Your router is going through an identity crisis. That simple device sitting in your closet and lighting up is ready for a major overhaul – and will now come accompanied. Common networking devices are upgrading their boring image as fast as you can say “fiber optic.”
The networking industry is in urgent need of a complete makeover. And, like, for real? We mean, AI predictive algorithms for automatic failure detection of devices and networks, 5G networks propelling your current Wi-Fi to the level of dial-up, and software that can turn a piece of hardware into a networking device.
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The Vehicle of Innovation is Software
At any point in time, did you expect that your humble switch suddenly gets an update? Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) are the new buzzwords that will change your humble switch into an advanced networking arsenal.
Here’s the scoop: SDN and NFV mean practitioners and IT professionals can now say goodbye to purpose-built devices and single, expensive units. Now, devices and components can be distributed into their individual apps that can be put back together as mix and match systems. Want better performance? That is as simple as upgrading the required components. Want to deploy a new security policy? Use a dummy and deploy options without risking an actual network change.
Sure, everything sounds nice, but this is game changing. Entire networks can be controlled with a single button. Updating systems, changing configurations without any physical interaction feels unreal.
AI Gives Predictive Capabilities to Your Network
Your network is about to gain the ability to see the future. AI and machine learning technologies are examining data traffic and identifying potential issues long before they compromise your Monday morning video conferences. We mean accurate predictive maintenance.
These systems are smarter. They don’t just respond to the issues; they foresee and act. Consider the scenario in which your network proactively shifting traffic from a failing link long before users notice issues. Or predictive security systems that mark and identify novel threats through unconventional behavior patterns. It sounds like science fiction but is a reality today.
The Impact of IoT and 5G
The benefits of 5G extend beyond just speedy cellphones. It serves as an enabler for a more intermixed world. We envision smart towns with millions of sensors, ultra-low latency IoT networks, and factories with real-time robot synergies.
The new normative private 5G networks are IoT and industrial automation hubs for enterprises. In this regard, the IoT smart home equipped is now obsolete with the next phase in waiting.
Edge computing brings the processing capabilities of systems closer to the point of data generation. Decisions are made locally by smart devices rather than sending everything to faraway data centers. This is useful for autonomous vehicles and real-time industrial controls as network congestion is lessened and responses are a lot faster.
Cloud-Native Gets Serious
In the world of managed IT services, the traditional IT closet is going extinct. The new generation of switches and access points offer modern peripherals that communicate with cloud based dashboards and are capable of performing zero-touch provisioning and policy-based configuration.
Automation is taking over the other tedious parts like backup of the configurations, compliance checks, and everything that requires thorough attention to details. With IT maintenance tasks being automated, IT teams are able to focus strategy.
| Traditional Approach | Cloud-Native Future |
|---|---|
| Manual configuration | Zero-touch provisioning |
| On-site management | Centralized dashboards |
| Reactive maintenance | Predictive automation |
| Hardware-dependent | Software-defined flexibility |
The Learning Curve Reality
The evolution of networking is rapidly gaining pace and staying current is no longer optional. The good news is, the Cisco Networking Academy and the freeCodeCamp’s networking courses are a good starting point for learners.
With tools such as Packet Tracer and GNS3 virtual laboratories, experimenting with new generation hardware is easy and cheap. You can play with AI driven automation, simulate 5 G networks, and test SDN configurations, all on your laptop.
What This Means for You
If you are building your first lab, or maintaining an enterprise infrastructure, it is impossible to ignore the fact that these emerging technologies are turning into the new norm. The networks of the future will surpass anything we have ever experienced when it comes to intelligence, efficiency, and flexibility.
While these devices appear the same as in the past, the technologies that drive them will forth an unparalleled augumentation in potential. A new purchase of a router could come with features such as AI optimization, your switches could be software-defined, and the security devices could work in a decentralized manner in the cloud.
We have ever expanding needs when it comes to networking and it is not just about providing a larger bandwidth or improving performance. The networks should be more intuitive, tackle issues and resolve them proactively, long before a user is impacted. The good thing is that such a revolution is imminent, and the time frame is more condensed than most anticipate.
Looking to boost your networking skills? The revolution has already started and it is the early adopters who are having the most fun.
I’m a technology writer with a passion for AI and digital marketing. I create engaging and useful content that bridges the gap between complex technology concepts and digital technologies. My writing makes the process easy and curious. and encourage participation I continue to research innovation and technology. Let’s connect and talk technology! LinkedIn for more insights and collaboration opportunities: