Changing patterns of data traffic create new challenges for corporate networks. There is more data than ever, moving in new directions within the organization and beyond it in the cloud. Several new technologies offer organizations a way to address these challenges effectively.

New Network Technology

Software Defined Networks

Today’s business is dynamic, and networks need to be able to adapt to new demands. Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) creates a logical network out of several physical networks, determining routes based on current conditions.

SD-WAN provides networks with the flexibility to use more than one transport technology, picking the cheapest or “best”, through awareness of application metrics including packet loss and latency. With those priorities, SD-WAN chooses a route, potentially including public internet connections. It also enables faster provisioning through automating processes that are traditionally slow and manual.

The combination of these factors gives networks the ability to adapt to business requirements much the way the cloud allows processing and storage to adapt. The SD-WAN can prioritize services like video and voice communications that are highly sensitive to network performance. It will enable businesses to integrate edge devices much more fully than traditional technology allows. This will enable easier support of remote offices, as well as mobile devices.

SD-WAN is also relatively simple to deploy. Because the WAN is defined through software rather than depending on physical elements, the entire WAN can be supported from one location.

Intent-Based Networking

Ever dream about not having to resolve network problems? Intent-based networking (IBN) can make that dream come true. IBN relies on defining policies and using automation to deliver services. An IBN remains aware of network status. By relying on the policies, an intent-based network can automatically respond to network problems. Network administrators tell the network how it should behave and the system figures out for itself how to achieve that behavior.

New Network Challenges

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things is a key source of network challenges. One of the main sources of the challenge is that despite the vast, increasing number of these devices, they remain largely invisible. They can send traffic constantly, communicating status to a backend system every few seconds, and often present security risks. 

Hyperconverged Infrastructure

Hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) is intended to simplify management of compute and storage resources, but can cause challenges for networks. Because the hyperconverged infrastructure manages its own storage, data access patterns and performance are affected by where the HCI chooses to store the data. Because HCI by design includes both compute and storage, read/write operations span the network.

Coping with new demands on your network requires rethinking how you are using your technology. Prescient Solutions offers IT consulting services and managed technology services throughout the Chicago and Schaumburg area, helping companies ensure their networks use the latest technology to support their business requirements. Contact us to learn how Prescient Solutions’ network management services can ensure your network provides the performance your applications need.