* Routes business traffic to the Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO broadband wireless network in the event of a service disruption on the wireline access network
In a twist on the usual fixed mobile convergence story angle that features the use of mobile devices for voice and unified communications applications, today we take note of a Verizon announcement that uses the mobile network for broadband backup targeted to the small/midsize business.
Verizon Internet Dedicated Access with Mobile Broadband routes business traffic to the Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO broadband wireless network in the event of a service disruption on the wireline access network. According to the company, the service is available nationwide, and it is “ideal for businesses that have highly distributed locations and primarily use IDA for outbound critical traffic, Web research or point-of-sale transactions.”
Verizon provides Adtran NetVanta 3200 routers for customer premises equipment, as part of the solution, while Verizon Business also offers a premium managed installation. The service uses two linked routers — one connected to the primary T1 access source and the other with a 3G wireless Network Interface Module designed for use with the Verizon Wireless network. The wireline circuit and Internet traffic are actively monitored so the wireless link is activated when needed.
Commenting on the solution from Adtran’s perspective, Gary Bolton, vice president of global marketing, said in a statement: “With Verizon’s dedicated Internet solution and Adtran NetVanta routers, we bring unmatched industry expertise, best-practice business processes and platform leadership to address the critical business-continuity needs of small and midsize businesses.”
Our observations: We’ve used our mobile phones as a backup to the office phone system, so using the wireless network for voice is nothing new. But as a data backup service, the 3G capacity could be ideal for the SMB market. And with 4G deployments technology emerging, in-office use of wireless technology seems a ready-made option for primary and backup data applications in tomorrow’s network plans — much like FMC for voice is becoming common place today.
Next time: Larry reports in on convergence news from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
