Here are the top eight emerging trends to watch out for in 2023.

In today’s fast-moving world, we discover new technologies and innovative approaches to existing technologies seemingly every day. While these new ways to communicate, live, and do business add to the human experience, they can sometimes create challenges for companies hesitant or unprepared to adapt to change.

Top 8 2024 Networking Trends

Several network trends can impact businesses in 2024; however, eight stand out more than the rest and will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Here are the eight biggest networking trends impacting medium to large-sized organizations today.

1. Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)

A Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is a virtual architecture that allows devices to connect to applications regardless of the type of connection or location. SD-WAN plays a vital role in security by connecting users and devices regardless of location. It also improves performance and offers more reliability across the network as a whole.

While the advent of SD-WAN occurred in the early 2000s, it wasn’t until the mid-2010s that this software became important for addressing networking issues that larger organizations faced. Because of this, it isn’t surprising that from 2023 to 2027 the SD-WAN market is expected to experience an annual compound growth rate of nearly 30%, according to PR Newswire.

With the emergence of the Internet of Things and numerous other advancements in networking, SD-WAN is more important than ever and requires more time from qualified professionals to implement and maintain. Without proper IT support from skilled, trained professionals, SD-WANs experience slower deployments and lagging that can compromise the effectiveness and security of a network.

2. Multi-Cloud Networking

Multi-cloud networking (MCN) is the natural evolution of cloud networking, and a very popular tool in 2024. MCN is a service or software that allows companies to utilize multiple public and private cloud resources. Secure and easy to manage, MCN allows organizations visibility and control while managing the network connections, and it’s easily scalable.

With MCN, corporations can utilize the best cloud services for their needs. For example, Google Cloud may be the best cloud service for internal communications and data storage, while Oracle Cloud is an excellent choice for apps that are customer-facing.

As companies consider switching from a single-cloud network to MCN, it’s essential that companies establish multi-cloud policies and network and security policies. These policies should be consistent across the entire organization and managed regularly.

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.

Why Work with Techmate?

Extensive Coverage, Fair Pricing

• Serving the healthcare industry and other industries with plenty of IT professionals for one low monthly flat subscription rate.

Years of Expertise, Experience

• We only work with heavily-vetted and screened techs with an average of five to 15 years of experience.

Regional Manager Approach

• We manage healthcare IT professionals so you can focus on what matters—your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three most important network trends?

While this may depend on the industry, generally speaking, the three most important network trends today are SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network), Multi-cloud Networking, and edge computing.

How does the increase in remote work influence trends in network services?

The increase in remote work greatly influences trends in network services by boosting the demand for robust, dependable, and high-speed connectivity. Additionally, it necessitates enhanced security protocols to safeguard sensitive data and causes a surge in cloud-based services and VPN usage.

How are advancements in cybersecurity affecting the future of network services?

Advancements in cybersecurity are significantly influencing the future of network services by introducing advanced technologies for threat detection and data protection. These adaptations aim to ensure secure data transmission and storage, thereby gaining user trust and adding value to network services. They are also driving the shift towards more secure structures like the zero-trust model in networking.

How can emerging technologies like AI and Machine Learning influence network services?

Emerging technologies like AI and Machine Learning can significantly influence network services by improving network efficiency, optimizing data traffic, and predicting faults or outages. These technologies can aid in automating network configurations, enhancing security measures, and personalizing user experiences based on data-driven insights.

What impact could network service trends have on my business operations?

Trends in network services can significantly impact your business operations by improving efficiency, enhancing security, and enabling better collaboration. However, they may also necessitate investments in new hardware or training for staff to handle advanced technologies.