Month: January 2024

Written by Fahadi Muhumuza11Jan, 2024

Unconventional Out-of-Band Management using MikroTik LtAP mini-LTE kit and OpenVPN server

Welcome to the dynamic cosmos of networking and connectivity, where the quest for resilient yet budget-friendly solutions takes centre stage. Today, we’re not merely delving into the technical aspects; we’re embarking on a journey into the avant-garde of connectivity solutions – the fusion of the sleek MikroTik LtAP mini-LTE Kit and the powerful OpenVPN.

In this post, brace yourself to unveil the covert potential hidden within the MikroTik LtAP mini-LTE Kit. We’re not merely scratching the surface of its features; we’re unleashing its power and flexibility to provide solutions beyond its initial design. Get ready for a journey where the possibilities of this kit extend far beyond the expected.

What is Out-of-Band (OOB) Management? Now, picture this scenario: You’re overseeing a network device situated miles away from your headquarters. Through the wonders of remote protocols like SSH, you’ve been managing it seamlessly. Suddenly, the device throws a fit, and you are cut off. Oh no! Cue the need for a physical sprint to the device, employing console access to assess the damage – time wasted, money drained, and downtime soaring.

But hold on! What if I told you there’s a smoother way to confirm the device’s status without breaking a sweat? Yes, you guessed it right – Out-of-Band Management! It’s not just a term; it’s the networking world’s century-defining invention, saving you from the hassle of always needing physical access during failures a thing of the past.

While In-Band Management operates through the LAN using conventional remote access methods like SSH, web or Telnet, Out-of-Band Management offers a secure alternative to administering connected devices and IT assets without relying on the corporate LAN – through a separate connection.

Figure 1:Out-of-Band Management
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Written by Nicholas Brian Anya05Jan, 2024

Bridging The Connectivity Gap: Enhancing LTE Antenna Gain To Boost LTE Signal

National Research and Education Networks [NRENs] are expected to connect all R&E [Research & Education] community sites and institutions regardless of physical location or infrastructure presence. This expectation necessitates that the NREN think outside the box to create new and unconventional last-mile solutions. One innovative approach involves boosting the LTE (Long-Term Evolution) connectivity in regions lacking optical fiber infrastructure and those with rugged terrains where it is difficult to deploy microwave point-to-point links due to the difficulty in establishing line-of-sight.

Deployment of Enhanced LTE Setup

The effectiveness of LTE connectivity hinges significantly on the user equipment’s (UE) antenna properties. Antenna gain, a critical factor in signal strength, measures an antenna’s ability to focus its radiation pattern in a specific direction, with higher gains equating to better performance. In areas where the LTE signal exists but is too weak for conventional handheld devices, the solution lies in elevating the antenna gain of outdoor LTE UE devices.

In a series of iterative deployments, the most promising results emerged by utilizing satellite TV offset dishes to enhance the antenna gain of an outdoor LTE UE. The offset dish, functioning as a reflector antenna, catapulted the achieved gain to an impressive 33 dBi. This stands in stark contrast to the 0-3 dBi antenna gain typically achieved on handheld mobile devices allowing for the utilization of LTE service from very distant towers. Consequently, while a standard mobile phone might struggle to detect any LTE signal, the enhanced LTE device equipped with the offset dish registers an equivalent of full LTE signal bars.

The setup of the satellite offset dish and LTE ODU.

The Satellite TV offset dish reflector antenna focuses the incoming signal from the tower onto the LTE ODU positioned at its focal point and it focuses the outgoing signal towards the LTE tower in a beam.

Orientation of the setup with respect to the LTE tower.

Resulting Performance and Latency

The tangible impact of this LTE optimization is evident in the observed performance metrics. The enhanced LTE connection demonstrates a latency of under 50 milliseconds, a substantial improvement that ensures a seamless and responsive user experience. This low-latency connectivity is particularly crucial in regions where traditional satellite solutions would provide a high latency of about 500ms.

Network parameters observed after deployment.

Conclusion

In the pursuit of universal connectivity, NRENs are pushing boundaries and embracing unconventional solutions to bridge the digital divide. The innovative use of satellite TV offset dishes to enhance LTE connectivity showcases the potential for overcoming challenges in underserved regions lacking traditional infrastructure. By achieving remarkable antenna gains and low latency, this approach offers a beacon of hope for communities that have long been left in the shadows of digital isolation. As technology continues to evolve, such creative solutions hold promise for a more inclusive and connected future.