Businesses and organizations with large campuses (such as hospitals, warehouses, apartment communities, etc.) or with wide-ranging operations (especially those with a remote or mobile workforce such as logistics and construction companies) may struggle to supply connectivity needed for optimal performance when their network infrastructure is based on Wi-Fi and public LTE service. With greater adoption of smart building technology and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices, gaps in service are even more problematic, as these devices are more or less useless without connectivity.

Network congestion, limited coverage, security problems and more issues are also frequently encountered when a network relies on Wi-Fi and public LTE networks. Sometimes a business’s wide-area network is simply not wide enough. When this is the case, there are several reasons why a private LTE network should be considered as a solution.

Resurrect dead spots and simplify infrastructure

While Wi-Fi routers do fine in providing Internet access to small areas, when it comes to larger spaces, it can be difficult to maximize coverage without leaving pockets where the signal is unreliable. Though these dead spots may be written off as a minor inconvenience to users, it poses serious problems for IoT applications such as smart building technology, which can be undermined by these gaps.

The only way to overcome Wi-Fi dead spots is to increase the number of extenders and repeaters throughout the space that needs to be covered, which can quickly become expensive, and inevitably involves inefficient overlaps.

In contrast, private LTE networks can supply coverage to multiple square miles of land without dead spots – all from a single cell tower. This means much more reliable connectivity for users and devices, and easy coverage of large campuses without the need for the tens (if not hundreds) of access points required to deliver Wi-Fi service.

Streamline roaming with seamless handover

When it comes to operations that need support for device and user mobility (e.g., fleet management and remote workforce enablement), Wi-Fi is simply not an option (or not an easy one at least). Typically, these operations rely on personal Internet connections and public LTE networks, which can vary considerably in their dependability and security. Private LTE coverage can be extended wherever there is a suitable place to install a cell (such as a tower), and can be extended further through a public-private handover system (enabled by dual SIM) to allow for seamless transition outside of the range of the dedicated cells.

Optimize service allocation

LTE technology allows network administrators to prioritize specific devices and types of usage through Quality of Service (QoS) controls. If you’ve ever wondered how third party wireless providers can provide cell service with the same geographical range as mainstream carriers at lower rates, the answer is QoS controls. These third-party resellers’ networks are built on top of mainstream carrier networks, but they are differentiated by those carriers’ QoS controls, which prioritize devices with mainstream plans over those with third-party ones whenever the network gets congested, which is part of the reason why the third party plans cost less.

With private LTE, a business can control their own network similarly, with power to decide which devices are prioritized. This can ensure that a certain amount of bandwidth is always allocated to mission-critical applications and devices even when the network is congested with other traffic.

Fortify network cybersecurity

In addition to QoS controls, private LTE network administrators have several tools at their disposal to enhance network security. While unauthorized users can easily hack into MPLS and VPLS-based Wi-Fi networks (posing serious security threats), LTE networks are much more difficult to access without authorization as they require users to have an authorized SIM card, and network administrators can further guard access with multi-factor authentication policies as well.

The takeaway

For businesses that have large campuses or conduct operations spanning a large geographic area, relying on Wi-Fi often comes with high infrastructural costs, disruptive connectivity issues, service range limitations and security vulnerabilities. With recent trends such as widening adoption of IoT technologies and remote workforces, it is becoming clearer than ever to more and more businesses that private LTE is a viable alternative when their networks are being stretched too thin.

With the greater network security and control, managed connectivity, wider coverage, and enhanced mobility made possible by LTE technology, the businesses that make the switch can overcome the issues they’ve encountered previously.

If you are interested in learning more about private LTE solutions or how your business could set up a private LTE network, we would be happy to help. Just contact us and we will be in touch!