Mobile networking
Mobile enterprise applications have significant bandwidth requirements, especially those that connect to back-end data and services. As such, the proper approach to mobile networking is essential. The resources in this section explain how to evaluate cellular and wireless networks and how to optimize mobile wireless networks to ensure users can access the data and applications they need.
Top Stories
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Tip
22 Dec 2022
Wireless network capacity planning and requirements
When planning wireless network capacity needs, tally your total endpoints, monitor application bandwidth usage and consider future growth. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Nov 2022
9 steps for wireless network planning and design
Wireless network planning may appear daunting. But IT teams can tackle this task in nine key phases, which include capacity, redundancy and site surveys. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2022
Indoor 5G gets a boost as small cells come to rescue
Indoor small cells are becoming more common in consumer and enterprise markets. Along with distributed antenna systems and Wi-Fi networks, small cells increasingly enable RF coverage. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2022
Enterprise 5G deployment options and how to procure them
The two main types of 5G deployment options are standalone and non-standalone. Find out how they're different, how to procure them and some helpful tips for 5G success. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2022
Top 5G limitations and challenges for businesses
While 5G has advanced in recent years, the fifth generation of cellular technology still has some shortcomings, such as smaller coverage ranges and a lack of rural rollouts. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2022
What are the features and benefits of 5G technology?
In addition to high speeds and low latency, the emergence of 5G cellular technology could put some pressure on the market prices of incumbent WAN connectivity. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2022
5G vs. 4G: Learn the key differences between them
4G and 5G network architectures have some significant differences. See how the two technologies differ and what the new capabilities could mean for business communications. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2022
What's happening with standalone 5G?
Standalone 5G is the next major update for 5G technology. Learn about the benefits SA 5G will bring and find out when operators will begin deploying it worldwide. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2021
Midband 5G spectrum auctions come to the fore
Midband has become the premier spectrum for 5G use. The FCC's 3.45 GHz auction began in October, following the massive C-band sell-off that ended in January 2021. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Oct 2021
The status of 5G rollouts in 2021 and 2022
Major U.S. mobile operators -- AT&T, Dish, T-Mobile and Verizon -- are focused on deploying 5G through 2022. Learn about each provider's timeline. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jul 2021
What's the difference between a MAC address and IP address?
A MAC address and an IP address each identify network devices, but they do the job at different levels. Explore the differences between the two and learn why both are necessary. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jun 2021
Is 5G dangerous? Debunking the myths
Fifth-generation wireless is the latest iteration of mobile technology. Here are six myths surrounding 5G wireless technology -- and why they aren't true. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 May 2021
The future of BYOD: Trends and predictions
As employees and corporations come to expect greater flexibility and mobility, BYODs are an important element in the successful planning and execution of the hybrid workplace. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 May 2021
Why a mobile security policy is a must-have corporate policy
A well-defined mobile device security policy that educates employees on the proper use of BYODs can help seal off vulnerabilities in corporate networks and bolster threat defense. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Feb 2021
An overview of 3GPP 5G releases and what each one means
3GPP has standardized features and specifications for all cellular technology generations since 3G. Learn about 3GPP's 5G timeline and notable features each 5G release introduces. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Feb 2021
Weighing the advantages of private 5G vs. carrier 5G
Considering private 5G vs. carrier 5G for your interior networking? No single option fits all, but here are some factors you should consider. Continue Reading
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News
29 Dec 2020
Private 5G networks to gain momentum in 2021
Enterprises using industrial IoT devices are among the early adopters of private 5G networks, which could become an $8 billion market by 2027. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Nov 2020
Improve mobile hotspot security in 5 steps
Users may not hesitate to connect to a mobile hotspot, but that doesn't mean IT should always allow it. Learn the threats these hotspots pose and how to handle them. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Oct 2020
The 3 different types of 5G technology for enterprises
5G isn't a single flavor of cellular technology; it's three flavors, and each one can enable advanced capabilities, such as ultrareliable low latency and IoT connectivity. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2020
Global company weighs 5G for manufacturing, IoT analytics
Global manufacturer Sanmina is studying the benefits of deploying 5G on its manufacturing floor to improve the speed of IoT and analytics data exchanges to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2020
5G network security concerns and how to prepare for them
Enterprises looking forward to deploying 5G must first assess their security concerns upfront and review their policies and procedures, despite 5G's security improvements. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2020
How and when to establish enterprise 5G partnerships
Enterprises that buy 5G public services, procure network slices or build their own private 5G networks need to establish the right partnerships for mobile services, equipment and software. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Sep 2020
Private LTE networks grow as 5G comes into view
Private LTE networks deliver secure cellular connectivity in localized enterprise or industrial spaces, with private 5G networks and newly available spectrum bands soon to follow. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2020
7 top 5G enterprise use cases and business opportunities
While 5G is not fully baked yet, early business use cases are intriguing. Connections between branch offices and headquarters, for instance, could be improved with fixed wireless. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Sep 2020
Telecommunications book highlights spectrum, fiber cabling
5G touts faster download speeds and new application types, but other major 5G changes will be in spectrum and fixed wireless. Learn more in this telecommunications book excerpt. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Sep 2020
Multimedia data and 5G drive network transformation
Emerging networking trends and touted innovations always showcase faster speeds and new use cases. Yet, new challenges keep pace, too, such as security and privacy issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Aug 2020
Enterprises prefer private 5G networks over network slicing
Large enterprises are wary of network slicing within public 5G networks because of potential security risks. But SMBs see network slicing as a viable 5G option. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2020
5G enterprise market will overtake consumer cellular by 2036
5G is the first cellular technology generation that enterprise use cases will play a larger role than consumer use cases. Learn more from ABI Research's 5G Technology Summit. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2020
How ISPs and operators ensure network quality in a pandemic
COVID-19 has caused a spike in remote workers, increased internet usage and traffic surges. Here's how ISPs and telecom operators plan for continuity and quality during the pandemic. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2020
Determine 5G enterprise use cases, cost before deployment
There's a lot of hype surrounding 5G. Before getting too excited, it's important to determine the enterprise use cases, costs and what organizations must do to take advantage of 5G. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2020
5 strategic steps to blunt mobile device security threats
Companies need to evaluate their own needs and implement a viable mobile security strategy that's part of an overall corporate security plan. Their future may depend on it. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2020
Remote work could cause mobile network problems in a pandemic
Experts said the extra traffic caused by new remote workers could put a strain on mobile networks, but it could also cause businesses to rethink how work gets done. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2020
IEEE reveals 802 standards process and the future of Wi-Fi
The IEEE 802 Standards Committee looks years in advance to improve Wi-Fi and Ethernet technology. A sampling of the future: 802.11be, Wi-Fi sensing and increased Ethernet range. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2020
Watch for these 6 wireless networking trends in 2020
No doubt you've heard about 5G and Wi-Fi 6. But don't forget other wireless trends emerging in 2020, such as CBRS, dynamic spectrum sharing and Open RAN. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jan 2020
Future of networking technology relies on 5G, edge computing
In this roundup of networking blogs, experts discuss the key trends they look forward to in 2020 and how these advancements could benefit networking's future. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2020
5G connectivity won't be enterprise-ready in 2020
Despite hype and new device announcements, experts expect 5G will take time to catch on in the enterprise. The tech has potential, but not all the necessary factors are in place. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Dec 2019
Decision-makers may prefer Wi-Fi over 5G in retail networks
For retail use cases, 5G may not provide as many benefits as it would for other sectors. Yet 5G offers innovative features, and retailers may still adopt 5G networks in the future. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2019
Assess the Wi-Fi 6 features available in Wave 1 and Wave 2
Catch up on the different features available with the first wave of Wi-Fi 6, including OFDMA and Target Wake Time, and find out which capabilities Wave 2 will bring. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2019
4 enterprise WAN challenges that 5G service could resolve
With 5G, organizations could ease or resolve common WAN challenges around deployment, business expansion, monthly pricing models and adoption of new technologies. Continue Reading
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Guide
02 Oct 2019
5G explained: A deep dive into the features and facts
In this 5G guide, learn about key features, challenges and deployment tips. This 5G explanation goes beyond the fundamentals and explores 5G's relationship to other technologies. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Oct 2019
How will BSS coloring boost Wi-Fi 6 performance?
BSS coloring is a feature that will help accelerate Wi-Fi 6 performance. Find out how the new mechanism will help access points transmit more efficiently. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Sep 2019
The benefits of Wi-Fi 6 and how to prepare for them
In order to glean the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, enterprises first need to determine the best steps for a migration strategy. Two key steps are implementing more power and faster uplinks. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Aug 2019
The essential 5G glossary of key terms and phrases
To understand 5G, delve into various elements that encompass the new technology. This glossary of 5G keywords explains what 5G is and how its new features work. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jun 2019
802.11ac drives enterprise WLAN market growth for now
802.11ac played a crucial role in enterprise WLAN market growth, as companies felt the pressure to upgrade their wireless infrastructure. But 802.11ax is the future. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jun 2019
How 5G deployment will affect enterprise network hardware, software
Enterprise network architects can start thinking about 5G deployment now, focusing on mobile usage, real-time communications and 5G-capable network equipment. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 May 2019
Will 5G networks require new network engineer skills?
The 5G network will likely affect network engineer skills in areas such as security, physical appliances and software. But enterprise teams won't see too much change, for now. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 May 2019
Benefits of 5G to drive enterprise adoption regardless of provider
Key 5G expectations among business decision-makers include improved network speed and reliability, and most enterprises are willing to obtain 5G regardless of provider or price. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2019
Wireless capacity more important than fast Wi-Fi 6 speed
Wi-Fi 6 speed may be getting all the attention, but the most compelling advantages of the new standard are techniques engineered to increase wireless capacity. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2019
Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G networks is more about cooperation than competition
While Wi-Fi 6 and 5G might experience some interference with each other, enterprises should focus on the handoff of connections between the two technologies. Continue Reading
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Quiz
16 Apr 2019
What do you know about the history of mobile networks?
Though it still has a long way to go, 5G is finally here. This quiz takes you through mobile networking's history -- from first-generation wireless to 5G expectations. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Apr 2019
When will enterprises adopt the new Wi-Fi 6 standard?
Networking vendors have unveiled Wi-Fi 6 devices, yet the wireless standard is not ratified. Don't expect Wi-Fi 6 to flow into the mainstream anytime soon. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Apr 2019
Skip the wireless site survey cost and invest in more wireless APs
A wireless site survey simply provides a one-time snapshot of a work environment's wireless coverage. But Wi-Fi requires ongoing management based on several changing variables. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Apr 2019
Wireless site surveys and why you no longer need them
Wireless site surveys have always been part of a WLAN installation, but today that no longer should be the case. Capacity, not coverage, is more important. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2019
How to improve network speed and get faster Wi-Fi in 3 steps
Proper router placement and maintenance, along with tighter security controls, can help IT departments improve network speed and boost Wi-Fi performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2019
5G expansion is coming, but where will operators reap profits?
In this recap of industry blogs, networking pundits examine the profit potential of 5G expansion, responsible use of AI and some top network security developments. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Dec 2018
6 emerging trends in wireless networking technology for 2019
In 2019, expect to see some interesting trends in wireless networking technology, including a surge in millimeter waves, the budding potential for end-to-end network analytics and, of course, the ongoing development of 5G services. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2018
Plan for the future of 5G in the enterprise
5G networks will bring speed and reduced latency to mobile business users that can take advantage of it. Get prepared for other changes that 5G will bring to the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2018
Cradlepoint router boosts network flexibility for dance group
Connecting an audience to the motion and music of a dance production takes more than dance and musical skills. For one professor, it required network flexibility and the Cradlepoint AER2100 router. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Mar 2018
Iridium Next satellites to bring broadband IoT to every corner of the globe
The Iridium Next satellites have helped the company embrace the IoT explosion, changing its business model objective from cell phone connectivity to satellite IoT. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Mar 2018
Where do mobile users fit in with SD-WAN as a service?
SD-WAN as a service can act as a bridge between mobile users who want to access business apps on the go and network managers who want to manage and secure those users. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2015
Google Fiber targets San Antonio for fiber optic cable rollout
Google Fiber plans to lay 4,000 miles of fiber optic cable in the San Antonio area; FCC voted to revise IP transition rules. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Aug 2008
WiMAX tutorial
As the WiMAX industry has grown, so has WiMAX hype and confusion. Mobility managers and decision makers have to sort through the hype to facilitate their knowledge and understanding of WiMAX technology. SearchMobileComputing.com asked Paul DeBeasi, senior analyst at the Burton Group, to set the stage for a broad overview of what WiMAX is and how it works. DeBeasi's begins this tutorial by introducing WiMAX technology, applications and terminology. Further sections discuss WiMAX services, performance, security and devices. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2008
WiMAX devices
WiMAX devices will become more readily available as carriers deploy widespread WiMAX service. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2008
700 MHz -- Why is it so valuable?
The 700 MHz wireless spectrum auction is causing a lot of excitement, yet the reasons why can be obscure -- Paul DeBeasi explains its importance and how it works. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2007
Mobile service providers: How to choose the right one
Finding the "right" mobile service provider might be an abstract, theoretical concept, but picking the right one for your organization shouldn't be too difficult. Here, Craig Mathias outlines some key elements to guide you in selecting the right mobile service provider. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 May 2007
Mobile data services -- A checklist of considerations
Analyzing and selecting a mobile data service can be a daunting task. This tip provides a checklist of the major factors to consider when evaluating mobile data services (GSM, CDMA and WiMAX). Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 Jun 2006
3G overview
This 3G overview describes the many benefits of 3G wireless technologies. Continue Reading