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08 November 2024

Future Trends in Networking Technology: What’s on the Horizon?

Introduction

The digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and with it, networking technology is advancing to meet the growing needs of businesses and individuals alike. In this age of digital transformation, organizations must keep pace with new trends to enhance connectivity, security, and flexibility. This article explores three major trends in networking technology Wi-Fi 6, mesh networks, and SD-WAN and discusses how Fortinet’s security solutions play an essential role in supporting and securing these advancements.

Trend 1: Wi-Fi 6 – The Next Generation of Wireless Connectivity

Wi-Fi 6, or 802.11ax, represents a significant leap forward in wireless technology. With its increased speeds, capacity, and efficiency, Wi-Fi 6 is becoming the standard for high-performance, high-density environments.

  • Enhanced Speed and Capacity: Wi-Fi 6 delivers speeds up to four times faster than its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5, making it ideal for busy office environments, public venues, and homes with multiple connected devices. It also significantly reduces latency, enabling smooth video conferencing, online collaboration, and faster data transfers.
  • Increased Efficiency: Wi-Fi 6 introduces advanced features like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Target Wake Time (TWT). OFDMA allows multiple devices to communicate simultaneously, reducing congestion, while TWT improves battery life by allowing devices to schedule check-ins with the router, conserving energy.
  • Benefits for Businesses: For businesses, the enhanced capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 translate to improved productivity and a superior user experience. Employees and customers alike benefit from faster, more stable connections, which enable seamless communication and support cloud-based applications that are essential for today’s hybrid work environments.

Trend 2: Mesh Networks – Seamless Connectivity Across Larger Areas

Mesh networks are transforming the way we think about Wi-Fi coverage. Unlike traditional networks with a single router, mesh networks use multiple nodes to create a seamless network across large areas, eliminating dead zones.

  • How Mesh Networks Work: In a mesh network, several nodes (or access points) work together to provide consistent Wi-Fi coverage across large spaces. Each node communicates with others, creating a web of connectivity that extends the network without compromising speed or reliability.
  • Applications in Smart Homes and Offices: Mesh networks are particularly useful in smart homes and expansive office spaces. They support a wide array of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, from security cameras to smart thermostats, providing flexibility and adaptability for both residential and commercial spaces. Businesses can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity across multiple floors or buildings, ensuring employees and devices stay connected wherever they are.
  • Benefits for Large-Scale Environments: For businesses operating in large or complex spaces, mesh networks offer reliable, consistent internet access across all areas, fostering productivity and reducing connectivity issues. In settings such as hospitals, hotels, or manufacturing plants, this reliability is crucial.

Trend 3: SD-WAN – Optimizing Network Performance for Remote Work

With remote work becoming the norm, organizations need a network solution that prioritizes flexibility, performance, and security. Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) is a powerful tool for optimizing and managing network resources, particularly for businesses with distributed teams.

  • What SD-WAN Brings to the Table: SD-WAN allows businesses to route network traffic based on priority, ensuring that essential applications receive the bandwidth and resources they need. This optimization leads to smoother, faster connections for critical business applications while reducing costs associated with traditional WAN solutions.
  • Importance for Businesses with Remote Teams: SD-WAN provides remote teams with secure, reliable access to the company’s network. It enables centralized management, allowing IT teams to monitor and control network traffic efficiently, ensuring consistent application performance and reducing latency.
  • Security and Scalability: SD-WAN enhances security through integrated firewalls, VPNs, and encryption, which is crucial for remote work environments. Additionally, SD-WAN scales easily to meet the needs of growing businesses, adapting to new branches or remote users without requiring extensive infrastructure changes.

Fortinet Solutions: Integrating Security with Emerging Technologies

As organizations adopt these innovative networking technologies, securing their networks becomes increasingly essential. Fortinet’s comprehensive suite of security solutions is designed to work seamlessly with emerging technologies like Wi-Fi 6, mesh networks, and SD-WAN, ensuring businesses can reap the benefits of these advancements without compromising security.

  • Fortinet for Wi-Fi 6 and Mesh Networks: Fortinet’s wireless solutions, such as FortiAPs, are designed to support Wi-Fi 6 and mesh configurations. These access points incorporate built-in security features, ensuring that devices on the network are protected from potential threats. They also support easy scalability, allowing businesses to expand their networks without compromising on security.
  • Fortinet’s SD-WAN Integration: Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN combines advanced security features with SD-WAN functionality, providing a secure, high-performance solution for distributed networks. With features like next-generation firewall capabilities, web filtering, and intrusion prevention, Fortinet’s SD-WAN solution protects remote connections while ensuring smooth and efficient network performance.

Use Case: A growing mid-sized enterprise implemented Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN along with Wi-Fi 6-enabled FortiAPs to support its hybrid workforce. With these technologies in place, the company achieved faster, more reliable connectivity for both in-office and remote employees, while maintaining robust network security. The centralized management features allowed the IT team to monitor and optimize network traffic effortlessly, leading to improved productivity and user satisfaction.

Conclusion

Networking technology is advancing rapidly, and businesses that stay ahead of these trends will be well-prepared for the future. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster and more efficient wireless connectivity, mesh networks provide seamless coverage across large areas, and SD-WAN optimizes network performance for remote work. By integrating Fortinet’s security solutions, organizations can fully leverage these innovations while ensuring robust protection against cyber threats.

Is your business ready for the next generation of networking? Explore Fortinet’s security solutions today to secure and upgrade your network infrastructure, empowering your business to thrive in a connected and competitive world.

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