Mobility Buying Guide

The process of going "mobile" has come a long way since the advent of the technology. Working in or out of the office is now more secure, more efficient and more cost-effective than many businesses may realize. With mobility solutions installed in the workplace, employees have the freedom to work remotely from wherever their work takes them in the building and even off site, which, in turn, increases productivity. This buyer's guide answers frequently asked questions about mobility and explains the benefits of installing this solution in your business' network.

Questions:

What can a mobility solution do for my business?

While each business has unique communications challenges, mobility is something most businesses can use to their advantage. With a mobility solution, your business will be able to:

  • Improve employee productivity - by allowing better collaboration as workers are not tied to their desks to get work done
  • Provide cost savings - wiring costs are eliminated or significantly reduced during office moves, reconfigurations and expansions
  • Gain high employee satisfaction - the adoption of a "wireless culture" enables hot spot mobile connectivity through hand-held devices
  • Improve responsiveness by allowing employees to answer client and co-worker communications from wherever they are in the mobile workspace

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What key things should I keep in mind when choosing a mobility solution?

The first step to understanding what you need and expect from a network is evaluating your business needs. Think about:

  • Security - How sensitive is your information? Which employees should have access to the network and how can you keep that data secure?
  • Network administration - What devices will be granted access to the network and how? Who will manage the network? Will it be centralized or will the responsibility be shared among the staff?
  • Network planning - Do you require wireless voice, wireless data or the two converged together?
  • Network size and area - How many employees will be accessing the network and where do they need access?
  • Future requirements - Can you implement a standards based solutions to help future proof your network and meet your needs today and in the future as your company evolves?

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What is digital mobility?

A digital mobility solution is a high quality, voice only, integrated in-building wireless solution that is ideal for industrial sites and campus environments. Using a series of base stations and repeaters throughout a workplace, the solution can span over 1.5 million square feet at its maximum configuration and accommodate up to 64 wireless handsets. Because it's an overlapping cell design, digital mobility enables handoffs between access points which allows people to stay connected on a call while moving across large areas supported by many access points. Digital handsets deliver high-quality audio performance, long battery life and durability in the most demanding environments. Digital mobility empowers employees with a business tool that enables them to never miss a single, important call. Because the digital mobility solution is an "in building" wireless solution, you will also benefit from no airtime charges for secure mobile communications within your campus area including reduced cell phone expenses because you can run voice over your existing data network.

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What is a Wireless LAN or WLAN?

WLAN is a type of Local Area Network (LAN) that uses radio waves instead of wires to communicate between nodes. When users connect to a network via a WLAN, a wireless adapter on their PCs or PDAs communicates via radio waves with an Access Point (AP) that provides all the network services of a wired Ethernet port.

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How do I keep my mobile solution secure?

Digital mobility provides the security you need. The digital signal keeps your communication network secure from anyone wishing to "hack" into it.

For WLAN deployments, security switches, which control the access points and perform key functions such as security, networking, quality of service (QoS) and roaming for mobile users, can provide more centralized control for a business than access points. A centralized scalable offering promises lower cost of ownership through improved management capabilities.

Other security options in the marketplace only offer point solutions and may not be comprehensive throughout the network. Nortel security switches work seamlessly with everything from access points to Voice over IP (VoIP) gateways and multimedia servers within the business and in future with the cellular infrastructure. We have proven success in providing solutions, such as our VPN Routers and Switched Firewall products, that have security built into the product, and we are leveraging this expertise across our WLAN portfolio.

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What questions should I ask a potential vendor?

Below are some questions to ask a vendor when considering a mobility solution for your business

  1. How will my network be planned?
    The vendor must understand your business. They should ask about your staff, business requirements, and locations. A good vendor should ask where you'd like your business to be in the next six months, 12 months and two years. After getting to know your business, the vendor should determine:
    • The number of people who need to be mobile
    • How easy is the system for moves, adds, and changes?
    • What applications and services need to be accessible and from where
    • Coverage requirements
    • Security requirements
    • Your maintenance, service and training needs
  2. How will my investment be protected?
    Find out how compatible your current system is with the mobility solution. Most often, your existing components will still be compatible which saves you money. Look for a solution that is scalable and will fit your needs as your requirements change and grow. Ask about upgrades and software enhancements and how easy they are to implement.

  3. What are the limitations when implementing a mobility solution?
    A mobility solution is designed for coverage of defined areas -- typically, a building, campus or other hot zones such as a boardroom or cafeteria. Mobility enables handoffs between access points, allowing people to stay connected while moving throughout the workplace.

  4. What is the vendor's background?
    • How long has the vendor been in business?
    • What experience does the vendor have with mobility?
    • Does the vendor have mobility references?
    • Does the vendor have offices or affiliates in other locations?
    • What type of maintenance and training does the vendor provide?

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What are the mobility solution offerings from Nortel?

Nortel offers workspace and workplace mobility solutions that provide wireless functionality without losing the benefits of a wireline system. Workspace mobility refers to limited mobility within a single area, namely an area in which the access point is located. Workplace mobility extends wireless communication across an organization or campus. Nortel mobility solutions, including digital mobility solutions and WLAN solutions, deliver reliable, robust mobility in a wide range of working environments.

Business Access Point (BAP) 120
The Business Access Point 120 is an independent WLAN access point that provides users secure network access from anywhere, at anytime. The BAP 120 is a thick (independent) access point that is Web UI managed with the Nortel look and feel. Specifically tailored for Small-Medium Sized Business (SMBs), it is based on IEEE802.11a+b/g/SUPER AG and supports WDS (Wireless Distribution System) for bridge and repeater modes. This device is for indoor use.
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Norstar
Norstar Integrated Communications Portfolio is comprised of telephony solutions for small-to-medium businesses, with growth up to 248 ports (192 stations). This fully digital platform brings together all your communications - voicemail, fax, email, computer and telephone - right at your desktop. Advanced integrated applications include enhanced contact centers and computer telephony integration.
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Business Communications Manager
The Business Communications Manager (BCM) is the only converged voice and data solution in the industry that offers businesses a way to manage most of the communication technologies your company needs from a single, easy-to-manage platform. The BCM includes capabilities such as telephony, unified messaging, multimedia call center, interactive voice response, IP routing and data services such as firewall, wireless and more - all in one box. The BCM can support up to 200 stations.
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Business Series Terminal T7406E
Business Series Terminal T7406E is a full-featured, multi-line telephone that allows mobile employees to stay in touch with the features and capabilities of their desktop. It ranges up to 1000 feet from the basestation and supports 1-8 people, enabling employees to be more productive while moving about the office. It is ideal for small enterprises, branch offices, retail, healthcare clinics, manufacturing and other typical business environments.
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Digital Mobility Handsets
The Digital Mobility Handsets are feature-rich handsets that complement Norstar and BCM platforms and support both desktop and mobile voice communications

Digital Mobility Controller 080 & 320
The Digital Mobility Controller is the control center that links the digital mobility solution to Norstar or BCM that supports small sites with up to 8 mobile users (DMC 080) or medium sites with up to 8 base stations and 32 mobile users (DMC 320).

Base Stations & Repeaters
Base stations are digital mobility transmitting/receiving stations for wireless voice communications. Repeaters extend the range of a base station for coverage in hard to reach areas.

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How do I find out more or purchase a Nortel mobility solution?
Nortel products are sold through our trusted business partners who provide you with:
  • Local consultation resources to help you develop the best solution for your unique business
  • Installation, maintenance and warranty services
  • Network service offerings that allow you to build a complete communications solution
  • Additional capabilities to satisfy your requirements as your business grows or identifies new needs or opportunities

For more information on mobility solutions for your business, contact Nortel today:

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