In the modern world, even relatively small businesses often rely on advanced computer networks that may need to coordinate between different locations. Out-of-band management (OOBM) using 4G LTE and 5G solutions provides stability and gives IT managers the ability to remotely control the network. If you're a telecom agent or value-added reseller, understanding these solutions will help you meet clients' needs in various industries.

What Is Cellular Out-of-Band-Management?
If a business's primary network connection fails, out-of-band management systems allow administrators to control backup systems with a remote console. These consoles have 4G LTE or 5G solutions, which give IT management teams the ability to control the network even when critical infrastructure has failed. 4G LTE and 5G edge networking solutions deliver high-bandwidth links to mission-critical equipment when the primary network is down from distributed offices to pop-up locations, building sites, and industrial facilities.

What Are the Benefits of Out-of-Band Management Systems?
A network infrastructure failure can bring a business to a halt, potentially resulting in lost data and thousands of dollars in missed revenue. While IT managers can correct many of these issues, their teams may be at another location or working on a client's site far away from the affected areas.

With an out-of-band management system, IT managers can reboot servers, check configurations, and update software to correct these issues. This can reduce the financial impact of network outages and lower the costs of staffing a business's IT department. In addition, these cloud-based tools let IT Managers provision, monitor, analyze, and control equipment via IP and Ethernet connections or the native USB or serial console port if those are not available. As a result, there are no additional costs of travel, long delays waiting for truck rolls, or frustrating experiences trying to talk a remote worker through the diagnostic process.

What about security?
Having cellular routers and adapters that support multi-layered security features such as user authentication and authorizations adds an essential layer of security. It ensures only the desired individuals have access to particular devices. Security logs documenting who, what and when access was triggered further give administrators visibility into network management history. These parameters can all be independently configured through existing databases, such as Microsoft Active Directory or Security Assurance Markup Language (SAML) servers, and permissions can also be temporarily granted, making them suitable for the increasing use of third-party support and managed support service providers. 

How Does This Help Businesses With Multiple Locations?
Opening branches in other locations or outsourcing functions to call centers and off-site IT providers can be essential for growing a small business. However, spreading operations across several locations increases the risk of connectivity issues unless you have separate IT teams at each site.

Out-of-band 4G LTE and 5G solutions minimize the risk, giving administrators complete control over the network even if operations are distributed across the country. This lets your clients take advantage of new opportunities and implement new technologies without worrying about network issues hundreds of miles away.