Reliable internet connectivity is a necessity during regional lockdown for businesses and services of all kinds. If you’re a networks installer or advisor, there are many opportunities for work as new systems and services are erected that require remote management and connectivity failover measures. Self-service kiosks have become popular alternatives to in-person services because they enable social distancing. Meanwhile, essential services like Covid-19 testing centres require surveillance and data security. Such services require internet access to operate and, whether a wired connection is possible or not, with so many relying on these services during troubled times, a backup connection is a necessity.
Teltonika LTE routers, paired with Poynting antennas, make for a combination that is powerful and reliable. Their enterprise-grade hardware can provide a primary or secondary internet connection to any installation. Since this is achieved with a cellular connection, this is even possible in the remotest locations, or in those offering a temporary service without wired internet access.
Applications
Public Surveillance
In order to successfully enforce social distancing, authorities need to know when these measures are being breached. With a cellular internet connection, remote locations can benefit from public surveillance where before they could not, whilst existing surveillance installations with wired internet can benefit from a cellular backup.
Moreover, Teltonika’s Remote Management System (RMS) empowers network and security personnel to remotely manage NVR equipment at many deployment locations from a single platform. This makes it possible to cost-effectively maintain and manage equipment across a large area with only a handful of staff whilst adhering to social distancing and essential travel rules.
More remote locations may struggle to receive an adequate signal for uploading surveillance footage to the cloud via cellular data. A powerful antenna will aid signal strength and reliability. In rural areas, a directional antenna like the Poynting XPOL-2-5G is perfectly suited for this application. The ‘Version 3’ of the popular XPOL line, the Poynting XPOL-2-5G is designed and optimised for enhancing signal strength and throughput across all LTE bands, whilst also being future-proofed for the adoption of 5G bands.
Self-Service Kiosks
Self-service and vending kiosks such as Amazon lockers provide essential services to the public and enable social distancing. Such installations require stable, reliable internet access for interfacing with a database for customer ID and access code information, for example.
In times such as these, the line between an excellent and awful customer experience is only as fine as the internet connection is unreliable. If a customer arrives at a kiosk and finds it without an internet connection, it is easy to imagine their frustration. Conversely, a working connection will ensure the customer has the seamless, hassle-free experience they were expecting, which can lead to new or increased business.
This is something totally under the control of the kiosk owner. By implementing quality, reliable hardware, connection stability and reliability can be measurably improved, whilst the ratio of deployment locations to maintenance cost can be kept optimal. Here again, LTE routers that can be managed remotely are an easy recommendation. The Teltonika RUT240 is one such router, excellent for IoT applications in need of advanced security features and remote access capabilities. The RUT240 accepts dual SIM cards for additional failover support, whilst its compact design makes for easy integration with existing systems.
For stabilising and strengthening LTE signal in urban locations, an omnidirectional antenna is often the best choice. The Poynting OMNI-402 covers all contemporary LTE operating frequencies and houses 2x2 MIMO capabilities, whilst its stable and uniform radiation pattern gives it superior performance across the entirety of its serviced frequency range.
Covid-19 Testing Centres
Due to the speed with which countries have had to react to the coronavirus pandemic, testing centres have been erected at remote locations or away from existing infrastructure to limit contact with those being tested. Security measures are required to protect staff and valuable medical equipment. Moreover, a strong and reliable internet connection is required as, in this particular instance, officials deal with sensitive and important data, the results of which have severe implications for those being tested.
Once again, NVR hardware, allowing for security and staff accountability to be enforced and monitored remotely, must be paired with a strong, reliable internet connection to facilitate data transfer to storage. The Teltonika RUTX11 provides 4G LTE connectivity and shares it via dual-band WiFi, meaning workers at testing centres can continue to use their personal devices to connect with others and to keep up to date with breaking news announcements. Its space for dual SIM cards allows for auto-failover if the primary cellular provider fails, meaning extra safety, whilst its four 1Gbps ethernet ports facilitate high-speed local data transfer.
Depending on your use case and location, a single Poynting Omni-291 omnidirectional antenna could be all you need to enhance the Teltonika RUTX11’s signal strength and throughput for all, with its ultrawideband coverage making it highly effective at stabilising and strengthening both the router’s LTE and dual-band WiFi frequencies.
Final Thoughts
Even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, internet connectivity is as in demand as ever. When public health is at risk, it is paramount that this connectivity is reliable and stable. A cellular connection, provided by an LTE router paired with a powerful antenna, can serve as either a connectivity backup, in those areas where a wired network already exists or as a primary means of connectivity, in more remote locations not currently serviced by wired ethernet. Together, Teltonika LTE routers and Poynting antennas can supply businesses and services with the necessary reliable, stable connections.
