Key Elements of Next-generation Networking
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Key Elements of Next-generation Networking

Network Infrastructure Magazine | Saturday, May 27, 2023

With the support of next-generation networking, network professionals can manage massive, sophisticated enterprise networks that can serve the business.

FREMONT, CA: The process of designing network infrastructure using cutting-edge, new technology is known as next-generation networking. Modern expectations can be met by businesses using next-generation networks, which have flexible, quick, and secure infrastructures that are simpler to administer. The concept of next-generation networking and related projects have changed at the same time as the most recent networking technology has advanced quickly.

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When businesses use cutting-edge tactics and technologies, they can create next-generation networks. Here, analysts provide their opinions on the technologies that, among other things, help modernise network infrastructures, such as secure access service edge (SASE), network automation, artificial intelligence, the most recent Wi-Fi versions, and more.

Private 5G

Private wireless networks can be constructed using 5G by companies that would prefer to have more control over their network equipment. Private wireless is a relatively new phenomenon, though; the FCC recently made wireless spectrum available for auction. Additionally, interest in private 5G is still high, although Nolle noted that this technology works best for IoT-related applications rather than those utilised in conventional network devices. However, private 5G might get businesses closer to network modernisation, so businesses must assess whether private wireless is a worthwhile initiative.

White Box Networking

There has been an uptick in interest in white boxes among businesses. White box networking has a variety of applications and can help businesses in a number of ways because of its open networking, commodity hardware, and customisation options. White box networking, for instance, could make it simpler to incorporate additional tools into the network design, such as those used for network automation.

Despite this, white box networking adoption in businesses has remained unchanged. Many executives are hesitant to decide to transition to white-box networking from traditional networking. Few big companies supply white box networking equipment, even if they were interested. Open networking may become a significant component of modernised networking, but experts are still looking for ways to increase the acceptance of white-box networking.

Network Observability

Since it provides data relating to numerous other operational areas, observability is a crucial feature of next-generation networks. Traditional monitoring is improved upon by network observability. It frequently focuses on the end-user experience while proactively assessing performance indicators and resolving network issues through data analysis and telemetry. By uncovering unknowns, observability enables assessment network operations and provides the necessary feedback for closed-loop, intent-based automation and orchestration.

Wi-Fi 6E

Considering it may support faster data speeds, Wi-Fi 6E is another important factor to take into account for next-generation networks. Wi-Fi 6E utilises the 6 GHz frequency range in addition to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, in contrast to earlier iterations of the technology. In April 2021, Wi-Fi 6E routers were introduced, however, the majority of network endpoint devices are still lacking the functionality. As Wi-Fi 6E develops, it will become a key component of next-generation networks. Mobile network operators are starting to consider fixed wireless access into consideration for network connectivity in rural regions, which is another move for Wi-Fi. Long-range Wi-Fi is used by network operators to facilitate this connectivity.

SASE

According to an independent consultant, controller-based operations and security, which SASE offers, are features of next-generation networks. SASE is a best practice for next-generation networking because it blends software-defined WAN (SD-WAN), a crucial tool that makes network management seamless, with built-in security features. It all comes back to those fundamental components and assembling a safe system functions well and allows one to spot issues as they occur.

SD-WAN and SASE are set to revolutionise how businesses create conventional VPN services. Due to its easier and more affordable design compared to conventional MPLS VPNs, SD-WAN is crucial to networking. Since SASE can implement traffic over a secure VPN, it is fast becoming the cornerstone of security strategy. The goal of networking has shifted from linking websites to linking applications. Enterprise networking, however, still primarily consists of the networking and security elements included in SASE, such as SD-WAN and security service edge, respectively.

AI

One of the most intriguing aspects of next-generation networks is AI and how it interacts with other networking technologies. Some SASE components, including zero trust, cloud access security brokers, software-defined access, and other security capabilities, can be integrated by AI to acquire network visibility. Automation is a further use for AI and machine learning (ML). Automation is essential for professionals to raise scale, enhance complexity, and improve network agility. Cutting-edge AI and ML solutions are essential to support these activities.

Automation

Network automation gets rid of the tedious duties that specialists must perform. However, it is also a crucial aspect of software-defined networking and next-generation networks with SDN components. Automation is a vital component of next-generation networks because it is utilised by SDN controllers for both wired and wireless networks. Another crucial element for next-generation networks is active queue management, a technique used to manage network hardware. Network specialists can automate procedures to control network equipment with active queue management.

Next-generation networks that have been modernised often have automation. Network administrators can manage larger, more complicated networks with the help of automation and orchestration, which also boosts network services' agility and reliability.

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