LEO satellites, 5G, and LTE for enterprise networking
As satellite and cellular technologies progress, so do their benefits and use cases. Each has its strengths, and when paired together, a 5G solution like an Ericsson Cradlepoint and a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite solution can form a powerful tool enabling exceptional network flexibility, reliability, and performance.
FAQs about LEO satellites + 5G
LEO satellite or 5G — why choose?
In the Wireless WAN debate, some think of it as “LEO satellite vs. 5G.” But why ask that question when you can use both? Whether you choose satellite as the primary link or backup link, pairing satellite and Ericsson solutions together maximizes the potential for high-performance, incredibly reliable, and exceptionally secure WAN access.
How to use LEO satellite with cellular and SD-WAN
It really isn’t rocket science. The LEO satellite device connects via Ethernet and IP passthrough to the Ericsson Cradlepoint primary router and, voila! Multi-WAN functionality for excellent network flexibility. Using Ericsson SD-WAN allows organizations to intelligently steer traffic, on a per-application basis, across satellite, cellular, and wired links. It’s a new level of wireless-optimized SD-WAN.
Differences between cellular and satellite (and LEO vs. HEO)
It’s important to know and lean into your strengths. LEO satellite service is available almost everywhere — so valuable for many use cases — with better download and upload speeds and lower latency than high Earth orbit (HEO) satellite. Cellular brings a better combination of bandwidth and latency, along with more capacity and ability to handle congestion. Plus, it’s inherently secure. Together, LEO satellite and cellular provide secure performance with reliability anywhere.
Why and how 5G and LEO satellite failover work well together
In most cases, satellite is best suited as a failover mechanism for cellular, wired, or both in fixed locations — with key exceptions in remote areas, where cellular or wired could provide emergency back-up services to the LEO satellite. In vehicles, dual modems plus a satellite connection can provide resiliency between providers and networks, when vehicles are roaming between cities and rural areas.
5G SASE for added security in LEO satellite deployments
LEO satellites provide a simple solution, but not the robust, wide-ranging network security features necessary today for preventing breaches. Connecting a satellite gateway to an Ericsson Cradlepoint router allows the satellite connection to benefit from the security features on the router. It also offers the ability to secure access to private and public applications through a suite of zero trust security services.
Intelligent bonding of cellular, wired, Wi-Fi as WAN, and satellite connections
When applications are highly mission-critical or hungry for more bandwidth, intelligent bonding might be the answer. Creating one virtual connection out of multiple cellular, satellite, or wired links can improve resiliency, provide better control over traffic, and in certain scenarios provide access to a fatter pipe when connecting vehicles, sites, or emergency kits.
Best use cases for LEO satellite + 5G
Support mission critical communications at fixed sites
When the ability to process payments is on the line, relying on just one type of WAN link isn’t sufficient. Leverage multiple connections that can be orchestrated easily with SD-WAN. Bonding connections and replicating payment data across multiple connections ensures maximum availability.
Ensure always-on WAN connectivity in rural areas
In remote areas where wired connectivity isn’t available, organizations can orchestrate traffic between cellular and satellite using failover or enable more granular control over traffic with SD-WAN and intelligent bonding.
Use three active links to gain bandwidth at fixed sites
Applications like video might require more bandwidth than what’s available with any single WAN connection. With Ericsson’s hybrid WAN routers and bonding feature, you can combine multiple links for access to a bigger pipe.
Uphold critical communication in moving vehicles
Organizations can’t afford for the most important applications in fleet vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances to stop connecting at any point in the day — but traveling in and out of diverse coverage areas at high speeds is plenty challenging. 5G links spread between two different carriers, with satellite as a third mobile connection option, provide the reliability and resiliency that IoT-heavy vehicles have come to require.
Support critical communication through portable emergency kits
During emergencies, agencies need to pop up connectivity anywhere — and very quickly. They can keep critical communications running 24/7 by pairing an all-in-one router with switching, Wi-Fi, and WAN connectivity with a satellite solution — encased in a ruggedized kit.
