Network Modernization Planning, 2022 Edition

How are we still talking about network modernization in 2022, you might ask? That is a fair question. The simple answer is that most companies and enterprises have yet to begin the process of modernization in earnest and instead continue down the well-worn path of early 2000s networking.

Many corporations announce mergers frequently. Once the ink has dried on the deal, the integration plan begins to take shape. The immediate challenge of interconnection is tasked to IT so that application systems integration or data sharing can securely take place. Often the operations need to remain only partially integrated, as they operate within different data sovereignty laws and corporate polices. How do we do this securely when both organizations have existing AWS account footprints?

This article originally appeared in K-12 Dive.

For years, we have used MPLS and, more recently, SD-WAN to ensure a quality network experience for our office site users. I've noticed a lot of clients still keep their MPLS carrier service, but at a reduced bandwidth with SD-WAN overlays. This works great to deliver apps and services from centralized or regional network hubs.

It’s no mystery that airports will undergo major renovations in the coming years. But those airports must also embrace digital transformations of critical airport infrastructure from legacy networks to state-of-the-art technology that’s future-proof, secure, and reliable.

The Cisco Meraki MX and Z3 have the native ability via presets to do Meraki AutoVPN or AWS/Azure-native IPSec VPN. Both your existing facilities and Public Cloud presence can also host and accept IPSec. AWS Cloud Hub or Azure vHub can host and accept and function as—you guessed it—an IPSec Hub.

Imagine this scenario: A Brazilian new-age clothing designer is looking to open a New York office to complement their São Paulo, Brazil, headquarters. The company has a lean IT staff and little experience supporting multinational locations. Further, the CTO is looking for security, switching, and wireless infrastructure that can be managed via a centralized, cloud-delivered dashboard. Finally, given the vicious and competitive nature of high-end clothing design, the CTO would like a solution that can help maintain the physical security of their environment.

As most traditional network vendors are trying to build a cohesive solution through acquisition and integration, Cisco Meraki has had the integrated platform that other vendors are trying to create for quite some time. You owe it to yourself to take the time to get to know Meraki.

In my last blog post, I covered some of the benefits of Wi-Fi 6. Now, you might be saying to yourself, "How can I get these great benefits for my wireless network?" As always, when we talk about new wireless technologies, we are talking about an upgrade of at least the radio hardware. This is due to the changes in how the radio signal is modulated and other requirements. At this point, we have a way to provide for these changes in software.

As businesses re-open their offices and employees are not restricted to work-from-home limitations, many are looking for ways to increase employee safety and actively respond to incidents of COVID-19 infections. Managing occupancy and density, monitoring adherence to social distancing guidelines, and performing contact tracing within the workplace are some of the challenges these businesses are facing. This blog post introduces solutions from ConvergeOne and its technology partners that address these challenges.