Innovative connectivity solutions needed for the new normal

As the Australian Government begins to ease restrictions and we settle into the ‘new normal’ the need for innovative connectivity solutions is now more critical than ever.

COVID-19 has created an unprecedented demand for connectivity, and Australians are no longer content with a “coming soon” approach.

“Reliable connectivity is essential in business and at home,” says Samantha Clifton, the general manager of Southport, Queensland-based Powertec Telecommunications.

“Rectifying the problem has not always been the highest priority, but that changed with the pandemic. When people had to start working from home; what used to be annoying problems with internet speed or mobile-phone connectivity, became unacceptable failures that had to be fixed. The need for better connectivity has never before been so critical.”

Towards the end of March Telstra reported that demand on the network is increasing daily, with calls over 20 times the normal volume.

Lack of connectivity, particularly in the rural and regional areas, has always been a regular topic of discussion.

Powertec’s Samantha Clifton says connectivity is “fast becoming the new currency in light of the COVID-19 pandemic”. “Powertec wireless communication products and installation services aim to make a difference in people’s lives and ensure that they can communicate and be connected no matter where they are,” she says.

Commercial connectivity solutions

Powertec has 90,000 installations in Australia and New Zealand, including large companies, government departments, small to medium-sized businesses, body corporates, farms, aged-care facilities, hospitals, and individual consumers.

Commercial installations include in-building coverage, offices, police, and fire stations, and providing indoor and outdoor wireless signals using powerful Wi-Fi access points.

“We specialise in the hard-to-connect areas such as basements, car parks, warehouses and farms, where farmers rely on sensors and the Internet of Things to monitor fences, dams and animal movements.

Powertec is frequently called on to address poor mobile phone coverage in the workplace, at home or on the road. Clients include Norco’s Gold Coast factory, a Symbion warehouse in NSW and the Glenbrook Residential Aged Care facility in Nambour, Queensland.

Ignite your mobile broadband with Cellferno

Earlier this year Powertec launched a new range of outdoor fixed broadband devices which delivers high-speed data for basic internet access to mission-critical applications.

“The need for better connectivity has never before been so critical, with more people staying at home, organisations setting up pop-up work zones, businesses using online tools or platforms, and the necessity of web-based learning.”

With a single ethernet cable powering the Cellferno device, it can be connected directly to a computer, network switch or a Wi-Fi access point to provide high-speed internet to devices within range.

“Due to the Cellferno’s focus on speed, it can act as a primary internet source or secondary wireless backup for a corporate customer’s NBN service,” Ms Clifton added.

Cellferno is available now in two different models, M600 featuring Cat6 2×2 MIMO technology, capable of speeds up to 300Mbps and M1200 Cat12 4×2 MIMO technology, capable of speeds up to 600Mbps. Supported by all mobile operator bands.

Secure and reliable remote office connectivity

Modern technologies are no longer an operational desire; they have become a necessity.

Security becomes the greatest challenge to overcome when employees are working remotely. Though they may utilise a company laptop, tablet or desktop, they still need to use their home networks to access company data and documents.

SendQuick ConeXa is the ideal solution for companies seeking low-cost and seamless 2FA implementation. It comes built-in with a server with a One-Time-Password (OTP) generator capability, which communicates via SMS. It also includes support for Soft Token OTP, supporting any standard SHA-256 soft token. Users will not have access to the password via any other devices, apart from their mobile phone.

It is essential to make sure that devices used can prevent cybersecurity threats and integrate with enterprise systems that would otherwise stay within office walls. Using the connectivity power of the single box product, RUT240, you can consider connectivity challenges a thing of the past.

RUT240 supports eight different VPN services, including OpenVPN, IPsec, Stunnel, and others, making it an ideal choice when you need to establish encrypted VPN channels between internal enterprise systems and remote home office workers.

Does your workplace require innovative connectivity solutions? Talk to our team of experts today on (07) 5577 0500, email sales@powertec.com.au or visit www.powertec.com.au to view the full range of products.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/SFIO CRACHO