Direct Mobile Network mobile-network-setup

AEM Screens Players can also be connected using mobile or cellular networks running at least a 3G network.

Within AEM Screens, the required content is physically downloaded to the player controller or computer and properly stored within the underlying Operating System. Therefore, the given bandwidth only impacts initial download times, and content updates, and does not influence the performance of regular playback of Displays.

The benefit of connecting AEM Screens Players over Cellular 3/4/5G to your Mobile Service Data Provider is that the Mobile Router can be placed in an optimized spot. Doing so ensures the best available network coverage. This location is usually in an elevated and open position with as few surrounding concrete or metal structures as possible.

This setup allows AEM Screen users great flexibility because there is no landline connection required to connect to AEM Screens. This arrangement is interesting for ephemeral or mobile setups.

The following diagram shows the Direct Mobile Network Setup. It consists of one singular network connection segment and the connection of each player to the mobile or cellular data Network.

Connecting AEM Screens Player to Direct Mobile Network

Follow the steps below to ensure proper connection of the AEM Screen players in this configuration:

Setting Up Direct Mobile Network requirements-direct

The network Setup can be logically separated in two blocks:

Mobile Internet Connection mobile-internet-connection

The performance of the Internet connection besides network reachability provides sufficient bandwidth to operate AEM Screens smoothly.

In Direct Mobile Network, each Player is connected with a singular Mobile Data Card to the provider’s data Network.

The following table highlights the data networks with their standard bandwidth:

While considering which Data Network should be used, consider the following:

The available Network speed depends on the specific Mobile Data provider plan and with the available coverage that is reached at the location of the AEM Screens Controller.
While following this setup, consider that besides the available bandwidth, some Mobile Data Provider Plans limit the available amount of Data coming across the connection within a specific time. It must be ensured that there is enough capacity in the data and bandwidth amounts.
As a follow-up, the needed Data Package must be at least:

Data Package Capacity = # of Clients * (# of Content Files * Average File Size)

Local Area Network lan-connection

The performance concerns of the Local Area Network (LAN), besides the network reachability, are to provide sufficient bandwidth to operate AEM Screens smoothly. The recommendation for the LAN network speeds is to start at 100-Mbps networks at least, so that there is sufficient bandwidth to connect many devices with good performance to the system.

While using other active network components, it is mandatory that all of those do match to the network bandwidth requirements. For example, the network components should at least match the 100 Mbps standard and match the bandwidth provided by the Internet access or Router specification. Otherwise, the total bandwidth is limited by the weakest link in the network chain.

Downloading Media and Assets download

AEM Screens provides a significant advantage to Digital Signage Users. It downloads and locally saves all necessary media files, such as images and videos. The major network traffic occurs when there is new content to be displayed on a specific display.

For normal operations, for example, a defined playlist that updates frequently during the day - offers a close to network-independent operation, after all the files are saved on the player.

For scenarios, where there are more interactions with sensors or triggers and dynamic content, a fast and reliable network connection is essential for an immediate screen reaction to ensure the best possible customer experience.

The following table provides an overview on network connectivity key data.