Better connections enable faster, more flexible networks

  For the past two decades, network architectures have been built around network devices located in specific locations. While this approach worked in the past, with the shift to a data-centric network model and the increasing adoption of cloud computing, it is time for some changes. Looking ahead, using the collected data for analysis to make decisions will become one of the main responsibilities of the CIO.

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The proliferation of mobile devices, sensors, edge computing, shared data, and automation all require powerful connectivity and differentiated networks, while network management frameworks enable administrators to configure networks through software to adapt to various performance and availability requirements.

Fortunately, we already have all the building blocks needed to deliver this kind of advanced network:

1. 5G technology offers higher speeds, lower latency, and most importantly, the ability to connect a large number of sensors and smart devices in the network. With 5G, many network protocols can coexist to meet the specific requirements of devices and applications. As a unified technology, 5G has all the network functions needed to manage large-scale information flows and information density.

2. Software-defined networking (SDN) is a software layer that sits on top of a physical network (composed of network devices such as switches and routers). Traditionally, the use of this technology has been limited to data centers, but it has now been extended to wide area networks (SD-WAN) to connect data centers or other cross-regional applications.

3. Network Function Virtualization (NFV) replaces network functions such as routing, switching, encryption, firewall, WAN acceleration and load balancing on dedicated physical network devices with the help of virtualized software.

4. Network as a Service (NaaS) is a subscription-based business model that provides a full range of network services to an enterprise virtually. Infrastructure functions can be included in a fixed fee for NaaS, or enterprises can rent each service separately.

5. Bandwidth on demand is a service that allocates network resources based on the needs of specific devices on the network. More bandwidth is allocated to nodes where demand peaks, and when demand decreases, bandwidth is proportionally reduced.

CIOs can use these advanced connectivity building blocks in conjunction with existing LAN technologies (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Gigabit broadband and other wide-area capabilities) to build customizable networks that meet the needs of a variety of businesses. Of course, the following supply and demand factors also need to be considered:

1. The demand for real-time computing and low latency in terminal devices is growing. Applications such as industrial automation, virtual reality, and autonomous decision-making will require high computing power. For IoT networks where large amounts of data are generated and transmitted, edge computing is a game-changer.

2. The number of connected devices that need to be monitored and managed has increased dramatically. With the support of 5G, it is expected that the number and variety of connected devices within the enterprise will increase dramatically, and each may have its own operating system, computing, storage and networking capabilities.

3. The IT talent model is evolving. To adapt to the new normal, IT talents will strive to improve their skills and receive retraining, so the talent model also needs to evolve and upgrade.

With the continuous development of features such as 5G, SDN and NFV, the pace of development of enterprise computing infrastructure and data architecture will not slow down for a long time in the future. When enterprises formulate connectivity and cloud strategies, they should be aligned with the strategic goals of the enterprise digital transformation agenda. With the exponential growth of the total number of devices in the network, the digital transformation process of all industries will inevitably accelerate. Efficient and low-latency network services require more extensive and high-speed network connections. Network infrastructure is the cornerstone, including wired (integrated wiring and Ethernet switching) and wireless (Wi-Fi). Without the cornerstone of the information highway, this strategic goal cannot be achieved. The trend of infrastructure is to develop in the direction of higher bandwidth, higher performance, more flexible deployment, and more up and down compatibility. Therefore, when enterprises formulate IT strategic goals for digital transformation, the forward-looking design and deployment of infrastructure will become indispensable.