Source: Pinterest
I always wanted to create a zombie mobile when the “you know what” hits the fan. I didn’t create this but thought it was cool. Use your imagination and envision one packed with communication technology. I tried to get someone to draw me a zombie mobile, but all I got was weird looks, so the top picture is the closest I got to my vision.
My version of the zombie mobile is for communication. When cellular service is not available, or a disaster happens, like Maui, Fukushima, Puerto Rico, Glenwood Canyon, etc., where communication was limited or nonexistent. Bring in the telecom zombie mobile! Imagine if the zombie mobile not only has a backpack Network in a Box (NIB), but also a more powerful car version, satellite uplink, and launch pad for a NIB drone.
I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT CREATING A ZOMBIE MOBILE BUT KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT NETWORK IN A BOX TECHNOLOGY.
WHAT IS A NETWORK IN A BOX
An NIB is just that, a complete communication device that integrates networking components (routers, switches, access points, etc.) into a single, compact unit. With an NIB, you are not reliant on cell towers or bouncing a signal to a central location which could be miles away. The NIB is the single communication point for anyone authorized on the system.
Imagine in a forest fire, where you not only need to communicate with your fire team on their cell phones, but also be able to communicate with HQ to coordinate resources – all on a private network. The line-of-sight technology can even be extended for miles through a NIB drone application.
BENEFITS OF NIB
Network in a Box can be valuable for businesses, emergency disaster, and the military, especially those with remote operations, temporary deployments, or limited IT resources. Connectivity, interoperability, mobility and ruggedness are all benefits in NIB technology.
- Compact and Portable: NIB solutions typically integrate various networking components (routers, switches, access points, etc.) into a single, compact unit. This portability is beneficial for quick deployments in remote locations, temporary setups (like Coachella or construction sites), or emergency response situations. Instead of the cellular network on wheels (“COWs”), which are basically a bulky and expensive cell tower, you can have communication with this:
Source: Peak Creative
- Simplified Deployment: NIB technology streamlines the deployment process by providing an all-in-one networking solution. This simplification can save time and effort compared to setting up individual networking components.
- Plug-and-Play Functionality: My client EUCAST Global has a NIB solution designed for plug-and-play functionality, allowing users to quickly set up and configure the network. I am not the technical type, but even I can get the system up and running in minutes. This is particularly useful for non-technical users (like me), the military or small businesses with limited IT staff where time is critical.
- Private: A private network is just that-private. Only those authorized on the system can communicate. Premature public broadcasting of sensitive casualty information is not recommended. Discussing counter actions to a terrorist attack on an open network is also not a good idea (FN 1).
- Save Money: By consolidating multiple networking functions into a single device, NIB technology is a cost-effective alternative to deploying separate networking hardware. EUCAST Global’s strategy is to own the software, hardware and all proprietary processes so it is not dependent on third parties.
- Centralized Management: Some NIB solutions (like my client EUCAST Global) offer centralized management capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot the network from a single interface. This centralized approach simplifies network management and improves overall efficiency.
- Scalability: While NIB solutions are typically designed for small to medium-sized deployments, they can often be scaled up by adding additional units or integrating with other networking infrastructure as needed. This scalability makes NIB technology flexible and adaptable to changing business requirements.
- Imagine: Ship to ship versus ship to shore with a marine NIB; off road NIB car carrier units (think zombie mobile!); and drone NIBs which can exponentially extend the communication coverage area. The below picture is my client’s NIB drone.
- Reliability and Resilience: When looking at NIB solutions, be careful. There are some companies that offer equipment that have plastic components and look like they were made with Elmer’s glue. The above picture shows a highly ruggedized backpack system that was developed for the Korean military. The Korean military epitomizes the word “tough” so they beat the crap out of the backpack during its development phase.
SUMMARY
Who are you going to call in an emergency? Before you answer this question, ask yourself: HOW are you going to call? Network in a Box technology can offer a convenient, cost-effective, and user-friendly networking solution for various scenarios where speed, portability, and efficient deployment are essential.
FN 1: There were reports of Russian soldiers using their cell phones during the Ukraine war which made geo synchronizing their location very easy.
About the author
Gary Sumihiro is the founder of Sumihiro Investments, LLC a global strategic consulting firm. Learn more at www.sumihiroinvestmentsllc.com.
About EUCAST
EUCAST Global is an advanced wireless LTE, CBRS, and 5G telecommunication solution company. Learn more at www.eucastglobal.com.