Revolutionize Corporate SD-WAN with Faster Cellular Speeds

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Customers and employees need an adequate connection to corporate resources as businesses depend more on:

• Corporate data
• Cloud-based file sharing
• Edge intelligence applications based on generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)

This connection has become essential for hybrid workforce models and GenAI enterprise applications.

Broadband technology has made significant breakthroughs in incorporating 5G broadband speeds. 5G speeds approach cable- and fiber-based performance in downlink and uplink speeds. It helps software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WANs) transform corporate networking operations at branches, offices and work sites.

SD-WAN ensures a seamless work experience for employees, making their interface feel the same no matter where they are. It eliminates the need for fiber or cable connections and uses high-speed 5G data. This solution empowers employees to work productively from anywhere.

The Role of SD-WAN and Corporate Networking over the Next Few Years

A company’s corporate network comprises everything that receives and transmits critical data between users within a secure framework. These include:

• Laptops and desktops
• Smartphones and tablets
• Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phones
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Point-of-sale (POS) systems
• Video conferencing equipment
• Thin clients and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) terminals
• Security cameras and surveillance systems
• Mobile devices
• Servers and networking appliances in the data center

The more information a business shares, the more broadband capacity it needs. This helps with data storage and secure transmission. According to Statista, Internet of Things (IoT) devices worldwide will reach 39.6 billion in 2033. That’s almost double the 18 billion devices in 2024.  Imagine the network necessary to manage the list of devices above without compromising speed, data or signal strength.

Though it is daunting, IoT frameworks operating on robust SD-WANs will be more capable of making reliable connections. In addition, they will enable the speeds necessary for more efficient and intelligent business operations based on data.

Why SD-WAN for Corporate Networking?

Technology grows swiftly. Understanding networking is crucial for corporations to adapt to the coming changes. The faster a network can transfer large data sets, the better 5G speeds have already reached 10 gigabits per second peak speeds (Gbps).

Competing multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) networks struggle to scale up bandwidth and resilience for high-bandwidth office applications. This legacy technology is also costlier because companies need more infrastructure and capital equipment to sit between networks. On the other hand, SD-WAN offers greater flexibility, scalability and ease of deployment, resulting in better cost savings.

More businesses than ever rely on SD-WANs in their daily operations to:

• Power GenAI applications with low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity
• Support edge AI deployments for real-time processing and decision-making
• Access cloud-based applications and enterprise software
• Enable seamless video conferencing and collaboration
• Securely transmit sensitive customer and business data
• Support remote and hybrid workforces with reliable connectivity
• Optimize IoT device communication for real-time insights

Key Benefits of 5G-Based SD-WAN

Network innovation possibilities are immense. Speeds of 10 Gbps (or higher) peak download and 2 Gbps upload are available over each 5G network connection. It is possible to envision SD-WAN solutions based on a blend of cellular data products.

These solutions could replace or be added to MPLS across corporate sites, including:

• Corporate data centers
• Branch offices
• Store branches

The advantages of 5G-based SD-WAN include:

• Instant deployment for new branches, remote sites or temporary locations without waiting for fiber or wired infrastructure
• Superior performance, scalability and real-time visibility to optimize application traffic and ensure seamless connectivity
• Expanded connectivity options across geographic boundaries, overcoming underground network limitations
• High-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity without traditional bandwidth constraints, enabling smooth cloud and edge application performance
• Seamless network integration with no need for major infrastructure changes
• Future-proofing through 3GPP advancements, spectrum expansion and evolving 5G capabilities
• Cost-efficiency by reducing reliance on expensive wired circuits and enabling flexible network expansion
• Portability and flexibility, allowing easy branch or temporary site relocation without rewiring
• Enhanced security with built-in encryption, private cellular networking and zero-trust architecture
• Optimized for GenAI and edge AI applications, delivering low-latency processing for AI-driven decision-making in real time

The 5G Path to a Faster Future

Innovations in network transport technology have made it possible to reach and even surpass peak speeds over 10 Gbps. Routers with 5G data cards can quickly check and confirm each packet. They do this even when processing millions of packets every second.

5G technology works with existing SD-WAN frameworks, giving remote or traveling employees immediate access to the corporate network. This unprecedented speed enables:

• High-definition video presentation streams in real-time
• The secure upload of decades of financial data in minutes to a new client
• The ability to monitor and control smart grid solutions for several worksites at once
• Enhanced employee experience during video and audio teleconferencing

With higher speeds supporting more realistic video resolutions and frame rates, 5G networks bring ever-improving latency times. As 5G networks improve with core upgrades, latency will fall to single-digit milliseconds (ms).

Human conversational interaction now requires less than 6 milliseconds (ms) to feel natural and immersive. With the rapid evolution of 5G-based SD-WAN, these ultralow latency requirements are well within reach.

As 5G and SD-WAN technologies advance, branches and offices can integrate conversational GenAI tools like ChatGPT seamlessly. This integration enables real-time, human-like interactions across devices and networks. It opens possibilities for collaborative tools that feel instantly responsive, like automated customer support and virtual assistants, regardless of location or network conditions.

With the proliferation of GenAI-enabled voice assistants, there is an ever-increasing need for edge processing. These GenAI enterprise applications will need high-speed 5G nodes to work at their best.

5G’s mobility allows companies to bring the office environment to an employee’s car, bus or airport. Similarly, these capabilities give public safety personnel access to critical data and AI-powered tools at their headquarters.

Transform Your Corporate Network with Telit Cinterion

Telit Cinterion’s modules simplify integration and installation within existing SD-WAN corporate networks. Our 5G data cards enable many high-performance and bandwidth-intensive enterprise and industrial applications. This technology will help businesses extend their 5G capabilities to stay competitive and reduce deployment costs. Speak with our experts to learn how Telit Cinterion’s IoT enablement solutions can maximize SD-WAN benefits. Discover which data cards, modules and platforms are right for your business and accelerate your digital transformation today.

Editor’s Note: This post was first published on 19 July 2018 and has since been updated.