A new generation of networks can help you grow your business

By Mohammed Mulla, Senior Product Manager at SEACOM.

A forward-thinking business that aims to prosper in today's competitive climate needs a network solution that can keep up. Due to the highly technical nature of modern networking, this may appear to be daunting. However, new technologies must not be neglected if a company is to continue to develop and thrive.

Traditional network structures are unable to keep up with today's ever-evolving innovations and rising network demands. Remote working has become the new normal, driving more companies to migrate to the cloud. The implementation of a cloud-based, high-speed and modernised business network will improve problem-solving potential, offer increased security and provide more dynamic capabilities.

Issues with outdated network models

Large companies with multiple offices in various locations require a variety of internet services, necessitating multiple partnerships with internet service providers (ISPs) at the same time. As a result, traditional network solutions such as virtual private networks (VPNs) or multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) are not ideal as this can become incredibly complex and unmanageable.

Businesses are increasingly relying on cloud-based applications and services that are hosted in remote data centres, instead of on-site servers. If a company's network traffic cannot be managed to satisfy each application's bandwidth requirements, essential services may be unavailable and customers may experience poor service delivery. This can have an extremely costly impact on a business.

For enterprises that are digitising core operations, advanced network security threats require the implementation of the most up-to-date software and hardware-based security applications, which can be costly. Ideally, security protocols should be seamlessly integrated into the network infrastructure instead. This is made possible through the use of SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network).

SD-WAN provides the ideal solution to all of these issues as it creates a centralised overlay of a network, no matter who the service provider is or what connections they use. It also allows companies to optimise bandwidth usage, improve cloud efficiency and optimise a number of other network functions.

Dynamic routing and multiple connection support

One of the key benefits of SD-WAN is that it enables dynamic routing, meaning that should a branch office with a single link suffer a connection outage causing it not to function, it won’t impact business overall as traffic is dynamically routed and prioritised over multiple remaining links.

SD-WAN provides proactive network error detection and resolution, allowing traffic to flow freely across the network and preventing any loss of productivity or revenue. Additionally, multiple connection types from various providers are supported by the technology, allowing for greater flexibility. Companies are able to use SD-WAN to set rules for traffic routing via more reliable or more affordable connections.

Improved cloud efficiency

With traditional network models, data traffic is generally backhauled to a data centre for security filtering before being rerouted to the cloud, which slows down the entire process. SD-WAN, on the other hand, supports cloud migration, is designed for applications that are hosted in the cloud, data centres or on software as a service (SaaS) platforms.

SD-WAN is able to identify each application and dynamically route it to its target destination via the most efficient route. All of this is automated and can be set up to handle a variety of network issues, such as a network overload, a server crash or a general downtime. This boosts overall performance and lightens the workload of a company's IT department.

Robust security measures

Hardware-based security solutions, such as firewalls, are no longer fully adequate to protect business networks from today’s sophisticated cyber threats. Through virtualisation and a variety of software-based security applications, SD-WAN is able to significantly bolster network security. These services update automatically on a regular basis and are stored directly on the network, allowing a company to reduce costs.

Security features such as virtual firewalls and data encryption are integrated into most SD-WAN solutions. Instead of funneling everything through expensive security services, sensitive data is able to be prioritized throughout the network, ensuring automatic protection. SD-WAN is able to deliver the latest security technology to large enterprises via industry-leading cyber security providers.

Modern businesses require a reliable partner with considerable expertise and knowledge of modern network technologies. SEACOM Business is able to provide SD-WAN solutions to companies throughout Kenya. For more information or to get a quote for our network services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.

SEACOM is privately owned - making it adaptable to the needs of the client. We are the preferred ICT and internet connectivity supplier for African enterprises. We can guarantee fast, reliable and secure internet and networking services at affordable prices.

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