Partner content: As FWA moves from 4G to 5G, we need network-native security for IoT, faster throughput and the distributed network architecture
In a recent global survey commissioned by Allot from Coleman Parkes Research, a surprising 20% of the small businesses surveyed said that they used Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) as the primary source of internet connectivity for their business.
That substantial number is expected to grow significantly as 5G proliferates. FWA has been around for decades. But it is truly coming into its own with the advent of 5G technology.
According to Statista, there are in the neighborhood of 100 million worldwide FWA connections using 4G (or other) technologies. That eclipses the 35 million 5G FWA connections today. However, by 2028, the trend shows a drop to 64 million 4G FWA connections compared with a whopping 236 million 5G FWA connections.
Now, that shouldn’t be surprising, considering the rapid expansion of 5G globally. But it also speaks to the vast quantitative differences between 4G and 5G.
FWA over 4G
FWA over 4G is an alternative to xDSL Internet connectivity. With 5G, it is an attractive replacement for fiber connections. As a replacement for xDSL, 4G FWA has its benefits. 4G speeds are certainly sufficient for the needs of most mobile device users. Plus, for areas where wired broadband access has limited coverage, such as rural areas, 4G FWA has great value.
As the connectivity hub for a large household or a small business, 4G FWA is hard pressed to supply the bandwidth demands for the many multiple devices that are connected to the average CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) today. So, the growth of FWA is intrinsically connected to the growth of 5G connectivity.
Although 4G FWA will still be available in some areas for years to come, 5G FWA is expected to exceed 4G FWA by 2025. This correlates with the expansion of 5G. But it is also because FWA is a much more attractive solution using 5G.
FWA over 5G
5G FWA offers broadband speeds that exceed wired broadband and are comparable to available fiber speeds. Plus, it comes with low latency that is attractive for business users, gamers and other internet users who need ultra fast response from their connections.
With no wired connection to the Internet required, FWA can deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity. This is important in locations where there is no physical infrastructure, such as rural areas. But FWA also offers benefits in urban areas where customers have their choice of internet connectivity options.
FWA can be implemented quickly and easily and eliminates the need for cabling to the CPE, giving end users more freedom of choice when selecting, or changing, the location of the CPE. It also reduces costs for the provider/installer. For the service provider, FWA represents another convenient service option for consumers and small businesses.
The security part of the story
One dark spot in the premise, however, is that as FWA connections grow along with the spread of 5G technology, cyber threats will grow in frequency and complexity. This will happen as a result of a number of factors:
Massive deployment of IoT – 5G speeds are conducive to more connected mobile and IoT devices. But as more inherently unsecured IoT devices are connected, they will open the door to cyber attacks on networks and the other devices connected to them.
Distributed network infrastructure – 5G infrastructure incorporates many more access points compared with 4G, which each represent a potential point of attack.
Increased throughput per connection (~1Gb/device) – As the capacity grows in each connection, so does the capacity for new applications, and hence attacks, increase.
New threats
These new threat vectors make it necessary for 5G network service providers to consider the cyber protection services that they offer to their customers. Malware, phishing and ransomware are among the many cyber threats facing consumers and small businesses.
Communication service providers (CSPs) are perfectly positioned to protect their FWA, and other subscribers from these and other threats. As the providers of the connectivity itself, CSPs can protect the entire data flow between the end user and the Internet, blocking threats before they reach the customer’s devices.
In addition, CSPs have multiple touchpoints with their customers, including the UX, billing, customer support and point of sale. Through these touchpoints, the CSP can offer and provision mass market security solutions to their customers. But there is more to a security solution than its mass market appeal.
Network-native security
First of all, what should a customer-directed security solution offer? A network-native approach – that is, where the technology resides in the CSP’s network – needs to block cyber threats, such as malware and phishing attacks, on the CSP’s customers’ devices.
Optimally, a CSP should also be able to offer both consumer and small business customers content filtering to enable them to manage the types of content that is consumed by the devices connected to their networks.
Additionally, through a network-native security approach, the CSP could offer small businesses a network-based firewall. Unlike a traditional firewall, the network firewall is delivered from the network and is designed for small businesses that do not have in-house cybersecurity skills.
Streamlined last mile
A major benefit of FWA is that it streamlines last-mile connectivity for both the CSP and the user. As a CSP, it is not reasonable to ask businesses to set up complex on-premise firewall hardware, which increases costs and flies in the face of the logic of having a fast, straightforward solution.
One of the most compelling advantages of a network-native security approach is that it is zero-touch – since it is a part of the CSP’s network, there is nothing for the customer to install or configure. They simply need to accept the service and it is provisioned. This is a critical factor for both consumers and small businesses who lack the IT skills to manage more complicated, on-premises security solutions.
Once again, a primary benefit of FWA is its simplicity when connecting to the Internet. A zero-touch security service complements this simplicity associated with FWA. This leads to higher service adoption rates compared with standalone endpoint products.
At the right price
Finally, the network-native security solution can also be offered to the FWA customer at a price that any consumer or small business can afford. With a mass-market security service, even at a reasonable price to the customer, the CSP has the potential to generate substantial recurring monthly revenue.
To be sure, FWA is not for everyone. But for all of the consumer and small business customers who want to take advantage of its benefits, there should be a simple yet powerful set of security services to match the mindset and budget of FWA users. Network-native security services meet that demand.
About the author
Nir Baron is Director of Product Marketing at Allot
