South African businesses rely heavily on connectivity to facilitate trade, customer payments, and electronic transactions.
Ongoing connectivity problems in South Africa affect these organizations on a daily basis, with recent reports highlighting that load-shedding is a serious and costly problem for mobile operators who are struggling to keep their networks up and running.
The impact of this challenge on network availability has been severe due to GSM towers going down during load-shedding outages, and the ongoing theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure such as batteries and power cables has exacerbated it.
Another concern is that the South African government recently proposed that 2G and 3G networks should begin their sunsetting process from around mid-2024, and should be shut down completely by 2025 to free up spectrum for next-generation 5G services.
This will be problematic for organizations that still rely on 2G and 3G hardware to keep their business processes running.
Available solutions
Fortunately, there are already solutions on the market that can address these business connectivity challenges – such as the SmartLink GT4 modem that is available from Greystone Technologies.
Greystone Technologies is a South African-based tech company that specialises in wireless connectivity and IoT solutions.
It has developed the fit-for-purpose SmartLink GT4 4G smart modem/router, specifically aimed at commercial and industrial applications in order to mitigate and combat the common connectivity problems faced by South African businesses.
The GT4 SmartLink product boasts state-of-the-art functionality and serves as a future-proof alternative that is not only a solution for load-shedding, but also addresses a long-term problem should the impending sunsetting of 2G and 3G networks become a reality.
SmartLink GT4 modems/routers
This commercial-grade SmartLink GT4 has been purpose-built for high-availability applications and is designed to facilitate secure integrated or independent data transmission.
It includes various impressive technical features such as 512MB of RAM, 512MB of onboard storage capacity (extendable), multiple interfaces, bi-directional comms, system-on-module intelligence, and back-up power on-board.
These technologies work together seamlessly to provide unrivalled versatility, reliability, and high availability.
This 4G LTE device offers dual SIM + WAN connectivity with automatic failover or switching for network redundancy, as well as automatic fall-back to 3G and 2G networks.
The SmartLink provides multiple interface options – including 2 x LAN, Serial, USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth, and it is GPS enabled too.
The device has a built-in Li-ion battery that provides backup power which lasts between five and seven hours depending on the application – a must have feature especially during load shedding and power outages!
Management and security
The SmartLink GT4 modem is supported by a fully integrated state-of-the-art management platform.
This platform allows for remote monitoring, diagnostics, over-the-air (OTA) commands, and firmware updates.
It also facilitates real-time system performance and health checks, giving the consumer invaluable insight and visibility over a connected network. Integration into second- and third-party platforms is also possible.
All system events and tasks are tagged and securely stored for audit trial purposes. Data transmission is protected by full AES 256-bit data encryption over TLS 1.2, with provision for a multitude of secure network and routing protocols.
Applications
The SmartLink GT4 can be used in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications, including:
- ATMs
- Smart safes
- Point-of-sale systems
- Vending machines
- Self-service terminals
- High-tech security and alarm systems
- CCTV systems
- IoT and much more
Additionally, the solution appeals to various industry verticals such as banking and finance, mining, agriculture, transport, telecommunications and utilities.
The product can also be integrated across the industrial Internet of Things including smart cities, smart manufacturing factories, healthcare facilities, retail outlets and many more.
Whatever the connectivity or data transmission need, the SmartLink GT4 modem is a highly effective “always on/always secure” solution.
Choose Greystone Technologies
Through the deployment of high-tech wireless devices enabled by state-of-the-art product management software, and by making these products accessible to a wide range of industries both locally and internationally, Greystone Technologies strives to bridge the gap between the physical and digital world in a pragmatic and cost-effective manner.
Find out more about its products and services by visiting the Greystone Technologies website, sending an email to info@greystonetec.co.za, or calling the head office on 086 147 3978.
