In the maritime world, where the open sea presents vast connectivity challenges, the SpaceX Starlink satellite system has quickly emerged as the leading connectivity solution. Bringing high speed internet to vessels of all sizes with relatively lower pricing compared to traditional VSAT solutions, there are now options for vessels and Managed Service Providers alike. Managed Service Providers have been deploying two primary installation configurations, single and dual Starlink installations, that give flexibility to deployments and allow for both cost and footprint constraints.

Larger vessels often opt for dual Starlink antennas and terminals. Capitalizing on the inherent advantage of Kognitive Networks bandwidth bonding, this setup ensures seamless connectivity, with one antenna covering any dropout experienced by the other, ensuring uninterrupted internet access crucial for operational efficiency and safety at sea. However, some vessels and network managers prefer a single Starlink terminal, to reduce costs or when faced with limited mounting options. As detailed below, Kognitive Networks can provide robust connectivity with either configuration.

Understanding the Dual Antenna Advantage

The dual Starlink terminal installations offer higher capacity and improved reliability when there are intermittent connectivity issues like those observed with Starlink and other satellite or cellular connections. Kognitive Networks’ Advanced Bandwidth Bonding, a technology that combines the bandwidth of both terminals to improve reliability of data transfers, mitigates single terminal dropouts by intelligently routing flows through the available links. Additionally, the process not only maximizes internet speed and minimizes connectivity loss while providing a WAN-link fallback, ensuring that operations remain unaffected during periods of signal loss from one antenna. It’s a solution that caters perfectly to the needs of larger vessels, demanding the highest level of connectivity assurance for their extensive operations.

Large File Transfers

Working closely with maritime customers as they integrate Starlink on their vessels, it is observed that Starlink terminals have frequent dropouts, with frequent short-duration (1 to 2 second) dropouts (i.e. packet loss, connectivity loss), in some locations with a frequency as often as every 60 to 120 seconds. The dropouts cause application reliability issues, particularly for large file transfers and syncing (100MB or more), and can cause transfer failures and retries. There are methods to work around connectivity drops, such as ‘file-chunking’ and data transfer resumption solution, however many enterprises services do not support these capabilities.

Challenges with Starlink Terminals in Native TCP Mode

• Frequent short durations dropouts, occurring as often as every 60 to 120 seconds
• Dropouts can cause failures in large file transfers

Traditional Solution: File-chunking

• A method where large files are broken down into smaller segments.
• Improves reliability and allows resuming transfers from the last successful chunk in case of interruptions.
• Used in various applications:
  • Cloud storage services
  • Content delivery networks (CDNs)
  • Video streaming platforms
  • Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing
  • Distributing software updates
• Costly, not scalable

With Kognitive Advanced Bandwidth Bonding, if one terminal drops the data transfer will continue on the other terminal, so file-chunking is not needed. Thus, the dual-terminal Starlink install has emerged as the most reliable configuration for connectivity deep at sea.

The Single Starlink Terminal Challenge

Not all vessels are equipped or have the capacity to support dual Starlink terminal installations. Smaller vessels, or those with budgetary constraints, often rely on a single Starlink. While more cost-effective and spatially efficient, this configuration lacks the redundancy offered by dual installations, leading to significant disruptions in connectivity. Working with a large maritime shipping operator, this was particularly evident in providing reliable enterprise connectivity on the vessel where file servers/systems routinely performed large data file transfers. A single moment of signal loss would halt the entire transfer process, necessitating a restart – and in many cases, the in-house IT organization needed to intervene. Such interruptions not only hampered operational efficiency but also posed risks to critical communications and data exchanges – and were frustrating for crew and support staff alike.

Multi-Path Kognitive VPN (MPK-VPN): A Game Changer for Single Antenna Installations

Kognitive Networks’ MPK-VPN POP Dropoff with integrated PEP (Performance Enhancing Proxy) is excellent at mitigating the unique challenges faced by single Starlink terminal vessels. Within the Kognitive Edge platform, administrators can enable this technology on a single site or vessel basis.

Kognitive Networks employs a proprietary PEP designed to optimize IP data transfers when using satellite or cellular communications where packet loss and latency are prevalent. By incorporating fast retransmission to compensate for sustained and systematic packet loss, sequence numbering for packet reordering, and rate-based flow control, Kognitive’s PEP significantly enhances the speed, reliability and efficiency of file transfers. These tailored mechanisms allow for the correction of errors without end-user retransmission, ensure packets are processed in the correct order, and adjust sending rates in real-time to maximize network throughput—making Kognitive Networks’ PEP a sophisticated, proprietary solution for overcoming the inherent challenges of TCP-based communications in demanding network environments.

MPK-VPN: Multi-Path Kognitive Virtual Private Network

• Establishes VPN tunnels to public or private hubs using the Kognitive Performance Enhancing Proxy (PEP) with integrated Bandwidth Bonding
• Provides regional Point of Presence (POP) drop-off capability for WAN interfaces
• Mitigates the challenges faced by single Starlink terminal vessels
• Greatly improves performance of Starlink, 5G, VSAT links

Benefits of Kognitive PEP

• Simply to activate: can be enabled on a per-vessel, per-WAN source basis
• Significantly enhances the reliability and efficiency of file transfers, eliminating the need for ‘file-chunking’

The integration of the MPK-VPN POP Dropoff feature has shown remarkable success in mitigating the enterprise network failure rates for large file transfers, which previously plagued single antenna vessels. This solution not only ensures the reliability of data transfers but also eliminates the need for complex workarounds like file-chunking, streamlining operational processes onboard.

The Future of Connectivity – Kognitive Hub and the Multi-Path Kognitive VPN

Kognitive Networks’ latest innovation, the Multi-Path Kognitive VPN (MPK-VPN), leverages an elegant hub-and-spoke model to tackle connectivity challenges inherent with enterprise communication particularly when using single/multiple links in satellite and cellular communication. This new technology is engineered to optimize the transmission of data over multiple paths simultaneously, enhancing redundancy and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. By intelligently routing data through the best performing paths and with integrated PEP, the MPK-VPN minimizes packet loss, improves speed, reduces latency, and improves overall network reliability with the added power of Advanced Bandwidth Bonding. Designed to address the specific needs and shortcoming of wireless connectivity in remote operations where traditional VPN solutions fall short, the Multi-Path Kognitive VPN is a pioneering connectivity solution for enterprises that need both robust and adaptable connectivity solutions to tackle the unique challenges in building and maintaining their own global communication infrastructures.

Kognitive Networks – A Partner for Reliable Data Connectivity

Kognitive Networks is helping managed service providers and sophisticated enterprises ensure robust connectivity that directly improves their operations and bottom line. To see how Kognitive Networks can drive innovation through better connectivity using Starlink as well as legacy VSAT, cellular, and traditional wired interfaces, contact us and schedule a demo today.

Agricultural technology has long helped humans cultivate the earth more efficiently, sustainably, and productively. The history of AgTech is rich with milestones, each signifying a leap forward in how we approach farming. Today, as we navigate the complexities of feeding a growing global population more sustainably in an increasingly competitive global food market, precision agriculture has been shown to improve yields, increase efficiency, and reduce water and fertilizer use. Even though much of modern agriculture technology has been scientifically validated, a McKinsey study reported that less than 40% of small and medium sized farms are using remote sensing and precision agriculture hardware. Less than 10% of those farms have adopted automation, robotics, and electronic equipment.

Why a low adoption rate?

Historically, the relationship between growers and innovators in adopting technology has been cautious and complex. For farmers, the stakes of integrating new technology are high. The seasonal nature of farming means that any technological failure could jeopardize an entire season’s yield and plunge a farmer into economic distress. On the flip side, technology startups face challenges in gaining access to real-world testing environments. The high-risk, high-reward nature of agricultural innovation often results in limited trial opportunities, leading to small sample sizes and slow iteration cycles. Additionally, the physical distance from farms complicates direct engagement, requiring innovators to immerse themselves in rural settings for extended periods as their technology matures.

Connectivity

In today’s digital world, collecting high quality agricultural data poses little issue – yet there are immense challenges managing data streams and accessibility in converting raw data into actionable insights.  Effective deployment now necessitates not just technological innovation but also robust remote connectivity solutions, especially given that most farms are in remote areas. John Deere, a name synonymous with agricultural innovation, noted that there is no reliable connectivity in 30% of US and 70% of Brazilian farm acreage, and has signed an agreement with Space X for custom Starlink deployments to supplement the reach of its JDLink™ Connectivity and Operations Center™.

While integrated satellite connectivity is a great step forward for the industry, not all growers have chosen John Deere equipment. Many existing technologies – even those that already integrate with John Deere’s platform – will require separate internet and cloud connectivity to transform collected data into real world solutions. The 2024 AgTech Summit at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the initiatives by the Center for Digital Agriculture (CDA) both shine a light on the importance of innovative and open Tech Stacks to advance the state of agriculture, by connecting growers and their dealer networks to innovators and inventors.

Whether it’s as a complement to John Deere’s leading market moves or as an enabler of other technologies in synergistic industry verticals, Kognitive Networks firmly believes that the key to bridging the gap between growers and technology startups lies in ensuring robust connectivity and secure remote access.

Kognitive Networks supports Starlink natively, with seamless integration and simplified workflows that bring connectivity to locations that have never been accessible before. Through the Kognitive Edge platform, farmers can reliably and securely connect their data collection and automated machinery to the wider internet for analysis and processing with novel algorithms, next-generation optimizations, and new AI tools. With the Konnect™ remote connection protocol, instant sharing of data and device access with partners facilitates troubleshooting, reduces risk, and keep machines running. By empowering growers and inventors with these critical connectivity tools, we can significantly shorten the innovation feedback loop and diminish the risks traditionally borne by growers.

Tracing the Path of Agricultural Innovation

The 19th Century: Seeds of Mechanical Advancement

The 19th century’s agricultural revolution was marked with paradigm shifting inventions, like Cyrus McCormick’s 1831 mechanical reaper that transformed crop harvesting and John Deere’s 1837 steel plow, which revolutionized soil preparation. These innovations marked the dawn of mechanized farming and set the stage for future technological advancements in agriculture. The era’s innovation peaked with John Froelich’s introduction of the gasoline-powered tractor in 1892, significantly enhancing farmer productivity and opening a new chapter in agricultural efficiency.

The Digital Dawn

As mechanical innovations quickly helped to transform the landscape with improved speed in the 19^th century, tractors set the stage for an advanced level of productivity in the 20th century. Digital Agriculture innovations like GPS and VRT hit the industry in the late 20th century and true precision swept through agriculture, improving individual acreage yields and farm efficiency on an unprecedented scale.

Now, as we push into the 21st century, the pressure for higher yields and sustainability is met with the strain of labor shortages. New technologies like remote sensing and automation have the potential to fill the labor gap through the promise of greatly improved efficiency and automation. With precise measurement, predictive analytics and true automation, the 21st century farm could theoretically be operated 24-hours a day.

This next stage of advancement needs to address two key elements:

1. How can these technologies can be linked together, to actualize the promise of invention and innovation and turn data into solutions?

2. During the adoption cycle, what can be done to safeguard the grower – the one who takes the lions-share of risk and benefits from the marginal improvement of the technology each season?

Cloud Connectivity and Remote Access can bridge the gaps between collected data, processing, automation, and control – synergizing the potential of the digital model and actualization in the mechanical world. What is still missing is a way for all inventors and producers to quickly share data and control of systems so that productivity isn’t lost during the innovation process.

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The Tech Stack: A platform for productivity

Today, realizing the collective promise of these innovations requires a farmer to develop or adopt an comprehensive tech stack that incorporates their entire production system – from soil to seed and harvest to market. Several companies have made great strides in connecting growers, innovators, and manufacturers already. These well known manufacturers have been developing Tech Stacks focused on agricultural technology, with varying levels of wireless connectivity options and remote access functionality:

Whether a closed platform or one built on open access, the current agricultural tech stacks all need the flexibility to integrate 3^rd party data, devices, and connectivity.  

The Role of Dealers in Disseminating Innovation

Agriculture dealers play a crucial role in bringing technological advancements to farmers. These entities are not just sales channels, but vital partners in implementing and supporting AgTech solutions. Many of the leading Agriculture Dealers have been steadily increasing the tech footprint that they offer their customers.

For dealers to support the machines and automated devices they sell, they need well-integrated connectivity solutions that allow them to operate support and troubleshooting channels remotely. While each dealer can choose to adopt one or even a few Tech Stacks to implement specific integrations and productivity enhancements, their customers have legacy equipment with connectivity needs and the potential to forge partnerships that require dealers to be more technology agnostic. Thus, an open platform for connectivity and innovation that supports interoperability of equipment across manufacturers is the best fit to move the industry forward.

Embracing the Future with Open Innovation in Connectivity

The genesis of productivity and innovation has come to rely on robust connectivity. While growers, dealers, innovators, and equipment manufacturers are all engaged and moving forward toward a more productive future, a unifying tech stack would benefit the industry while improving communication between all parties.

Kognitive Networks is committed to a vision of efficiency, advocating for technologies that promote an interconnected and innovative agricultural ecosystem. The future of agriculture depends on our ability to collaborate, innovate, and share openly, ensuring a sustainable and productive global food system for generations to come. To see how Kognitive Networks can drive innovation through better connectivity in agriculture and beyond, contact us and schedule a demo today.

As agricultural operations increasingly rely on analytics and real-time digital controls, Kognitive Networks steps in to Connect these remote sites using the latest in 5G and satellite technologies. The inherently remote nature of agriculture production presents an ideal opportunity to combine 5G and new satellite technologies, such as SpaceX Starlink, to keep remote sites connected. Kognitive Networks provides comprehensive networking solutions tailored to meet these needs, ensuring rapid deployment of secure connectivity designed for modern agriculture, with the agility to evolve alongside the dynamic demands of today’s agricultural professionals.

The Challenge: Streamlining Connectivity in Agriculture Technology

In AgTech, secure and reliable connectivity is pivotal for operational efficiency and real-time data analytics, overcoming the challenges of remote locations. However, the inherent challenge lies in the diverse and often remote locations of agricultural operations, where traditional connectivity solutions fall short. These challenges include:

• Remote Operations: Many agricultural sites are in locations with limited access to traditional internet services. This necessitates on-site technical expertise for operating and troubleshooting complex equipment, delaying sensitive timelines.
• Operational Efficiency: The integration of Operational Technology (OT) devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and data collection systems requires a robust and secure network to manage vast amounts of data and data collection effectively across diverse sites.
• Real-Time Data Collection and Connectivity: For precision farming, real-time data on soil moisture, weather conditions, crop health, and equipment functionality are crucial for timely decisions, and connections must be robust and reliable to enable quick reactions.

The Kognitive Edge: An Innovative Platform That Is Simple to Use

The Kognitive Edge platform emerges as a game-changer for the AgTech industry, offering a comprehensive solution to connect and secure the digital backbone of modern farming. Leveraging the strengths of cloud management, secure remote access, and ultra-reliable bandwidth bonding, the Kognitive Edge offers a tailored approach to meet the unique connectivity demands of agricultural technology.

1. High-Speed Connectivity Everywhere: Through EdgeOS and the SPORT Cloud Service Portal, Kognitive Networks ensures high-speed internet access, managing the connectivity needs of even the most remote agricultural operations securely. This enables the deployment of IoT devices and sensors with real-time management and monitoring for reliable data collection.
2. Secure Data Transmission: The Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) implementation runs 24/7 and ensures that all data transmitted across the network is secure, keeping data transfers private and networks safe from intrusion.
3. Scalable Solutions for AgTech Growth: The Kognitive Edge platform scales efficiently with AgTech growth, supporting the rapid evolution of agricultural technology with Secure and Connected solutions. With available turnkey hardware and a deep software-driven approach, incorporating new technologies and adapting to evolving network infrastructure can be supported without extensive overhauls.
4. Optimized for Wireless, ready for IoT and Remote Management: Remote Access via Konnect™ simplifies operations, specifically designed to allow Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) direct access to end devices. Easy to integrate machinery with OT and IoT data, Konnect™ facilitates access with shareable links to specific ports on networked devices. From drone technology to automated irrigation systems, all connected systems are online and accessible.
5. Tailored Data Management and Usage Controls: Utilizing the innovative Quota Kontrol™, coupled with bandwidth management and data filtering solutions, enables AgTech companies to prioritize essential operations, like operational alarms and control signals, thus ensuring efficient and cost-effective bandwidth allocation. Secondary operations like data backup and employee access can be filtered for content and scheduled with lower priority.

Step into Secure Connectivity—Right Away

• Security: Implementing robust firewall settings, filtering capabilities, and authenticated access ensures the integrity and safety of network operations, perfect for multi-user accounts across diverse sites that are characteristic of agricultural settings.
• Visibility: Real-time insights into WAN status and usage empower AgTech firms with the information needed to make informed decisions about their connectivity and data management strategies.
• Connectivity: Features like remote access to operational data and cost-efficient connectivity solutions support the seamless operation of IoT devices and critical agricultural technologies, fostering a more connected and efficient agricultural ecosystem.

The Kognitive Networks Advantage

With Kognitive Networks, agricultural technology companies can overcome the traditional barriers to connectivity and data management. Our technology not only ensures uninterrupted internet access across vast agricultural lands but also provides the security and scalability needed to embrace the future of farming confidently.

Growing Together with AgTech

Kognitive Networks is committed to empowering the AgTech sector with the connectivity solutions it needs to thrive. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to innovating and adapting our offerings to support the growth and success of our partners, ensuring that together we can cultivate a more efficient, sustainable, and productive agricultural industry.

First responders need reliable Wireless Internet to connect in every situation. Kognitive Networks offers turnkey networking solutions, leveraging Starlink, 5G, and VSAT, optimized to secure and manage the networks that are crucial for first responders. In the critical field of emergency response, where first responders such as firefighters, paramedics, and police officers rely on swift and effective communication, the need for stable and high-speed internet connectivity cannot be overstated. These professionals face unpredictable and dynamic environments where access to real-time information and seamless communication can be the difference between life and death. Historically, first responders have grappled with unreliable communication systems, resulting in delayed information access and coordination challenges. The integration of advanced connectivity solutions, particularly those leveraging 5G cellular networks and Starlink satellite technology, represents a paradigm shift in addressing these challenges.

The Turning Point: Leveraging Starlink and 5G through Kognitive Edge

Acknowledging the vital need for steadfast connectivity, Kognitive Networks pioneers innovative solutions through the Kognitive Edge platform—with SPORT Service Portal and Konnect remote access technology—specifically designed to Secure and efficiently manage the unique communication demands of first responders. The Kognitive Edge platform ensures uninterrupted access to crucial data and communication tools with its Advanced Bandwidth Bonding—technology that combines the bandwidth of all available internet sources for higher throughput and seamless traffic shaping that maintains an always-on combined internet link without the dropouts seen by basic mobile link failover systems. Konnect technology provides system administrators cloud control with instant remote access for troubleshooting and remote system maintenance, which is complemented by the real-time analytics and edge intelligence in the Kognitive Edge system.

Strategic Implementation: Tailored Solutions for First Responders

The strategic deployment of the Kognitive Edge platform—with native integrated support for the high data rates and quick throughput of Starlink and cellular 5G modems—ensures that first responders can always connect and manage their critical operations effectively. The Kognitive Edge platform handles the connectivity needs of the department and provides efficient access controls for inter-agency communication with agency resources, critical for coordinated emergency response efforts. Konnect technology further empowers first responder teams by providing secure, remote access to network resources, enabling instant connection to Edge-connected devices from any cloud-connected device using shareable links that can be opened in any browser with two-factor authentication. This capability is crucial for making sure networked mobile systems are working and can facilitate immediate troubleshooting with remote assistance, replacing the need for traditional remote desktop protocols.

A Balanced Approach: Optimizing Network Use

To manage network usage effectively and ensure that critical communication channels remain prioritized, Kognitive Networks implements tiered usage controls and traffic policies with its innovative Quota Kontrol technology. This tool allows for the delineation of operational data needs, ensuring that first responders have uninterrupted access to the information they require while balancing the concern of exceeding data limits or incurring overage charges.

The Outcome: Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Improved Emergency Response

The integration of Kognitive Networks’ solutions improves the efficiency and effectiveness of systems that merge mobile access and fixed resources. First responders key benefits include:

• Uninterrupted Operations: Ensures reliable communication for better coordination and faster response times, keeping mobile sources connected with Advanced Bandwidth Bonding.
• Optimized Data Usage: Maximizes the utilization of available data without exceeding limits using Quota Kontrol.
• Single Pane of Glass Management: Improves decision-making, maintenance, and operational effectiveness through real-time access to information through the SPORT Service Portal and Konnect remote access technology.

Kognitive Networks’ commitment to equipping first responders with cutting-edge connectivity solutions, leveraging the power of Starlink and 5G through the Kognitive Edge platform and Konnect technology, is transforming emergency response strategies. By providing a reliable, high-speed communication infrastructure, Kognitive Networks is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also contributing significantly to the safety and well-being of communities, underscoring the critical role of advanced technology in emergency response scenarios.

With consumers now well-versed in instant comparison shopping and accustomed to two-day delivery for most products, the retail environment must present a compelling and streamlined experience to continue enticing people to shop in person. Kognitive Networks understands that storefronts must be dynamic, network outages are unacceptable, and retail owners need to be cost-competitive to thrive.

Connect

The Kognitive Edge network management platform excels in connectivity, harnessing the latest in 5G and Starlink technologies, along with wired or fiber connections, through intuitive SD-WAN controls. With standard and advanced bandwidth bonding, Kognitive Networks delivers robust connectivity that works right out of the box.

Secure

Kognitive Networks fortifies your digital frontier, integrating cutting-edge Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) technology to safeguard every data transaction and communication on your network. Integrated workflows simplify the setup of advanced network topologies, enabling secure access across multiple platforms while maintaining secure interfaces with both private and public cloud services.

Manage

Cloud Management, as standard, provides a single pane of glass from which in-house or third-party expertise can be leveraged across diverse sites. Deploy systems from the cloud, reduce site visits by troubleshooting and addressing issues remotely, and manage connectivity costs with full transparency through real-time and historical reporting.

Wireless Aware, Software First, Workflow Integrated

A Midwest-based retailer that partnered with Kognitive Networks experienced immediate and long-term improvements in their network operations. After implementing the Kognitive Edge with Starlink and 5G at their remote warehouses and operation centers, they managed to reduce connection disruptions, fine-tune wireless usage, eliminate overage charges, and ultimately lower overall network costs. The following three retail use cases explore how partnering with Kognitive Networks can improve operations and drive retailers toward enhancing their bottom line.

Case 1: UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE AND NETWORK RESILIENCE

Maintaining Connectivity When and Where It Matters

In the retail sector, network instability frequently leads to transaction failures, security risks, and logistical problems. A single hour of network downtime can cost retailers over $5 million, and the ripple effects include operational delays, strained customer relationships with reduced customer confidence, and loss of business opportunities. The need for a reliable network is paramount, especially as retail tech becomes more complex and reliant on stable connections (Opengear, 2023).

Connect with Kognitive Edge™ Advanced Bandwidth Bonding and Konnect™ Technology

Traditional network management approaches might offer basic failover and bandwidth optimization solutions, but the Kognitive Edge™ elegantly handles dropouts and congestion with dynamic WAN source failover and bandwidth bonding. Through the Kognitive Edge™, the Advanced Bandwidth Bonding and Konnect™ technology ensure uninterrupted service, effectively managing connections to maintain operational resilience against outages. With content filtering and prioritization features that can be specifically tailored for the retail environment, a single internet outage or general slowdown can be handled without issue. Critical operations like POS systems remain unaffected, while non-critical convenience networks are separate, secure, and dynamically allotted only the amount of bandwidth that won’t interfere with daily business. To complement higher availability, Konnect™ remote connectivity enables precision remote configuration and troubleshooting that reduces the need for on-site IT interventions, making network management efficient and cost-effective.

Great Results without Disruption

With the Kognitive Edge™, retailers experience a distinct reduction in network outages, ensuring continuous operations and transaction processing that quickly translate into a high Return on Investment (ROI). Enhancing network stability increases customer satisfaction by maximizing performance at immediate customer touchpoints; backend systems benefit from high availability that keeps a business running, no matter the source of disruption. A robust network infrastructure driven by Kognitive Networks enables retailers to adopt more advanced technologies and support IoT/OT devices to further improve security and customer experience, two important metrics that directly drive the bottom line.

Case 2: ZERO DAY INSTALLS & CLOUD CONTROL

The Speed of Business: No Time for a Technician

Rapidly setting up reliable network connectivity in new retail locations or during special events is a significant challenge for retailers, often leading to operational delays and missed business opportunities. In today’s fast-paced retail environment, the inability to promptly establish network connections can result in lost revenue and complicated, stressful launches (Extreme Networks, 2023). With construction schedules and varying staff availability, having to wait for a physical network install before building out the digital configuration can drag out project timelines for months and months.

Manage Scalability with the Wireless Aware Kognitive Edge™ and Zero Touch Installs

While traditional network management solutions depend heavily on wired connectivity, the Kognitive Edge™ offers an agile multi-carrier/multi-technology wireless management solution with out-of-box compatibility for LTE/5G and the newest LEO satellite networks: Starlink now, and soon, OneWeb / Kuiper / AST. Deploying networks using wireless technology ensures immediate connectivity, taking the serial nature of network installation and physical issues out of the equation. With cloud-managed configuration and connectivity, deploying the Kognitive Edge feels truly software defined—scaling quickly is simple with digital system registration and remote system profile for a Zero Touch Installation. Once wired services become available, they can be instantly integrated into the individual system manually or by remotely loading stored configurations from the cloud for consistency across entire deployments.

No Delays on Opening Day, Simple Transitions to Everyday Operations

Launching an initiative with the Kognitive Edge™ allows retailers to ease into new stores or hosted events without the fear of day-one connectivity issues. This immediate network availability from the onset enhances customer engagement and ensures a seamless customer experience from the moment the doors open. Moving forward, new sites become immediately integrated into the existing network topology without having to modify the network stack.

Case 3: WIRELESS FREEDOM

Rural connectivity—Are there hidden costs?

With new wireless networks, high-bandwidth links are available in every corner of the globe, but costs can quickly skyrocket as new networks come online if users and usage patterns continue to behave as they did on unlimited-use wired internet links. As new users in remote areas gain access to this high-speed internet, misuse and security problems start to manifest as the networks see more traffic.

Secure Content Filtering to Limit Use, Traffic Shaping with Quota Kontrol™

Kognitive Networks addresses this challenge through a combination of content filtering of applications and site access for users and with the advanced usage-based traffic policies in Quota Kontrol™. A metering platform built around usage policy for cutting-edge metered wireless technologies like satellite links and LTE/5G, Quota Kontrol™ makes intelligent traffic routing decisions based on overall usage. When usage approaches pre-set quotas, access controls automatically adjust device access and link use to keep within defined usage criteria. This approach ensures responsible usage of high-speed, low-latency connections while also controlling costs, crucial for maintaining consistent service and staying within budget.

Stay Cost-Competitive with High-Speed Connectivity

Retailers equipped with the Kognitive Edge™ enjoy responsible use of high-quality connectivity, expanding access to new sites while staying within budgets. Controlled access networks keep users safe while reserving bandwidth for essential business operations. Spending less resources on unanticipated overage costs allows these retailers time and capital to invest in new technologies that drive engagement and the bottom line.