Verizon Communications Inc. today introduced On Site LTE, a hardware-software bundle that can be used to set up a miniature 4G network in locations such as factories.

Enterprises are deploying a growing number of so-called “internet of things” devices to make their operations more efficient. Those devices, which range from tiny production line sensors to warehouse robots, often require the ability to wirelessly communicate with each other and with remote servers. Wi-Fi is the usual choice for wireless connectivity, but according to Verizon, the technology can’t always meet the requirements of large enterprises.

The newly introduced On Site LTE offers an alternative in the form of a private 4G network. Connectivity is provided via small cells, a type of miniaturized cell tower with a coverage radius that can range from a few dozen feet to a few miles depending on the specific system. The bundle also includes other radio gear and a so-called packet core, which is responsible for coordinating the flow of data across the different components.

Information technology teams can keep an eye on their organizations’ On Site LTE deployments via a monitoring dashboard included in the package. Verizon is also offering access to its professional services group, which can help companies manage their private 4G networks to free up time for in-house IT personnel. 

“On Site LTE gives customers the security, reliability, low-latency and coverage needed to run their businesses today, while establishing a technology innovation path to 5G,” said Sampath Sowmyanarayan, president of Verizon Business’ global enterprise segment.

Verizon sees a big addressable market for the offering. Industrial robots, artificial intelligence applications running at the edge and predictive maintenance systems that spot equipment failures ahead of time are some of the use cases the carrier hopes to target. 

Other market players are putting their own spin on the concept. Microsoft Corp., for instance, in March debuted appliances called Private Edge Zones that similarly enable enterprises to build a private wireless network for IoT projects. 

Alongside On Site LTE, Verizon today debuted a professional services offering called IoT Managed Services for companies that wish to deploy connected devices but don’t have the necessary technical know-how. Verizon is offering to help customers plan IoT projects, set up their connected devices and build a wireless network to support those devices. 

Photo: Verizon