As part of a three-year research project between 2019 and 2022, m3connect worked in collaboration with three partner companies from Bavaria and supported by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy to explore the applications of an intelligent factory in the logistics sector. Within this project, cooperation with BMW AG involved conducting tests on a novel sorting robot in the field of innovation logistics. The goal was to connect the robot’s sensors and control hardware to a remote computing unit via a private 5G mobile network. The analysis of sensor data and the computation of resulting actions were shifted from the robot to the edge and the cloud.
“When computing occurs in the edge or cloud infrastructure, connected via 5G, our partners can drive faster development cycles. It’s no longer necessary to update hardware directly on the robot in order to test new software elements. Different development phases can be tested immediately and in parallel within the virtual environments of the data centers,” says Justin Eichenlaub, Head of Cellular Solutions at m3connect.
Most of the various sensors and actuators, such as robot controllers or laser scanners, were integrated into the 5G network after a short period. Only the 3D camera, which provides additional depth information, was connected via a proprietary service designed for processing in local networks. Eventually, with the help of a network tunnel environment provided by m3connect, this hardware was also connected via the 5G network.
m3connect’s mobile 5G system is extremely compact and ideally suited for developing and testing innovative concepts around private mobile networks at customers’ and partners’ sites. It can be transported in a conventional carry-on suitcase and set up for operation within just a few minutes.
5G in a trolley
© m3connect
From Wi-Fi pioneer to market leader. Since 2001, m3connect has evolved into one of the largest wireless service providers in Europe, with offices in Aachen, Karlsruhe, Munich, San Francisco, Sibenik (Croatia), and the United Arab Emirates. Globally, m3connect serves roughly 13,000 locations for its customers in over 23 countries and, as a visionary in cloud technologies for more than 20 years, continues to expand its in-house platform. As a technology leader, m3connect provides wireless, best-in-class internet connectivity with flexible design. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies like WLAN, private LTE, and 5G, m3connect creates innovative software solutions such as SD-WAN and various digital applications. Its range of services includes digital signage, guest infotainment systems, VoIP, VoD, and location-based services. m3connect is also a platform developer and integrates its solutions into the existing processes of its customers.
Please send a courtesy copy or link to publications to:
Pressekontakt m3connect
Emina Iljazovic
Marketing & Communications Manager
m3connect GmbH
Pascalstraße 18
52064 Aachen
E-Mail e.iljazovic@m3connect.de
As the year comes to a close, we would like to thank our valued customers, partners, and employees for their invaluable collaboration and another successful year.
We look forward to continuing our journey together and wish everyone a restful holiday season and a successful start to a healthy and happy 2024.
m3connect, a technology leader and one of the largest wireless internet service providers in Europe, is pleased to announce the strengthening of its partnership with Crystal Networks. This collaboration aims to expand the presence and services of both companies in key regions of the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Since its expansion into Saudi Arabia in 2006 and entry into the Egyptian market in 2016, Crystal Networks has built an impressive success story as a provider of IT infrastructure and communication solutions in the region. Crystal Networks offers technical consultation, installation, and maintenance for clients across various industries in need of secure, reliable, and advanced networking solutions.
“We are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership that holds immense promise for both our organizations, fostering innovation, synergy, and delivering unparalleled value to our customers”, CEO, Crystal Networks.
The longstanding and successful collaboration between m3connect and Crystal Networks forms the foundation of this partnership. This cooperation also enables m3connect to offer tailored state-of-the-art technology solutions for major hotel chains in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Moreover, it opens new avenues for specific services that meet the needs of the hospitality industry in the Middle East.
Jeroen Wisse, specialist in hotel chain network infrastructure and Managing Director of m3connect’s branch in the United Arab Emirates, emphasizes: “The intensification of the partnership with Crystal Networks represents a milestone for us to strengthen our presence in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and makes our innovative solutions accessible to a wider market. This allows us to be even closer to our customers and further enhance on-site customer and project support.”
From Wi-Fi pioneer to market leader. Since 2001, m3connect has evolved into one of the largest wireless service providers in Europe, with offices in Aachen, Karlsruhe, Munich, San Francisco, Sibenik (Croatia), and the United Arab Emirates. Globally, m3connect serves roughly 13,000 locations for its customers in over 23 countries and, as a visionary in cloud technologies for more than 20 years, continues to expand its in-house platform. As a technology leader, m3connect provides wireless, best-in-class internet connectivity with flexible design. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies like WLAN, private LTE, and 5G, m3connect creates innovative software solutions such as SD-WAN and various digital applications. Its range of services includes digital signage, guest infotainment systems, VoIP, VoD, and location-based services. m3connect is also a platform developer and integrates its solutions into the existing processes of its customers.
Crystal Networks is a dynamic information technology system integrator that has been serving customers from various business sectors since 2005.
The company was imagined by a group of technology enthusiasts with a vision to transform IT solutions into business enablers.
With a spread across the levant and gulf territory, Crystal Networks continues to introduce innovative solutions and services to its clients allowing them to sustain in the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) era.
Please send a courtesy copy or link to publications to:
Pressekontakt m3connect
Emina Iljazovic
Marketing & Communications Manager
m3connect GmbH
Pascalstraße 18
52064 Aachen
E-Mail e.iljazovic@m3connect.de
m3connect, a leading provider of wireless connectivity, recently reached an impressive milestone. The company installed a private 5G network and carried out a comprehensive test measurement for one day in an open-cast mine belonging to Nivelsteiner Sandwerke and Sandsteinbrüche GmbH in Herzogenrath. This study was commissioned by the Institute for Advanced Mining Technologies (AMT) at RWTH Aachen University and aims to evaluate the suitability of a Private 5G Network for the wireless connectivity of open-pit mines. The knowledge gained will serve as a basis for the upcoming integration of self-driving and emission-free tipper trucks with electric motors as part of the “ELMAR” research project.
The results of this site survey open up new horizons for the mining industry. The use of a reliable and powerful private 5G network enables area-wide wireless connectivity, even under the most demanding conditions of raw material extraction. This not only opens up the possibility of efficient control and monitoring of self-propelled dump trucks, but also offers enormous potential for the digitalization of work and safety processes, as well as productivity optimization.
The “ELMAR” research project at RWTH Aachen University is on a clear path to shaping the future of sustainable mining. The integration of zero-emission dump trucks marks a significant step towards an environmentally friendly and efficient mining industry. The successful 5G site survey in Reallabor Nivelstein is a decisive step forward on this journey.
m3connect and the AMT are confident that the findings of this survey will serve as the basis for the implementation of a Private 5G Network in resource extraction. This will revolutionize efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the mining industry while paving the way for future innovation.
© m3connect
© m3connect
From Wi-Fi pioneer to market leader. Since 2001, m3connect has evolved into one of the largest Wireless Service Providers in Europe, with offices in Aachen, Karlsruhe, Munich, San Francisco, Sibenik (Croatia), and the United Arab Emirates. Globally, m3connect serves roughly 13,000 locations for its customers in over 23 countries and, as a visionary in cloud technologies for more than 20 years, continues to expand its in-house platform. As a technology leader, m3connect provides wireless, best-in-class internet connectivity with flexible design. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies like WLAN, private LTE, and 5G, m3connect creates innovative software solutions such as SD-WAN and various digital applications. Its range of services includes digital signage, guest infotainment systems, VoIP, VoD, and location-based services. m3connect is also a platform developer and integrates its solutions into the existing processes of its customers.
Please send a courtesy copy or link to publications to:
Pressekontakt m3connect
Emina Iljazovic
Marketing & Communications Manager
m3connect GmbH
Pascalstraße 18
52064 Aachen
E-Mail e.iljazovic@m3connect.de
As part of the research project “Autonomous Connected Logistics,” m3connect, in close collaboration with project partners Stäubli and the BMW Group, has established a private mobile network and tested it under real-world conditions. The focus of this application was on robustness and simplicity of setup. In a separate subproject, another use case for factory logistics was tested in a 5G campus network provided by m3connect.
After completing the tests, it is evident that mobile communication can be an alternative for providing data services in factory logistics, especially in expansive outdoor areas, with minimal installation efforts.
For the “AutoBox” application, an autonomous transport vehicle responsible for container transport within the factory, a private LTE network was used to ensure seamless connectivity. The network maintained functionality for users in 24/7 operation with consistently low latencies. The typical quick handovers between different transmitters enabled uninterrupted data communication even on the complex test route between production halls.
“Although we initially faced some issues with lighting and wiring in the factory, the LTE network’s operational reliability was consistently maintained during the test drives. In principle, the area could have been covered with a dozen Wi-Fi transmitters. However, Wi-Fi often experiences interruptions when transitioning between different access points, and, for instance, parked trucks could have a more significant impact on signals. Thanks to dedicated frequencies and higher power, more area can be covered with fewer transmitters, and transitions between transmitters are so fast that practically no interruptions occur. This can lead to cost savings.” – Justin Eichenlaub, Head of Cellular Solutions, m3connect
This means that no data cable is needed to mount a control station at any location.
Other IoT concepts were also implemented in addition to the required AGV control functions. Smart warning lights were linked to “Edge Computing Services,” which could warn other road users in real-time based on the vehicle’s movement data. These warning lights could be positioned freely in the field by connecting to the mobile network.
The data from the mobile network provided a wealth of additional information. A custom interface was used to integrate the vehicle controller’s data into the same application. With the data collected and provided by the mobile network, the productivity of autonomous vehicles could be monitored in real-time. Weekly exports of real-time data allowed performance evaluation based on user feedback on-site, which informed decision making as the research project progressed.
It became evident that lower installation efforts, thanks to high transmission power in a dedicated spectrum, offer significant advantages over Wi-Fi, especially in this project. Usage data was also transferred to a cloud. Here, m3connect leveraged its experience with heterogeneous networks and managing thousands of locations worldwide. m3connect applied existing concepts of SD-WAN-based networking to the mobile network world, allowing extensive remote control of all services and devices.
For the LTE network in this subproject, LTE base stations from m3connect partners Accelleran and Attocore’s AttoEPC were used.
Automated Driving AutoBox
© Copyright BMW GROUP
From Wi-Fi pioneer to market leader. Since 2001, m3connect has evolved into one of the largest Wireless Service Providers in Europe, with offices in Aachen, Karlsruhe, Munich, San Francisco, Sibenik (Croatia), and the United Arab Emirates. Globally, m3connect serves roughly 13,000 locations for its customers in over 23 countries and, as a visionary in cloud technologies for more than 20 years, continues to expand its in-house platform. As a technology leader, m3connect provides wireless, best-in-class internet connectivity with flexible design. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies like WLAN, private LTE, and 5G, m3connect creates innovative software solutions such as SD-WAN and various digital applications. Its range of services includes digital signage, guest infotainment systems, VoIP, VoD, and location-based services. m3connect is also a platform developer and integrates its solutions into the existing processes of its customers.
The Belgian company Accelleran, based in Antwerp, offers OpenRAN software solutions for operators of 5G and private LTE networks. With Accelleran’s unique software architecture, customers can leverage the extensive potential of software-defined networks, network virtualization, and RAN intelligence to manage private, public, and neutral-host networks optimally. Accelleran’s dRAX system provides proven container-based software components to implement applications with multi-vendor, intelligent, and disaggregated OpenRAN elements based on leading standards such as the O-RAN Alliance.
AttoCore develops ultra-mobile core network software technology that can be deployed in consumer, professional, government, and enterprise spaces. Deployment can be as a standalone network or interconnected with existing network services to extend wireless services anywhere in the world. AttoCore was founded in September 2014, and the team has more than 30 years of experience in developing 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile core software.
As a sponsor and participant, we are excited about the upcoming Stakeholder Conference 2023 in Dubai! This conference stands as a prominent gathering in the hospitality industry, attracting decision-makers from across the Middle East who will come together over the next few days to discuss the latest trends and developments in hotel technology.
Our hospitality experts, Jeroen Wisse, Emilio Dragas and Roland Heinen, will be on-site from November 7th to 9th to meet with leading companies in the hotel industry and present m3connect’s latest solutions for digital transformation in the hotel and hospitality sector.
We are looking forward to three productive days, the opportunity to reconnect with our partners, clients, and familiar faces, and to contribute to the advancement of the future of the hotel industry with our latest innovations and features.
m3connect is now a proud Elite member of the RUCKUS Ready Partner Program. The status as an Elite Partner is the highest level in the CommScope program that a solutions provider can attain, showcasing our extensive expertise and years of experience in implementing state-of-the-art network technologies.
To achieve Elite status, we have demonstrated mastery of the entire portfolio of RUCKUS network solutions, ensuring top-tier results for our customers and end-users. This required intensive training to ensure that our team can design, deploy, configure, manage, optimize, and efficiently address any challenges related to both wired and wireless RUCKUS solutions. As certified Elite Partners, our technicians will regularly benefit from advanced training provided by RUCKUS, ensuring our expertise always aligns with the latest industry standards.
Our customers gain numerous advantages from our Elite status with RUCKUS:
- Access to premium products: As Elite Partners, we have direct access to RUCKUS’ latest technologies and products for innovative networking solutions.
- Expertise and continuous education: Our staff is RUCKUS-certified and undergoes ongoing training to ensure we possess comprehensive knowledge and the necessary skills.
- Technical support: Thanks to our Elite partnership, we have access to top-tier technical support from RUCKUS to efficiently assist our customers with challenges.
In a time when digitalization is rapidly advancing, and the demand for stable and fast internet is continuously increasing, having access to the latest network technologies and up-to-date expertise is crucial for businesses to meet these rising demands. We take great pride in the recognition of our ongoing efforts to provide top-notch solutions for our customers through the award of Elite status. As proud partners, we will continue our efforts to equip our customers individually and strategically with the necessary resources to gain a competitive edge in their industry. We offer flexible IT networking with modern design, leveraging state-of-the-art technologies such as Wi-Fi, private LTE, and 5G.
We thank RUCKUS, global leader in wireless network solutions, and eagerly anticipate our future collaboration.
In today’s world, hotel guests expect the same level of comfort as they have in their own homes. The ability to conveniently view their own content on the hotel television has become a standard expectation. The “Bring your own device” (BYOD) concept allows guests to use their own devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops to stream content to the hotel TV, enabling them to seamlessly enjoy their favorite shows and movies even when they are on the go.
The increasing demand from hotel operators for BYOD is understandable. In the past, separate devices like Chromecast or Apple TV boxes were required for the TVs, or Chromecast dongles had to be integrated into the hotel’s server room. However, hotel operators desire a simpler and more cost-effective solution.
The Solution: Integration of m3cast into Philips Professional TVs
We have developed our m3cast solution to enable hoteliers and their guests to use streaming services regardless of the operating system. With just a single hardware component that supports all operating systems, both Apple and Android users, among others, can easily connect their devices to the in-room hotel TV and play their preferred content hassle-free.
By integrating our m3cast solution into Philips Professional TVs, we can finally offer our customers the ability to stream via BYOD using just one device, with no need for central deployments in the hotel server room or additional devices on the TV. This brings significant cost savings, improved security, and a host of other advantages:
- Easier Integration into New Hotels: The installation of TVs and onboarding of new hotels becomes more straightforward, as all necessary settings can be easily accessed from the cloud.
- Status Monitoring and Easy Troubleshooting: The status of the TVs and associated devices can be checked with a single click. In case of issues, remote monitoring and troubleshooting are available.
- Fast Support: Through our close collaboration with Philips, hoteliers receive our fast and reliable support.
Highest Comfort with Added Security for Guests
Through the integration of our m3cast solution into Philips Professional TVs, guests can bring their own devices such as mobile phones and laptops and stream content from their personal devices just like they do at home. This solution ensures the highest level of security by utilizing multiple networks and isolating streaming users from each other, preventing interception of the stream by unauthorized parties.
Philips/PPDS as the Ideal Partner for Our m3cast Solution with Immediate Device Availability
Philips/PPDS has proven to be the ideal partner for the integration of our m3cast solution. They also maintain extensive inventory and high device availability, ensuring that the required devices can be promptly delivered.
We are excited about this milestone and the successful pilot projects, including B&B and TheZipper, and look forward to the promising developments that our future collaboration with Philips/PPDS will bring.
From October 29th to 31st, 2023, Cascais Miragem Health & Spa in Lisbon, Portugal, hosts this year’s HTNG European Conference 2023, a prime platform for hoteliers, tech providers, and industry experts to explore the latest hospitality trends.
Our team, including CEO Emilio Dragas and colleagues Stefan Baumannand Abdelaziz El Jaouhari, will be there, ready for engaging conversations, meaningful exchanges and connecting with both familiar and new faces.
Feel free to schedule meetings with our team in advance to connect on-site and engage in personal conversations.
Looking forward to meeting you in Lisbon!
m3connect was awarded the title of “MSP of the Year 2023 for the Middle East and Africa” at the #CiscoPartnerSummit 2023 in Dubai. We are thrilled and proud of this recognition, which reflects our continuous efforts and highlights the following achievements:
• Achieving an annual growth rate of over 1000%.
• Demonstrating expertise and specialization in the Cisco Meraki Suite.
• Focusing on meeting the specific requirements of the hospitality industry.
The Cisco Reseller Excellence Awards are a special acknowledgment that celebrates partners who have excelled in specific technology market segments. The winners are carefully selected by a panel of experts from the Cisco Global Partner Organization and regional executives.
The closing evening provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate our achievements and strengthen our collaboration with other participants. In the photo, you can see our General Manager Middle East & Africa, Jeroen Wisse, along with Anjum Mushtaq, Channel Manager Cisco, and Renton D’Souza, Senior Director, Comstor.
We would like to express our gratitude to Comstor and Cisco for this valuable recognition. We remain committed to delivering top-quality services to our customers and partners.