In 2024, IT leaders have faced critical decisions in networking and security.
AI/ML, cloud services, remote work, and IoT devices have expanded network boundaries beyond traditional architecture. Cyber threats are evolving faster than traditional defences can adapt. Meanwhile, IT teams are pressured to do more with limited resources and, in many cases, drive business transformation.
This article examines six key networking and security trends that offer solutions to these pressing issues.
The decline of standalone firewalls
Hybrid workforces and IoT devices have erased traditional network boundaries. The old model of a secure “inside” protected from an unsafe “outside” no longer applies and demands new approaches to network security.
Security Service Edge (SSE) is replacing firewalls and proxies with cloud-delivered secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, and Zero Trust Network Access.
IoT security now requires on-premises segmentation at the network edge, achieved through firewall services built into access points, switches, and SD-WAN gateways.
In data centres, top-of-rack switches with L4-7 security deliver east-west segmentation more cost-effectively than traditional next-gen firewalls.
Aligning security and networking objectives
Zero Trust principles drive the convergence of security and networking goals as organisations redefine the network’s role as an enforcement layer for security policy rather than simply connecting devices.
Security policies may be enforced in the cloud for user-to-application access. Automated security policy implementation in access devices like access points, switches, and routers will benefit IoT devices and services.
HPE Aruba Networking Central is a unified network and security policy framework that seamlessly integrates cloud security with existing network management tools.
Shared visibility, automation, and clear delineation of policy and enforcement help align networking and security teams’ objectives, ultimately delivering a better user experience.
Measuring end-user experience for operational excellence
Organisations are shifting focus to service-level objectives (SLOs) and agreements (SLAs) based on measured user experience.
Digital Experience Management (DEM) tools are widely deployed to measure end-user experiences and make synthetic probes to ensure infrastructure readiness.
A mix of measurements from endpoint agents and dedicated hardware sensors for monitoring Wi-Fi performance is becoming common.
HPE Aruba Networking offers solutions like Central and User Experience Insight to automate and improve user experiences. These solutions leverage AIOps to learn, implement best practices, triage problems, and automatically remediate issues.
Skyrocketing adoption of 6GHz Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi use of the 6GHz spectrum will grow rapidly in 2024 because the new Wi-Fi 7 standard is compatible with Wi-Fi 6E devices.
HPE Aruba Networking offers Wi-Fi 6E access points for indoor and remote use, unlocking access to the 6GHz spectrum.
The increasing availability of 6GHz-capable devices, combined with the mainstreaming of 6E access points, forecasts a significant uptake in 6GHz spectrum usage, promising faster transfers and improved user experiences.
Security-first, AI-powered networking
Modern networks need built-in security from the edge to the cloud. User experience is crucial, even with tight security. AI now helps effectively balance security and performance.
This trend is gaining momentum as cyber threats become more sophisticated and networks more complex. Organisations can no longer treat security as an afterthought.
HPE Aruba Networking combines network and security policies in one system. It integrates cloud security with existing network tools. AI provides insights and automates tasks, helping defend against threats while staying flexible.
To disccover more about these networking and security trends and how DSI Technology Solutions can help you meet your network and security challenges please do contact us.
