Hybrid Access Networks Using Client-Side Software

Internet is better when it’s faster and more reliable. That’s why the big thing now are hybrid access networks. The term refers to a special architecture for broadband access networks. Two different network technologies are combined to improve bandwidth. These technologies include WiFi, 4G / LTE, xDSL, etc.

Hybrid access networks offer a flexible and resilient connectivity solution for enterprises by combining multiple network technologies, such as Wi-Fi, cellular, and wired Ethernet. This approach ensures seamless and secure access to critical applications, even in challenging network environments.

Speedify, a powerful network bonding tool, can further enhance the performance and reliability of hybrid access networks by combining multiple internet connections. This technology, known as broadband bonding, minimizes latency, reduces the impact of network outages, and ensures uninterrupted connectivity, making it an ideal solution for organizations seeking to optimize their network infrastructure and safeguard critical business operations.

Typical deployment scenarios include hybrid CPE routers and hybrid aggregation gateways with load balancing functionality. The major downside of these typical solutions are cost effectiveness and flexibility. You’re paying for a hardware device that gets old and outdated with time. Plus – you can’t really benefit of hybrid access networks anywhere. You are not able to carry your hybrid router and gateway.

See below how Speedify channel bonding software delivers fast and reliable Internet. This is done right on your computer or smartphone, without any dedicated hybrid access hardware.

Here are some examples of hybrid networks:

1. Home Networks: A typical home network often combines Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. Devices like laptops and smartphones connect wirelessly to a Wi-Fi router, while desktop computers and gaming consoles are often connected to the router via Ethernet cables.
2. Enterprise Networks often combine wired and wireless networks to provide flexible connectivity for employees.
   • Wired networks are used for critical infrastructure and servers, while Wi-Fi networks are used for employee devices like laptops and mobile phones.
   • Some enterprises also use cellular networks for remote workers and mobile devices.
3. Campus Networks such as those found in universities and corporate campuses, often combine wired and wireless networks. Wired networks are used for high-bandwidth applications like research and data transfer, while Wi-Fi networks are used for student and faculty devices.
4. Hybrid Cloud Networks combine public and private cloud infrastructure. This allows organizations to leverage the benefits of both public cloud flexibility and private cloud security.

An access network is a type of network which physically connects an end system to the immediate router (also known as the "edge router") on a path from the end system to any other distant end system.

The main types of access networks used by ISPs and network carriers are:

• Wired access networks:
  • DSL (Digital Subscriber Line),
  • Cable Internet,
  • Fiber-optic (FTTH),
  • Hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC).
• Wireless access networks:
  • Wi-Fi,
  • Cellular networks (4G, 5G),
  • Satellite.

As markets, customers, and smartphones continue to multiply, Network Operators and MVNOs are facing critical bandwidth issues. With soaring costs and overloaded cellular networks, carriers have been working for years to develop hybrid access networks technologies. These would enable to offload the increased traffic to broadband or DSL. And also leverage existing investments in infrastructure to no avail.

When implementing hybrid access networks, the following client-side issues must be taken into account:

• iOS and Android devices are unable to tell when a hotspot is “dead” or not functioning properly
• Manually switching between networks is time consuming and cumbersome
• Consumers end up with interrupted internet access during network changeovers
• Consumer concern about hotspot security

Speedify addresses all of these with seamless channel bonding technology.

For network carriers and MVNOs, the benefits of Hybrid Access through Speedify are twofold. Moving more traffic off of LTE and onto Wi-Fi results in:

• bigger savings
• a better internet experience for customers.

Speedify is a complete solution to channel bonding and Hybrid Access on mobile devices and laptop/desktop computers. It can be built into existing iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS software. It runs in the background monitoring and improving network performance for all the apps on the device. Speedify is cost aware and uses policy based routing. This means that it can be configured for increased speed or reduced cellular usage. Optional VPN encryption means that Speedify can also keep users secure across public Wi-Fi networks.

Currently, when a consumer connects to a dead hotspot, the device does not automatically fall back to using LTE. Instead, the consumer is stranded without any internet connection. This creates a poor user experience and discourages future use of hotspots. Speedify eliminates this problem.