Ericsson elevates wireless WAN from failover to foundational | Computer Weekly

Network downtime costs have risen as enterprises scale AI and data-driven operations, with outages costing upwards of $500,000 and more than one in three organizations reporting $1 million price tags. Ericsson introduced systems intended to move Wireless WAN from backup-only failover to an active operational layer. The approach combines 5G and LEO satellite connectivity with enhanced NetCloud Wireless WAN orchestration to improve resiliency, visibility, and control across distributed networks. The Cradlepoint W2255 adapter provides visibility, management, and troubleshooting for multi-provider Wireless WAN deployments at scale. It targets 5G performance using 3GPP 5G SA Release 17 technology and supports seamless low Earth orbit satellite integration, with an indoor/outdoor ruggedized IP67-rated design.

"Enterprises scaling AI and data-driven operations have seen the financial and operational impact of network downtime escalate, with costs ranging from thousands to over a million dollars per day. Ericsson cited research from September 2025 showing that a major network outage costs upwards of $500,000, with more than one in three organisations indicating a $1m price tag, making network resilience a critical, board-level priority."

"Ericsson believes traditional network strategies that treat cellular communications as a simple backup link are no longer sufficient for today's always-on business demands. With its new systems, businesses can shift their Wireless WAN strategy from a passive failover system to an active, operational layer of their network."

"The new systems combine 5G and LEO satellite connectivity with advanced orchestration capabilities to improve resiliency, visibility and control across distributed enterprise networks. The Cradlepoint W2255 is designed to elevate cellular communications, giving organisations the visibility, management and troubleshooting tools to deploy multi-provider Wireless WAN networks at scale."

"It delivers 5G performance and flexibility based on 3GPP 5G SA Release 17 technology, with "seamless" low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite integration. Designed as a single indoor/outdoor model, its industrial design is claimed to be suitable for in-office deployments, while its ruggedised, IP67-rated shell can withstand harsh outdoor conditions."

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