AI is rapidly evolving digitalization initiatives across industries, driving businesses to launch new AI based applications that drive automation, streamline costs, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. These new use cases drive new connectivity requirements in scenarios and locations that may not be easily accessible via wired connectivity. Additionally, the performance, capabilities, availability and price-points for a 5G connection are coming to a point where they are now a viable alternative to wired connectivity even when one is available.
Ericsson introduces a comprehensive wireless-first solution for businesses that are looking to leverage the speed, reliability, and flexibility of a wireless-first architecture to boost their critical branch infrastructure requirements,
Unveiling the Ericsson Cradlepoint E400 and LAN extensions: A new era of connectivity
At the heart of Ericsson's wireless-first architecture is the Cradlepoint E400, a routing and security enterprise appliance that integrates the latest 3GPP Release 17 5G modem for connectivity. As carriers build out their higher performing 5G Stand Alone (SA)networks, the E400 can tap into new services enabled by 5G SA such as network slicing, a service that brings predictable SLAs in congested conditions.
Added features in this all-in-one “branch-in-a-box” appliance include Wi-Fi 7 for the latest Wi-Fi standard, and embedded eSIM/dual-SIM capabilities for faster zero touch deployment and “over the air” reprovisioning. These features keep investment protection with the latest standards as well as adding management efficiencies and cost savings.
When the branch deployment requires additional connected devices, the E400 can be complemented by new LAN switches and Wi-Fi access points that extend office LAN capacity without complexity. These devices plus the E400 use centralized management and optimized operations from Ericsson NetCloud Manager, and secure optimization with Ericsson NetCloud SASE. With AI-driven capabilities, centralized eSIM provisioning, SD-WAN, zero-trust security, and access to 5G SA network slices, the E400 and NetCloud Manager empowers lean IT teams to deploy and manage AI-ready connectivity across distributed branch sites.
Unlocking business potential with 5G network slicing
Network slicing is a transformative feature enabled by the E400's 5G SA modem, offering businesses unprecedented control and flexibility over their network resources. By partitioning a single physical network into multiple virtual slices, each tailored to specific business needs, enterprises can ensure predictable performance and dedicated resources for critical applications.
A large public event is a good example that demonstrates the utility of network slicing in real terms. While many attendees will consume and saturate the event’s public cellular connectivity, the wireless carrier can dedicate a slice to the public safety personnel for their critical communications and dedicate a separate slice to vendors to ensure that their point of sale (PoS) revenues continue to transact.
Globally, carriers have rolled out single slice network slicing for sporting events, races, gaming and public safety. Ericsson has been actively partnering with major global providers, to release more services for a wider set of use cases, including multiple concurrent slices this year.
A unified approach to connectivity and security
Ericsson's wireless-first branch architecture also offers lean IT teams a comprehensive zero-trust SASE solution that integrates networking and security, tailored specifically to the unique challenges of wireless environments. By incorporating cellular telemetry, link bonding and AI driven policy optimizations, NetCloud SASE optimizes user experience over multiple wireless (cellular & satellite) and wired links. The Zero Trust security architecture is built-in rather than bolted on. By explicitly authenticating users to resources, IP address cloaking to reduce attack surface and advanced web security the solution protects sites, users and applications. Additionally, AIOps dashboards within NetCloud SASE provide detailed root cause analysis, streamlining troubleshooting and ensuring robust network performance.
Streamlining connectivity with eSIM technology
The E400 leverages embedded eSIM technology to streamline connectivity management, allowing businesses to switch carriers seamlessly and remotely “zero-touch” provision network profiles without physical SIM cards. The eSIM capability, available on both the E400 and Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 router, will soon be able to provision devices with a bootstrap global data plan that allows for an initial carrier profile to be downloaded without the need for another connection type. This allows for streamlined deployment without the need for device staging or secondary connectivity. This flexibility reduces deployment time and simplifies operations for lean IT teams, ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity across diverse locations.
Conclusion: Unlocking the potential of AI-Driven enterprise innovation
Ericsson's wireless-first branch architecture represents a significant step in enterprise connectivity. It empowers businesses to harness the transformative power of AI with scalable, secure, and resilient wireless solutions. By integrating advanced technologies such as 5G SA, Wi-Fi 7, eSIM and network slicing, Ericsson is paving the way for enterprises to achieve unparalleled innovation and efficiency.
As we continue to push the boundaries of connectivity, Ericsson remains committed to delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of our enterprise customers. We invite you to explore the possibilities of our wireless-first architecture and join us in shaping the future of AI-driven enterprise innovation.