National Network Carrier Enhances Branch Operations
Enhancing Retail Stores with Cellular-Based Automatic FailoverInternet and phone service providers, whether local, regional, or national, almost always operate retail and branch locations where customers can experience the latest smart devices, pick up networking equipment for home or business, and sign up for services, or seek repairs. These locations represent the front line for customer engagement and service delivery, showcasing the brand's technology and reliability. For hardline communication service providers, utilizing their own services for in-store connectivity is often a given, reinforcing their capabilities. Conversely, wireless network providers frequently depend on fiber service providers for their in-store connections.
Regardless of whether you are relying on your own services or those of a partner, one fact remains: a store that sells communications and connectivity can never afford to lose its own. An outage in a place dedicated to promoting network reliability is more than an inconvenience—it’s a significant business risk. With dozens to hundreds of devices connected to in-store Wi-Fi, wireless security systems, and electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) systems, maintaining seamless connectivity is essential not just for operational efficiency but also for demonstrating the value and reliability of the service being sold.
Company Overview | 100% Up-Time Needs
For a nationwide retail chain with over 5,000 stores, network reliability is more than a competitive advantage; it is a critical lifeline. Communication Service Providers (CSPs) that rely on such retail operations are fundamentally dependent on an intricate web of connected devices and critical applications, from POS systems to digital signage. For these enterprises, achieving 100% uptime isn’t just an aspiration—it’s a business imperative to maintain customer trust, streamline daily operations, and ultimately drive sales growth.
Challenge | Ensuring Network Uptime to Prevent Operational Disruptions
The stakes were high: any network downtime could severely disrupt operations, impacting everything from customer transactions to internal communications. The IT team faced a major challenge in maintaining uninterrupted connectivity across thousands of stores. While achieving WAN (Wide Area Network) link diversity was clearly necessary, the traditional approach of installing additional hardwired connections in each store was not only cost-prohibitive but also logistically unfeasible.
Given the vast scale of the operation, the company needed a more agile and efficient solution—one that could deliver reliable failover capabilities without the burden of extensive physical infrastructure and could be centrally managed from any location.
Solution | Ericsson Enterprise Wireless NetCloud Service for Branch
To meet this challenge, the company adopted an innovative approach by leveraging its robust cellular broadband network. They chose to deploy the Ericsson NetCloud Service for Branch, a solution that integrates seamlessly with their existing network architecture. This approach involves using Gigabit-LTE and 5G edge adapters to back up primary wired connections and routers, creating a resilient failover option.
With Ericsson technology, the organization ensured that essential in-store systems remained connected and operational even if the primary wired network link failed. By utilizing cellular connectivity, they introduced a failover solution that is not only effective but also highly scalable, enabling immediate backup capabilities without the need for additional physical cabling or infrastructure.
Benefits | Improved Performance, Reliability, and Business Continuity
The implementation of Ericsson’s solution has had a transformative impact on the company’s retail operations. The automatic failover feature has significantly improved the way the business manages network disruptions. In the event of a primary wired link failure, the system seamlessly transitions to the cellular network, ensuring that critical applications and IoT devices—such as POS systems, digital signage, and security systems—remain online and operational. This minimizes downtime and reduces the risk of revenue loss, providing a consistent and reliable customer experience while safeguarding the continuity of daily business operations.
Business Continuity
One key benefit is the uninterrupted continuation of business operations. With the failover solution, the organization’s flagship stores experience minimal disruption during network outages. While the IT team is instantly notified of any primary link failures and can begin their investigation, the stores continue to operate as usual, safeguarding customer experience and operational efficiency.
Centralized Network Management System
Ericsson NetCloud also provides a centralized network management system, which has proven invaluable for the organization’s IT team. The centralized dashboards and features enable the team to configure and manage failover adapters across all store locations from a single interface. This not only simplifies the process of managing network failover but also enhances the team’s ability to troubleshoot network issues remotely. With real-time visibility into network performance and the ability to address hardware issues without needing to visit each store, the IT team can maintain optimal network health more efficiently.
Increased Network Availability and Performance
The benefits of this solution extend beyond mere operational continuity. Integrating Ericsson 5G adapters has also improved network availability and performance. By using advanced cellular technology, the company has enhanced its ability to provide a reliable and high-speed network connection, which is crucial for handling the high demands of modern retail environments.
Automatic Failover
The company’s adoption of a cellular-based automatic failover solution has revolutionized how it manages network reliability across its vast network of retail stores. By leveraging their own cellular network and implementing a scalable, cloud-managed service, the organization has achieved a robust solution that addresses both immediate and long-term connectivity needs.
In today’s competitive retail environment, maintaining constant and reliable network connectivity is vital for success. By proactively deploying Ericsson NetCloud Service for Branch, the organization has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to integrating advanced technologies to meet its operational needs. The successful implementation of this cellular-based failover solution underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring seamless store operations and sets a new standard for using innovative technology to address traditional connectivity challenges.
About MCA and Our CNS Team
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace.
Our Cellular Networking Solutions (CNS) team (formerly known as USAT) is made up of certified experts in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for public and private enterprises nationwide - complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.
Our extensive Cradlepoint catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments allows us to deliver a full suite of reliable technologies capped with a service-first approach.
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