In the world of business SD-WAN solutions, it's common to see fibre as the primary connectivity choice, with LTE added as an afterthought for redundancy. However, let's debunk a myth here – LTE, has its drawbacks. It can potentially serve as a valuable business-class connection of last resort when implemented strategically.
When your fibre connection, which could range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, experiences a failure, relying solely on LTE might leave you frustrated. In South Africa, LTE connectivity during load shedding can be a real gamble. Speeds drop, packet loss becomes frequent, and latency skyrockets, making your online experience feel like wading through treacle. Getting consistent double-digit Mbps speeds on LTE for more than a few minutes can seem like a rare treat. During load shedding, you may notice dropped calls, shop owners desperately trying to get a signal, and your phone behaving like an old Volkswagen Beetle sputtering on fumes from an empty tank.
Load shedding typically causes a surge in WiFi users switching to LTE, quickly congesting the nearest tower. To make matters worse, criminal syndicates often target these towers for battery theft. Consequently, maintaining a reliable connection during such times becomes a cloudy proposition with a chance of disappointment.
A smarter approach would be to explore alternatives such as FTTx (Fiber to the x) solutions or business-grade microwave connectivity. Fixed wireless options, particularly those relying on stable microwave technology, can outshine LTE in terms of reliability.
In South Africa, fixed wireless connectivity stands independent of mobile towers. High sites are often located within office buildings, offering superior power continuity. They are also more likely to be situated in different load shedding zones than LTE towers, enhancing their reliability. When it comes to SD-WAN, LTE should serve as the last resort, a backup plan when all else fails. But why settle for less? Instead, consider additional diverse path fibre or fixed wireless options, based on robust microwave technology.
It's essential to understand that tech giants from Silicon Valley sometimes view their products through the lens of their experiences in the United States and Europe. They may assume that the connectivity options available to them are universally applicable. However, they often overlook the unique operating conditions found in regions like Africa or Australia. The assumption that LTE can reliably serve as primary or secondary connectivity is one such misconception.
Added to the above woes in South Africa is theft and vandalism which plagues both Vodacomand MTN. Refer to these two articles on MyBroadband:
Wrapping up, LTE and, in some cases, satellite connectivity are indeed options of last resort, to be implemented only when all other avenues are exhausted. For a more reliable solution, one that seamlessly incorporates LTE and satellite when necessary, look no further than Fusion SD-WAN.
Fusion SD-WAN: Your Connectivity, Your Way, Your Reliability. 🚀
Ronald Bartels ensures that Internet inhabiting things are connected reliably online at Fusion Broadband South Africa - the leading specialized SD-WAN provider in South Africa. Learn more about the best SD-WAN in the world: 👉Contact Fusion
