--- title: "What is Wireless WAN?" url: "https://cradlepoint.ericsson.com/glossary/wireless-wan/" content_type: "page" breadcrumb: "[Home](https://cradlepoint.ericsson.com/) › [Glossary](https://cradlepoint.ericsson.com/glossary/) › Wireless WAN" gated: false --- # What is Wireless WAN? 5G and cellular provide faster links and more reliability than ever before – which is great news for the wide area network (WAN). Now applications can run, and offices can be connected anywhere – even if that office is in a vehicle. Wireless WAN enables connectivity to people, places, and things with greater simplicity, agility, and security. ## Wireless WAN works where wires won’t. Cellular can deliver secure, reliable, optimized traffic as a primary or a secondary link. This is true whether connecting vehicles with mission-critical applications or offices keeping pace with changing technologies and conditions. Additionally, cellular can be deployed in minutes, deliver precise location information, and support AI applications in ways wires can’t. ## Connectivity beyond branch sites — and beyond wires Demand for Wireless WAN routers and adapters with cellular intelligence is growing dramatically as organizations expand beyond fixed locations, and as [connected fleet vehicles](/use-cases/vehicles/) and IoT devices explode in number. ![Gails Bakery 672x597 1](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2588e757607604a2/blte996d649d31e152f/6a55ade6c5ad431a6578dea4/Gails-Bakery-672x597-1.jpg) ### Improving reliability GAIL’s Bakery has more than 120 UK locations that rely on various connected technologies to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. Network downtime isn’t an option, as even a few minutes without access to credit card devices and other key digital tools costs thousands of dollars. GAIL’s uses cellular-enabled hybrid WAN routers in its bakeries, with wired broadband as the primary WAN link and 5G providing reliable failover. Deploying new 5G routers is quick and relatively hassle-free through Ericsson NetCloud Manager. GAIL’s can roll out services and create a secure, robust Wireless WAN immediately, even before wired services from local providers are available. [Explore success story](/resources/success-stories/gails-bakery-uses-5g-connectivity-to-elevate-the-customer-experience/) ### Implementing zero trust security In Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, it can be difficult to provide reliable connectivity for the city government’s widely spread offices. In more remote locations, legacy solutions like point-to- point radios and DSL were unreliable and expensive, especially in remote areas. Plus, ensuring network security commensurate with today’s heightened threat level can be hard to manage. The City of Cheyenne uses Ericsson Cradlepoint cellular routers with NetCloud Secure Connect to create a [zero trust network](/products/secure-connect/) for secure, reliable Wireless WAN connectivity. Most of the offices utilize cellular as the primary connection, while some are using wired links for primary and cellular for failover. The solution has helped the city achieve substantial cost savings, reduce downtime, and protect against high-impact data breaches. [Explore success story](/resources/connecting-locations/city-of-cheyenne-saves-thousands-of-dollars-with-secure-reliable-cellular-in-offices/) ![Cheyenne 672x597 1](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2588e757607604a2/blt88f3f936e05b492e/6a55ade58f017d4b849f100c/Cheyenne-672x597-1.jpg) ![Subway 672x597 1](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2588e757607604a2/bltb3abaeb968899aea/6a55ade7a7f940aff013ec14/Subway-672x597-1.jpg) ### Ensuring flexibility Subway franchisee DiPasqua Enterprises has more than 100 locations, with plans to continue diversifying its franchise portfolio. This rapid expansion required a solution refresh to accommodate the networking needs of widespread locations — but without increasing total operational costs. DiPasqua implemented Ericsson Cradlepoint cellular-enabled hybrid WAN routers in each of its r estaurants. For locations implementing cellular as their only WAN link, dual modems ensure cellular connectivity based on the best available connection. Other locations are supported by a multi-WAN mix of 5G, LTE, and wired links. This Subway franchisee saved 20% in operational expenses by consolidating devices and subscriptions, and future-proofing its network solutions. [Explore success story](/resources/connecting-locations/subway-franchisee-keeps-network-fresh-with-5g-connectivity/) ### Getting faster Cellular-based connectivity goes farther faster than many types of wired connections – especially since the arrival of 5G. These fiber-like speeds help accelerate innovation and expansion of all types of business. Accurate data collection for a fleet’s on-board technologies and applications requires fast and reliable connectivity. Seattle Transit implemented Wireless WAN routers to ensure the collection of real-time metrics – including GPS and AVL information. [Explore success story](/resources/wireless-wan/seattle-transit-agency-welcomes-aboard-reliable-lte-for-in-vehicle-systems/) ![king county 672x597 1](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2588e757607604a2/blt5016aae83d31ae78/6a55ade3108e8fe0b7b455d4/king-county-672x597-1.jpg) ![valvoline purse 672x597 1](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2588e757607604a2/blt4dcbf3d39c9292cd/6a55ade42a582f59d15a3146/valvoline-purse-672x597-1.jpg) ### Enabling scalability From buildings and vehicles to IoT devices and staff, enterprise networks can grow incredibly fast. Cellular networks are designed to support millions of routers and adapters across a seamless nationwide footprint. The Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations run by franchisee Henley Enterprises  implemented all-in-one [hybrid WAN](/use-cases/fixed-sites/branch-connectivity/) routers at their location to ensure reliable connectivity to support customers nationwide – diminishing downtime and improving efficiency. [Explore success story](/resources/wireless-wan/valvoline-oil-change-locations-use-cellular-for-hybrid-wan-and-service-with-a-last-mile/) ## How to get started with Wireless WAN ![Sites](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2588e757607604a2/blt658a016dd7049e5a/6a26140120a1495c96819002/industries-cafe-de-675x380.jpg) ### Sites Gain flexibility and nonstop reliability in your fixed and temporary sites, branch offices, and stores by deploying 5G as primary or failover connectivity through centrally managed wireless edge solutions. [Learn more](/use-cases/fixed-sites/) ![Vehicles](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2588e757607604a2/blta4e871d17e9f609f/6a26142e7c9340c8aeaba52a/wireless-wan-ambulance-674x380.jpg) ### Vehicles Deliver enterprise-grade connectivity — including LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi — and security throughout your fleet with mobile solutions built for vehicles that can be managed, optimized, and secured from anywhere. [Learn more](/use-cases/vehicles/) ![IoT](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2588e757607604a2/blt9449ccfa94a166ea/6a30131f5aceced084a29a22/IoT.png) ### IoT Connect, protect, and centrally manage every "thing" your company needs by leveraging purpose-built wireless edge solutions for loT. [Learn more](/use-cases/iot/) ![NetCloud](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2588e757607604a2/blt61e817a8b8566fed/6a256c7e19a4cd27a0ed286f/managing-network-450x253.jpg) ### NetCloud Designed for lean IT, Ericsson NetCloud provisions, manages, and provides insights about network performance whether wired or wireless. AI-based tools enhance troubleshooting and performance. Location information helps locate assets precisely. [Learn more](/products/netcloud/)