As a retail store operator, do you feel anxious when in-store equipment goes offline and affects your business? Are you frustrated because you don't know how to choose a network solution? This article will show you the importance of wireless backup networks and how to choose a wireless backup network solution for retailers. Let's take a look!

To improve operational efficiency and customer experience, more and more retailers are introducing new digital tools and platforms. For example, digital cash registers, passenger flow statistics, customer relationship management systems, etc. However, the proper functioning of modern smart retail depends on a stable and efficient network connection. In response to high customer demand for a seamless shopping experience, retailers need to take action to ensure smooth availability of the network.

Ⅰ. What Is a Backup Network? Why Do I need Wireless Backup Network?

A. Backup Network

A backup network is a secondary network system that ensures a continuous connection in the event of a primary network failure. It typically includes backup hardware, alternative data paths, and secondary Internet connections. The backup network connection is automatically activated when the primary network experiences an outage, device failure, or network attack. The goal of the backup network is to minimize downtime, maintain data access, allow operations without major disruptions, and continue to ensure business continuity.

B. Why Do I Need A Wireless Backup Network?

A Wireless Backup Network is a type of backup network that typically relies on a cellular network (such as 4G or 5G) or other wireless technology to maintain Internet access during an outage or interruption of the main network. Wireless backup networks are often used in environments where continuous Internet access is critical, such as retail, financial services, or remote operations.

A wireless backup network is essential to minimize equipment downtime and avoid maintenance costs resulting from data access interruptions caused by prolonged downtime. It enhances the security of the network, protects sensitive operations in the event of an outage, and ensures that data continues to be transmitted without risk of exposure or loss. Even in situations where major networks, such as natural disasters or cyber attacks, may be disrupted, wireless backup ensures that your business can continue to run normally. In addition, wireless backup networks are often faster to deploy, do not require physical infrastructure, and are a flexible recommended solution for networks. For retail stores that want to achieve digital transformation, an easy-to-deploy wireless backup network is undoubtedly a good fit.

Ⅱ.Networking Demand in Retail Digital Transformation

Digital development cannot be achieved without network support, so for retail stores to succeed in digital transformation, network deployment is critical.

The Networking Painpoints of the Current Digital Retailing

• Network Stability: When the main network (usually wired broadband) fails, it affects store operations and customer experience.
• Rapid Response: After a network failure, traditional repair methods may take a long time and cannot meet the needs of retail stores that need to quickly restore operations
• Cost Control: To ensure high availability, the dual-route and wired backup solution is costly and complex to maintain.
• Scalability: When opening a new store, merchants want to quickly deploy network solutions to reduce construction and wait times.

Ⅲ. InHand Networks Solution for Retail Digital Transformation

• Main Network: Use wired broadband (such as fiber, ADSL, etc.) for network connection.
• Backup Network: Install cellular routers in each store, using 4G/5G network as backup connection. For example, ER605 and ER805 routers. For newly opened stores, the cellular network can be deployed quickly, reducing the initial network construction time.
• Automatic Switchover: When the active network is faulty, the system automatically switches to the cellular backup network to ensure service continuity.
• Centralized Management: Monitor the network status of each store through the cloud platform or centralized management system, and carry out remote configuration and management.

Recommanded Wireless Network Devices ------Routers ER605 and ER805

Click the below picture to learn more about these routers!

Ⅳ. Other Related Questions

A.How Many Types of Backup Networks Are There?

There are mainly four types of backup networks.

B.What Are the Three Wireless Network Protocols?

Wi-Fi(Wireless Fidelity): Mainly used for local area networks. It allows smartphones, laptops, and iot devices to connect wirelessly to the Internet within a limited range, typically within homes, offices, and public hotspots.

Bluetooth: A short-range wireless communication protocol. It is mainly used to connect peripherals such as headphones, keyboards and other accessories, as well as computers or smartphones.

LTE/5G(Long Term Evolution and fifth Generation): A cellular network protocol that provides wide-area wireless connectivity for mobile devices. LTE is widely used in 4G networks. 5G offers faster speeds, lower latency, and support for more connected devices.

C.What Is the Most Secure Wireless Technology?

WPA3 is the latest security protocol for Wi-Fi networks and offers improved encryption and protection against unauthorized access compared to previous protocols. It includes features such as stronger data encryption, better brute-force attack protection, and enhanced public network security.

Conclusion

Retailers need to continuously optimize and upgrade their network infrastructure design to meet the changing market environment and technological challenges. As a backup network solution for retail scenarios, the cellular network can significantly improve network reliability and business continuity, and has the advantages of cost-effective and flexible deployment. InHand Networks is always committed to providing premium network solutions and products, would be your ideal choice!

Phone: +1 (703) 348-2988 (US) 010-84170010 (CN)
Email: support@inhandgo.com
Website: https://inhandgo.com/