The road to network modernization starts now

Today, as more businesses adopt open office plans with wireless desks and smart applications, it’s more important than ever to ensure your network infrastructure can keep up with the demand. It may be comfortable to keep the older technology you’re using today, but keep an eye on the future so you’re not stuck trying to find a quick fix to a bigger problem later on.

[[325238]]

As you begin the journey to modernize your network, there are some key things to consider:

1. Is your current network adequate?

Traditional networks with multiple category cables may work today. However, as you look to add smart applications to your building, adding multiple parallel networks increases complexity. The bandwidth requirements are such that category cables will eventually be unable to support them.

2. Consider the most needed building applications

When adding security, more Wi-Fi, and indoor cellular networks need to be added to normal corporate usage, a robust network is needed to support them. Fiber's unlimited bandwidth provides the opportunity to support these multiple network applications. There are also many considerations for office environments that attract tomorrow's workforce, or hotels that attract today's business travelers.

3. Make a plan

An effective approach is to envision what the ideal network looks like and then build the current network infrastructure backwards step by step. This provides a technology investment roadmap with the right project sequence that can be used to develop a budget for each project. Depending on the size and financial status of the network, executing a modernization plan may take many budget years.

4. Consider future network options

End the revamp and replace cycle and invest in a network that is easy to manage and upgrade. Software-defined fiber-based infrastructure provides tremendous flexibility while maintaining power efficiency. As data demands change in the future, a simple electronic switch is all that’s required at the edge of the network.

5. Create compelling business value

IT infrastructure is difficult to obtain budget funding. Since commercial software tends to receive the majority of funding, the vision and value of the modernization program must be clear and make business sense to the non-technical staff involved in the budget approval process. Successful IT leaders will provide more supporting materials that clarify how modernization will improve their business activities.

In summary, don’t be afraid to invest in technology that will bring you success, even if it takes a few years to get to optimal performance. Planning capital expenditures today may result in significantly lower operating costs.