8 Trends Affecting Network Services

3. Digital Twins Networking Technology

A network digital twin is an invaluable tool that allows network architects to replicate a computer-simulated model of a network, the operating environment, and the traffic therein. By doing this, IT teams can study network behavior, run simulations, and make recommendations to develop a stronger, better network. Networking digital twins have uses beyond fortifying a network. This same concept applies to numerous industries:

• Manufacturing. Manufacturers utilize digital twin applications to enhance and optimize factories.
• Education. During COVID, digital twin applications allowed educational facilities to create remote learning opportunities.
• Healthcare. Even healthcare utilizes these applications for anticipating health complications and training.

While an excellent tool for being proactive or optimizing, some challenges come with developing and managing a network digital twin. For instance, real-time data communication and latency become a concern, which may create inaccurate data. And, data storage and security can be an issue without the right expertise to build and manage a digital twin.

4. Edge Computing

Without realizing it, many consumers use edge devices. Smart devices, like watches, speakers, and phones, all utilize edge computing to process data more efficiently by being physically close to the user and transferring data to the cloud.

Edge computing doesn’t require an additional network, but can live on those devices or a router and connect existing architecture to bring digital assets into the physical world. Here are a few examples of how edge computing is used by consumers and businesses today:

• Patient monitoring. One notable example of edge computing is monitoring patient care. Sensors applied to patients during an in-patient visit (e.g. intensive care following a car accident) report on patient trends and behaviors.
• Smart homes. With smart homes, users utilize devices to create reminders, set the thermostat, or even turn on a light. Edge computing allows for an instant response that’s more secure than when data is sent to a centralized remote server.
• Traffic management. Edge computing allows for real-time traffic monitoring so that traffic control centers are able to react to traffic patterns, fluctuations in demand, and future advancements by autonomous vehicles.

5. Data Security

As technology becomes more sophisticated and complex, so do data breaches. Once a weakness has been identified, many attacks can be accomplished in days — which used to take months. According to this IBM study, the development of AI only incentivizes cybercriminals to develop tools designed to attack AI technologies. In the meantime, the IBM study identified that in 2022, 41% of cyber attacks occurred due to phishing. Because of this, phishing remains an effective way to gain access to a company’s network.

Numerous notable data breaches have happened in recent years, some amounting to a significant loss in revenue — the 2021 T-Mobile data breach, for example, resulted in a $350 million pay-out to impacted customers.

Data security should be the top priority for any organization. One serious breach can devastate a company’s future, so it’s vital to prioritize keeping data safe. Information governance helps companies comply with local, regional, and global legislation and minimize the risk of cyber threats. To mitigate risk, companies should:

• Develop a network crisis plan
• Monitor suspicious traffic and strange activity
• Develop BYOD policies and encourage best practices
• Educate employees on good cyber practices

Stakes are high regarding data breaches and violating regional and global legislation designed to protect consumers’ privacy. It’s essential that IT teams prioritize data security and routinely check that their data is secure.

6. AI-Based Network Automation

As networks continue to evolve, the need for artificial intelligence and ML in networking has become evident. AI in networking can improve efficiency and reporting, allowing IT teams to identify issues, trends in usage, anomalies, and the root causes of various issues and vulnerabilities. With time, AI and ML automation will be able to self-optimize and provide insight that allows for a proactive approach to vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

7. Fifth Generation (5G) and Wi-Fi 6

Wireless connectivity has become an essential part of operations for almost every business, and that will not change in 2024 and beyond. That’s where 5G and Wi-Fi 6 are integral to business.

• Publicly accessible 5G. Initially developed in 2018, publicly accessible 5G has spread rapidly since its inception and is now in 70 countries worldwide, with numerous other countries in the process of deploying or investing in 5G networks. 5G offers improved performance and speed overall, allowing organizations to take advantage of a mobile and remote workforce and utilize an increased network capacity for more demanding apps and automation.
• Private 5G. Organizations that are reliant on fast and secure data may choose to utilize a private 5G network. These private networks allow the network owner to restrict access on the wireless spectrum, allowing for better performance, security, and lower latency. This is invaluable for places like healthcare, airports, and manufacturing that rely on real-time information.
• Wi-Fi 6. Also known as the 802.11ax Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6 delivers nearly triple the speed of Wi-Fi 5, allowing companies to reduce lag and increase efficiency — assuming their access point and hubs are Wi-Fi 6-compliant.

8. Internet of Things (IoT)

With satellite offices, hybrid workspaces, and a remote workforce, IoT has become a relevant and essential part of personal and professional lives. As a matter of fact, this study published by Lionel Sujay Vailshery states that the number of IoT devices used worldwide is expected to reach nearly 30 billion by 2030.

From a workspace perspective, it’s essential that the equipment employees use, whether an office-issued laptop or personal phone, meets certain requirements. It’s essential to ensure that equipment has optimized software, up-to-date hardware, and the latest networking technology to perform as intended. After all, more devices mean more opportunities for a data breach.

IT professionals, either as part of an internal team or a managed service provider, are busy maintaining networks, building digital infrastructures, and performing numerous other tasks essential to operating an organization. Utilize on-site support to identify legacy hardware and replace it, eliminate security risks with out-of-date software, and solve numerous other issues that, at best, waste time and, at worst, pose a serious security breach.

Solving Networking Issues with On-site Support

Many of the trends we’ve listed above are innovations that make satellite offices, WFH, and fieldwork easier. However, these newer networking technologies also increase the need for on-site support. A remote, virtual help desk isn’t as effective as an on-site, specialized technician, particularly with some of the complex network-related trends that will likely continue long after 2024. A fractional approach to on-site support is a growing solution — which is where Techmate comes in.