The modern workplace is undergoing a significant transformation. With remote and hybrid work models now the norm, enterprise networks face new challenges in delivering secure, seamless connectivity across distributed environments. Employees now work from corporate offices, home offices, shared workspaces, and on-the-go. They use multiple personal and corporate-owned devices to access cloud-based apps and services from anywhere at any time.
To enable business continuity and productivity in this new paradigm, enterprise networks need an overhaul. Legacy network infrastructure lacks the agility, scalability, and security required for the modern workplace. Rapid adoption of cloud, mobile, and IoT is also driving change.
According to some estimates, over 90% of enterprise networks need upgrades to address digital workplace requirements. Common problem areas include:
- Poor Wi-Fi connectivity and coverage
- Limited support for BYOD and guest access
- Complex onboarding and authentication
- Unsegmented networks posing security risks
- Limited visibility into network health and user experience
Upgrading enterprise networks to address these gaps is key for business success.
The Software-Defined Future
The answer lies in evolving to a software-defined architecture. The network of tomorrow will be highly automated, centrally managed, and AI-driven.
RUCKUS Cloudpath® Enrollment System and access points powered by SmartZone network controllers lead the way to the software-defined future with solutions like:
- Client steering for always-on Wi-Fi connectivity
- Zero-IT activation for self-service onboarding
- AI-based RF optimisation and capacity planning
- Identity-based policy enforcement
By leveraging cloud and automation, next-gen networks will continuously monitor, analyse, and optimise performance. IT teams will regain control and get the insights needed to pre-empt issues before they impact users.
Top Considerations for the Modern Workplace
Upgrading enterprise networks involves evaluating infrastructure and policies across the entire organisation. However, some key factors are especially important to address the needs of the modern workplace:
1. Ubiquitous and Reliable Wi-Fi
With users and devices constantly on the move, Wi-Fi is the primary network access method. Spotty coverage and dead zones significantly impact productivity.
RUCKUS access points handle high client densities smoothly and facilitate seamless roaming via client steering technologies. RUCKUS SmartZone controllers provide AI-based RF optimisation for high performance.
2. Secure Access for BYOD and Guests
Allowing personal and guest devices securely on enterprise networks is non-negotiable. RUCKUS Cloudpath Enrollment System enables self-service onboarding and policy enforcement without IT intervention via an intuitive portal.
3. Micro-segmentation
With distributed users and the growing adoption of IoT devices, networks need segmentation to limit lateral threat movement.
RUCKUS SmartZone controllers make segmentation easy across wireless and wired networks using VLANs, VXLANs or virtualised personal networks. Cloudpath integrates user identities with devices to enable identity-based policies.
4. Unified Visibility
Gaining unified visibility into network and application performance is crucial given the increasing complexity. RUCKUS SmartZone provides a single pane of glass for wired/wireless infrastructure. Additional analytics can be incorporated via ecosystem partners.
5. Automation
Manual network management is inefficient and error-prone. RUCKUS enables policy automation, self-healing Wi-Fi, and zero-touch deployments to simplify IT. Integrations with third-party systems like ServiceNow extend automation capabilities.
The Multi-Dwelling Opportunity
Upgrading enterprise networks in multi-dwelling properties like apartments, dorms, hotels and senior living facilities poses unique challenges. Providing reliable connectivity across large campuses with high density users often proves difficult.
Legacy networks in these facilities typically consist of fragmented Wi-Fi infrastructure with spotty coverage. There are often no access policies in place for visitors and limited control for residents over their networks. Such environments are prime targets for security breaches. RUCKUS Cloudpath Enrollment System provides a purpose-driven solution to address these gaps. It enables operators to provide:
- A branded captive portal with self-service access workflows
- Resident networks with full customisation controls
- Secure encrypted connectivity
- Granular access policies and traffic segmentation
- Unified visibility into network performance
With RUCKUS, operators can deliver carrier-grade Wi-Fi to residents and guests with tools to manage QoS easily. For residents, the ability to manage personal networks privately is a major value-add.
The RUCKUS edge-to-cloud architecture ensures reliable, high-speed connectivity across campuses. Patented beamforming technologies provide consistent coverage for high-density environments both indoors and outdoors.
The workplace transformation is here to stay. Upgrading enterprise networks is key to enabling business continuity and delivering great digital experiences in this new environment.
Nextro Network solutions provide a scalable, flexible foundation for the modern workplace. If you want to learn how our solutions can transform your network, get in touch with our team here.