Advantages of an enterprise network

As the needs of businesses continually evolve, the way that digital services are delivered must evolve too, which is where an “enterprise network” comes in. An enterprise network offers many advantages including always-on connectivity, flexibility to scale and embraces new digital services and easier network management. In this blog we’re taking a look at the role of the network and the benefits it brings.

A network’s role is to provide always-on connectivity among users, devices and applications, consistently delivering connected digital services reliably and securely to workers, partners and customers. A network is expected to improve security, enhance the experience of the user and support a multitude of devices performing essential business tasks.

How is an enterprise network constructed?

A well-designed enterprise network works in the background supporting a variety of users, devices, smart things, and applications to provide a consistent and secure service.

Enterprise networks generally facilitate connections between company headquarters and branch offices, connectivity to the cloud, data centres and Internet access. Different network connections can be used and there is often a combination of wired and wireless technology.

Often networks consist of separate but connected domains. Typically, each component of the network is designed, provisioned and optimised for its own purpose and business objectives.

Enterprise networks consist of three main types: Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) and cloud networks, with each type often centred around a data centre. An enterprise network is made up of these types, which fulfil distinct needs and specifications, such as the geographical scope they cover, the volume of users they cater for, the kinds of programs they can handle and how they integrate with the data centre’s resources. These enterprise networking solutions ensure businesses can effectively manage their internal and external communications, data sharing, and connectivity.

Local Area Networks (LANs)

For daily operations, a Local Area Network (LAN) is a typical solution used by enterprises, particularly in confined spaces such as a single building or campus. These networks provide fixed and mobile access to users and things. The flexibility of LANs allows for smooth adaptations to changes like employee movements, device modifications and user details updates within the network. These networks are optimised for transparent, secure access and high density.

Wide Area Networks (WANs)

Wide Area Networks (WANs) are crucial for connecting computers over large geographical areas and providing access to real-time information from multiple sites. These networks allow for secure and efficient data-sharing between different business locations, which is essential in tasks like managing inventory or processing orders. WANs enable smooth operations across vast distances within a single network system by bridging the gap between distant computers. They’re optimised for user experience and bandwidth efficiency.

Cloud Networks

Utilising cloud networks has resulted in a significant advancement within the enterprise network infrastructure, particularly evident in contemporary hybrid cloud environments. These networks offer access to computing resources on-demand, promote enhanced collaboration among users, and facilitate efficient deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. They are optimised for low latency, security, and mission-critical reliability.

Benefits of an enterprise network

An optimised enterprise network is a valuable asset for any organisation, providing numerous benefits such as improved security, performance, scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. Along with these advantages, it also helps organisations to navigate better additional network security challenges, which can significantly enhance an organisation’s competitive advantage by streamlining operations and strengthening its position in the market, with the data centre playing a pivotal role in this optimisation process.

An efficient enterprise network offers many perks, including increased protection against threats to information security, enhanced overall system functioning capabilities and a robust data centre infrastructure that supports easy expandability options and reduces costs. By utilising these benefits offered by an optimised enterprise network, organisations can gain a significant edge over their competition while improving internal processes and data centre operations and addressing additional network security challenges. Networking services are integral to this optimisation, ensuring all enterprise network components work harmoniously.

Advantages include:

Improved Performance

Efficient network optimisation is crucial for improving the performance of an enterprise network. By effectively controlling bandwidth, distributing load evenly, and minimising latency, a well-optimised network enables seamless transfer of data, which leads to enhanced user satisfaction and increased productivity.

Always-on connectivity

A well-designed enterprise network provides the proper connectivity for all users, things, devices, and applications present in an organisation, as appropriate for the role, purpose and location of each.

Optimised user experience

An enterprise network can help improve the user experience through proactive network optimisation, faster issue resolution, proper prioritisation of essential traffic and helping to ensure security and privacy.

Scalability and Flexibility

In the ever-changing landscape of modern business, scalability and adaptability are essential. A well-designed enterprise network allows companies to handle growth and changing technologies effectively, ensuring efficient resource management and meeting dynamic business needs.

Easier network management

Network management tools such as network controllers give administrators the ability to set access rules and permissions for users and departments, add new users or functions easily and monitor performance and take corrective action, all from a central interface.

Enhanced security

In addition to security applications and devices, such as firewalls and secure Internet gateways, an enterprise network becomes a primary detector of threats and an enforcer of security and compliance. It does so with device identification, profiling, and verification, network monitoring, authentication, access controls, segmentation and device and account management.

Flexible software subscriptions

Enterprise networks that use subscription-based licensing get continuous access to the latest networking and security innovations and updates. They are better able to keep pace with their expanding demands as technologies and requirements change.

Seamless cloud integration

As more and more data and applications are developed, deployed and delivered across multiple public clouds, enterprise networks provide seamless connectivity between users and cloud applications. They also optimise workloads between on-premises locations and public clouds.

Cost Savings

To improve performance and security, an optimised enterprise network also results in significant cost reductions. Organisations can decrease operational costs and increase financial effectiveness without sacrificing crucial network elements by incorporating network optimisation, virtualisation and cloud-based technologies into their infrastructure.

Best Practices for Deploying Enterprise Networks

To successfully deploy an enterprise network, careful planning and execution are essential. Each stage of the process is crucial, from identifying network needs and conducting thorough research to securing expert help and gaining stakeholder support.

Deploying an enterprise network requires meticulous attention to detail in every aspect, especially when it comes to ensuring optimal network performance. It starts by defining the requirements for the network, followed by extensive research before seeking professional assistance from an MSP such as Xcomm. Finally, obtaining buy-in from all stakeholders is a significant factor that contributes significantly towards successfully deploying an enterprise-level network with excellent network performance.

Networking services from Xcomm

Whether you require a fully managed Network as a Service solution, need help with your business continuity requirements, or simply want network monitoring and fault notification services, Xcomm’s expert team design, build and maintain bespoke networks.

Created to address your specific business needs, geographical requirements and individual location conditions Xcomm’s networks use market leading technology from global providers such as Cisco and Cisco Meraki, all managed via a Cloud-first platform.

To find out how Xcomm can help with your networking requirements, contact our sales team now.

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