13 Aug 2024
Are you ready to take your network to the next level? Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange is revolutionising SD-WAN by integrating 5G cellular, and accelerating the transition from wired to wireless WAN.
Imagine a network that's not only faster but also more flexible and easier to manage. That's the opportunity 5G and Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange brings to the table.
As a leading Australian Cradlepoint partner and one of the few local experts in Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange, we are uniquely positioned to guide you through the opportunity.
In this article, you will learn how Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange can enhance your network performance, improve security, and simplify management, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to future-proof their operations.
Whether you're an IT manager, network administrator, or business owner, this blog will provide you with the insights needed to make an informed decision about adopting Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange.
What is Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange?
NetCloud Exchange (NCX) is a networking solution from Cradlepoint that takes SD-WAN capabilities to the next level by integrating 5G cellular technology, secure access service edge (SASE), and zero trust networking (ZTNA).
NetCloud Exchange is designed to address the evolving needs of modern businesses offering increased speed, security and reliability as we move towards a wireless future.
It enables you to
- connect from anywhere using 4G or 5G
- provide native wireless WAN security by creating a locked-down, zero-trust network
- ensures that apps run smoothly and reliably over both cellular and hybrid network connections
- enables lean IT by using cloud-based policy management to automate and orchestrate network operations
- steers traffic to a WAN profile such as ethernet, cellular network slice, access point network, satellite link, or Wi-Fi as WAN
Four Key Features of NetCloud Exchange
There are four key architectural components of NetCloud Exchange:
1. NCX Service Gateway
This is the central element of NetCloud Exchange, providing a scalable and reliable service delivery platform.- aggregates traffic from various sources such as IOT, vehicles, and remote workers
- acts as a policy-enforcement point for integrated services
- ensures deep visibility into network performance metrics like latency and bandwidth
2. NCX SD-WAN
Delivers SD-WAN with a specific focus of optimising traffic over wireless WANs.
Almost all Australian organisations are moving some, if not all, of their network infrastructure to the cloud and 5G is taking on a bigger role in the enterprise WAN as it continues to be adopted for primary and secondary connectivity. SD-WAN will improve application performance and enhance overall WAN resiliency.
Key Features
- future proofing your SD-WAN network for a wireless future
- designed to optimise traffic over LTE, 5G non-standalone (NSA), network slicing, 5G standalone (SA) network slices, broadband, and Wi-Fi as WAN
- Dynamic path selection and traffic prioritisation based on latency, loss, jitter,plus bandwidth, and data usage
- Intelligent WAN bonding to increase resiliency.
- Forward Error Correction (FEC) to improve Quality of Experience (QoE)
- Interfaces use cellular insights, intelligence, and integration.
- Prioritisation is now cellular operator-based
3. NCX Secure Connect
Is a network security solution that offers a simple-to-manage alternative to complex VPN infrastructures for securely connecting multiple sites, vehicles, IoT, and remote workers.
Key Features
- provides any-to-any connectivity and drastically reduces the attack surface by building undiscoverable network resources.
- simplifies creating and administering VPNs, reduces the risk of errors, and provides a flexible solution.
- unlocks operational agility through built-in tunnel orchestration and simplifies configuration with name-based routing and overlapping IP addressing.
- integrates with Cradlepoint routers to establish zero-trust communications through the Service Gateway.
4. NCX Zero-Trust Network Access
Provides secure, granular access to network resources based on user identity and context.
Enterprises face many security challenges, and NetCloud Exchange ZTNA is uniquely designed to address many of these issues. Traditional VPN "trust but verify" models don't meet today's security demands. Even those who make it into the walls of a network via ZTNA are restricted from moving throughout it, ultimately reducing the surface area for an attack.
ZTNA solutions can replace VPN technology and secure the expanded Wireless WAN edge by assuming no one outside or inside the network can be trusted until their location, device, and session information has been verified.
Key Features- IP address cloaking and no default network access
- Flexible authentication and continuous monitoring of access context
- Choice of client-less deployment or client-based access
- Device posture visibility
5. Additional components
There are two additional components available. NCX Virtual Edge is a software-based solution that can be deployed in an AWS Virtual Private Cloud to extend the Secure Connect zero-trust network to resources. NCX Client enables secure remote access to an NCX secure network.Key benefits of using Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange
The key benefit of Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange is its relevance to your evolving network infrastructure.
As your network expands to include cellular links and traffic from IOT, vehicles and remote workers, NCX brings operational management into one centralised monitoring and management platform.
It provides deep visibility into your traffic flows, offers in-built zero-trust access and robust security, and scales to meet the needs of your business.
- Compatible with Cradlepoint IoT, vehicle, site and remote work routers
- Designed from the ground up to meet zero-trust principles
- Flexible deployment in a customer-hosted data centre or cloud or downloaded on a physical server
- Optional redundancy with active / standby configuration
Image: Typical Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange topography. Credit: Cradlepoint
Advanced SD-WAN Capabilities: Offers dynamic path selection, application-aware routing, and traffic prioritisation to ensure optimal network performance.
Enhanced Security: Includes robust security features such as end-to-end encryption, secure tunneling, and integrated firewall capabilities.
Scalability: Easily scalable to accommodate growing business needs, from small enterprises to large-scale deployments.
Who Should Consider This Solution?
Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange (NCX) is an ideal solution for various types of businesses and network environments, particularly those looking to leverage the latest advancements in 5G and SD-WAN technology.
Companies with lean IT resources whose responsibilities include security will appreciate the single platform visibility and streamlined management bringing together VPN, SD-WAN, and ZTNA.
Companies with a WAN profile that includes a high number of distributed small to medium sites or a mix of fixed sites, vehicles and IOT are ideal candidates for NetCloud Exchange. Similarly enterprises with cellular as a significant link, or with multiple resources in a trust zone behind a router will readily identify with the benefits of NCX.
Here’s a look at the types of businesses and scenarios where NCX can be most beneficial:
1. Enterprise Organisations
Description: Large companies with complex network requirements, multiple branches, and a significant number of remote employees.Benefits: Enhanced network performance, robust security, and centralised management. NCX’s scalability is ideal for growing enterprises needing reliable connectivity and advanced security features.
Example: A global financial services company adopted Cradlepoint NCX to support its branch offices and remote workers. The 5G integration provided reliable connectivity for remote employees, while the advanced security features protected sensitive financial data.
2. Retail Chains
Description: Retail businesses with numerous locations requiring consistent and secure network connectivity for point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and customer Wi-Fi.
Benefits: 5G integration provides high-speed, low-latency connectivity, while centralized management simplifies network operations across all locations.
Example: A large supermarket chain implemented Cradlepoint NCX to upgrade its network across hundreds of stores. The enhanced connectivity improved the efficiency of inventory management systems and provided seamless customer Wi-Fi services.
3. Healthcare Providers
Description: Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that need secure, high-performance networks for patient data, telemedicine, and medical IoT devices.
Benefits: Advanced security features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) ensure the protection of sensitive patient information, while 5G connectivity supports telemedicine applications.
Example: A regional hospital network deployed Cradlepoint NCX to enhance its telemedicine services. The high-speed 5G connectivity ensured reliable video consultations, and the robust security features protected patient records during remote interactions.
4. Logistics and Transportation Companies
Description: Businesses that manage fleets of vehicles or need reliable connectivity in remote locations.
Benefits: 5G integration enhances connectivity for vehicles, enabling real-time tracking and communication. NCX’s advanced SD-WAN capabilities ensure optimal performance even in challenging environments.
Example: A national logistics company equipped its fleet with Cradlepoint NCX to improve tracking and communications. The 5G-enabled devices provided consistent connectivity in remote areas, enhancing route efficiency and operational coordination.
5. Educational Institutions
Description: Schools, colleges, and universities with extensive networks supporting online learning, campus connectivity, and administrative functions.
Benefits: High-speed 5G connectivity supports large numbers of users and devices, while centralized management and security features ensure smooth and safe operations.
Example: A major university adopted Cradlepoint NCX to upgrade its campus network. The high-speed 5G connectivity supported extensive online learning platforms and provided secure access for students and faculty across multiple campuses.
How to get started with Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange
MobileCorp is a leading Australian Cradlepoint partner specialising in NetCloud Exchange.
We hold both of Cradlepoint's NCX partner specialisations. Our technical and sales teams also hold the NCX individual certifications.
To get started with NetCloud Exchange reach out to MobileCorp team for a discussion about your specific network requirements.
You can leverage our knowledge to define your network architecture, deployment plan and for a quote.
We also have access to special pricing based on our NetCloud Exchange Partner Status.
About MobileCorp
MobileCorp is an enterprise ICT solutions company with a mission to deliver our customers a communications technology edge. We provide Managed Mobility Services, Enterprise Mobility Management, Complex Data and IP Networks, and Unified Communication solutions. We have a proven track record providing managed services for Australian enterprise and business, and we are a the Telstra Mobility Partner or the Year,
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