The digitalization and the Internet-of-Things (IoT) challenge the network technology. More and more data must be transmitted faster and more secure. Further, devices that communicate autonomous over the internet, cloud-computing and an increasing number of mobile devices are a part of this. This makes even the most experienced IT manager sweat. Which trends should companies prepare for in the future?

Software Defined Networking (SDN)

SDN is an approach that decouples the network control from the hardware. This separates the Control Plane and the Data Plane. Among other things, this results in a simpler execution of operating and maintenance procedures.

Network Functions Virtualization (NFV)

With the NFV concept, individual network functions can be virtualized, i.e. services can be created, implemented, and managed. Virtualization makes the network environment more adaptable. The networks are adapted faster and react more efficiently to different load profiles. This can reduce capital and operating costs and reduce the time required to create new network services.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

In addition to data transmission, the Ethernet cable supplies power to network-compatible peripherals such as network switches (power sourcing equipment, PSE devices), VoIP telephones or WLAN access points (powered devices, PD devices). The number of cables and sockets is reduced, thus lowering investment costs.

Multi-Gig-Ports

Since different network devices such as AC Wave 2 wireless access points, network cards or servers require different switching speeds, the use of multi-gigabit switches is recommended. The included multi-gig ports provide the optimal speed for full device performance. Expensive cabling is now a thing of the past.

Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT)

2020 will see the arrival of the 5G network, which will be faster, better and more energy efficient. Until then, the narrowband Lot offers a good alternative. This technology can be integrated into existing LTE networks via appropriate software upgrades. Advantages of NB-IoT include low power consumption of the end devices, low latency times, low module costs and data transmission over long distances.

Service Assurance

Due to IoT, networks are becoming increasingly complex. Service Assurance Systems can identify and eliminate errors more quickly. Network monitoring can also be used to determine and correct DNS performance and cyber-attacks.

These are just a few trends that will be important for network technology in the future. We are eager to see what other innovations and technologies will follow, because the IT industry never sleeps.