimisation

• Proactive troubleshooting and issue resolution, including signal strength trending

• Efficient bandwidth management and usage optimisation

• Regular security updates and patch management

• Streamlined vendor relationship management

• Scalability planning for future growth

Effective WWAN management often exceeds the capacity and sometimes capabilities of internal IT teams. The specialised knowledge and attention required can lead to suboptimal performance and missed optimisation opportunities, hindering the full potential of your WWAN solution and, consequently, your business.

WWAN and your Service Catalogue

Is WWAN available as a defined service catalogue item with clear parameters and SLAs? 

Many organisations rely on ad-hoc solutions, leading to numerous challenges. A well-defined WWAN service in your IT Service Catalogue is crucial for efficient deployment, management, and scaling.

A poorly defined WWAN service can compromise delivery and management by:

• Increasing time and resources for individual setups due to excessive customisation

• Prone to human error and longer deployment times due to manual configuration and intervention

• Resulting in inconsistent performance and support due to unclear service levels

It also hinders scalability and creates budgeting challenges, introduces security risks, and limits visibility and reporting capabilities.

By clearly defining WWAN in your Service Catalogue, including options, sizing, and limitations, you can ensure more efficient, consistent, and scalable WWAN deployments. This approach enables better resource allocation, improved user satisfaction, and effective management of your WWAN infrastructure.

Partnering for Optimal WWAN Service

Collaborating with a specialist organisation can help define and implement a robust WWAN service proposition that meets business service levels, reduces costs, and keeps you at the forefront of wireless innovations.

A comprehensive approach should involve:

• Stakeholder Management: Coordination between vendors, third-party contractors, and internal IT resources to ensure a cohesive strategy.

• Gap Analysis and Resolution: Addressing any gaps in tools and processes for seamless WWAN implementation and management.

• Service Integration: Creating a unified, efficient WWAN solution across carrier, satellite services, platforms, and dashboards.

• Clear Service Level Definitions: Defining and publishing service levels that meet business requirements.

• Demand Management: Planning and managing resources to handle peaks and troughs across the WWAN lifecycle.

Thank you OneStep Group…!

OneStep Groups Experience and Credentials

OneStep Group has a proven track record of serving Australia’s leading brands with managed network services and specialised WWAN solutions. As a multi-award-winning Telstra Enterprise Partner, we consistently demonstrate our commitment to excellence.

Our partnership with Cradlepoint, a global leader in cloud-delivered LTE and 5G solutions, ensures clients access cutting-edge technology. From network redundancy to wireless branch and in-vehicle setups, we offer scalable solutions that grow with your business.

Our nationwide network of skilled installers and wireless specialists, along with experienced architects, project managers, and support teams, provides comprehensive coverage across Australia. This extensive network allows us to deliver expert support in both urban centres and remote locations.

By partnering with OneStep Group, you’re not just managing your WWAN; you’re enhancing your entire IT service delivery. Let us help you create a more connected, efficient, and future-ready business with our innovative WWAN management approach.

Contact Us

For more information on Wireless WAN, visit our website or contact our team for a consultation.