Nonprofit Shifts to All-Wireless Offices Powered By Cradlepoint

Overview | An Australian Nonprofit Moves Takes A Completely Wireless Approach

An Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing employment services for disadvantaged citizens embarked on a transformative journey to conduct business in a completely wireless office environment.

Faced with the challenges of expensive and unreliable wired broadband, the organization made a forward-thinking decision to transition to an all-wireless infrastructure. Leveraging Cradlepoint's Wireless Edge Routers and NetCloud Service, the company successfully "cut the copper" and embraced a cellular approach for local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) access.

Challenges

Unreliable Networks, High Costs, and Frequent Downtime

The organization encountered significant challenges with its existing wired broadband infrastructure, including high costs, unreliable network access, and lengthy time to deployment. The organization used very high-speed digital subscriber line (VSDL) technology, costing nearly $1,100 per month for each site and supporting only about 10 people.

Additionally, network downtime was frequent, impacting the delivery of crucial services to community members with disabilities, and the lengthy deployment time for VDSL networks made it challenging for the business to expand rapidly.

Solution

Cradlepoint Wireless Edge Routers

In response to these challenges, the organization decided to move to a completely wireless network, replacing VDSL lines with Cradlepoint's wireless edge routers.

Integrating Cradlepoint's NetCloud Service for Branch and LTE-enabled AER2200 all-in-one endpoints facilitated seamless connectivity for client-use PCs, CCTV, guest Wi-Fi, and networked printers and devices.

Results

An All-Wireless Environment That Provided Mobility and Flexibility

By cutting the copper and establishing a Wireless WAN and LAN networking foundation, the company positioned itself for future growth and technological advancements.

One of the most significant evolutions involved replacing traditional desk phones with mobile phones. These mobile devices conveyed the company's corporate identity to business callers and provided employees the flexibility for personal use. Additionally, the organization replaced employee PCs with laptops supported by SIM cards and a data plan.

This transition ensured greater mobility and flexibility in accessing resources.

Benefits

Cost Savings, Improved Uptime, And Increased Performance

Significantly Less CapEx and OpEx

The transition to wireless connectivity substantially reduced the company's per-site average monthly network cost from nearly $1,100 to about $650. This includes SIM cards for phones, PCs, routers, and subscriptions to Cradlepoint's NetCloud Service for Branch and edge routers. The centralized management platform streamlined costs, making deployment and maintenance more efficient and cost-effective.

Improved Network Uptime

With 4G LTE as the primary Wireless WAN in its widespread offices, the company achieved roughly 99.95% network uptime. The resilience of the cellular network exceeded expectations, eliminating the need for service level agreements (SLAs).

Exponentially Greater Performance

The transition to Wireless WAN resulted in a significant boost in network performance. Compared to VDSL, the business observed a 30X improvement with 3G, a 100X increase with 4G, and an astounding 500X jump with 4G LTE.

Agility for IT Team

The agility of an all-wireless infrastructure played a pivotal role in the organization's aggressive growth and success. Cradlepoint's solution, with its intuitive nature, was easy to deploy to new branch locations. The IT team experienced enhanced efficiency, with each team member managing up to five times more sites than before.

The successful transition to all-wireless offices addressed immediate challenges and positioned the organization as a leader in wireless networking for business. With significant cost savings, improved performance, and enhanced IT agility, the organization is well-prepared to make a lasting impact on the lives of Australians with disabilities. The clear path to a 5G future ensures that it remains at the forefront of technology, exploring innovative ways to support job-seekers and advance its mission.

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 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.