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Every so often, a technology comes along that truly changes the game. The latest one to do so is the 4G networks
popping up everywhere. It will no doubt take some time to retrofit all from 3G to 4G, but talk about taking it to
next level! The speeds here are comparable with physical land-based facilities, like copper or fiber. Also understand that 4G is all IP-based, so this is another significant shift in technology.
I tend to measure an ISP network connection by a few metrics, and these rules need to hold true when comparing
4G to copper and fiber land lines. |
Reliability: No compromise here folks as it needs to work 100% of the time (or very close to it). If it's not up, you're not in business.
Latency: It's likely to increase a bit traveling through the air. The other issues here for 4G might be weather and temperature issues,
which would increase retries.
Bandwidth speed repeatability: A connection needs to be repeatable to be able to have something you can 'count on' in the
course of doing business. This may be a sketchy area.
Cost: Cost per Mb must be comparable, as should the terms and penalties for early termination.
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Who should adopt soon: Where I see 4G taking hold first is replacing flaky and underperforming DSL connections. It
only makes sense. I also see it replacing land lines for the person who spends a ton of time on the road, given adequate
3G coverage in all the areas they frequent. Remember, it's going to take some time for 4G to be widely available.
Though certain bandwidth speeds are published, look for wireless carriers to cap speeds to protect the core. Look for
them to also cap monthly bytes. You just need to know what you're getting - and not getting- for the monthly recurring
cost, plain and simple. |
Also, Sonic Wall and other firewall providers will soon offer 4G options to get us away from the terrestrially-based connection, so they
need a little time to get their offerings on the table if other than a single computer scenario.
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Who should wait to adopt: Outfits that require 3Mbits up and down and unlimited monthly data downloads,
especially those that have a lot of folks using VPN into a central site or using Terminal Servers or Citrix Technologies for your field folks. Yeah, these cost more, but there are no restrictions and repeatability of bandwidth speed and
latency are critical here.
You folks should wait this out until the field issues and costs settle out a bit. Also, see if a guaranteed repeatable
bandwidth and static IP "Business Offering" type service makes more sense. In a few words, let's take the "Wait
and See" approach to not put our business at risk as the economy is just starting to turn in our favor. This is not
the time to make mistakes or take unnecessary risks for the sake of technology. |
At Roundbrix, we believe technology is always best leveraged when it has stabilized from numerous standpoints, including cost,
performance, and acceptance by the vendor community. This helps alleviate risk from adopting too early and paying the price with a
negative experience. Roundbrix will be testing 4G over the next few months and we'll write again and share our findings at that time.
