What is an Enterprise Network?

Enterprise Networking

An enterprise network is the backbone for facilitating an organization’s communications and connecting computers and devices throughout departments. An enterprise network environment is usually configured to facilitate access to data and insight into analytics.

What Is Enterprise Networking?

Enterprise networking refers to the physical, virtual and logical design of a network, and how the various software, hardware and protocols work together to transmit data. When it comes to enterprise networking, every organization has different needs, and in the era of digital transformation, modern enterprises are relying more on software-driven solutions to power intelligent network architecture, automation and design.

What is an Enterprise Network Made Of?

Routers

Routers are devices on the network that connect multiple networks together. They forward data from one device to another, which is sent in packets. They also connect devices on networks to the internet. It is possible to add other features to routers to increase ease of use or security.

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Switches

Switches can be thought of as network controllers. They connect devices such as computers, printers, and servers on the network, and enable data to be transferred within it. Switches make it possible for devices on the network to talk to each other and other networks, resulting in a single network of shared resources.

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Wireless Access Points

Wireless access points perform the precise function they’re named for: enabling wireless connections. WAPs work like a router, sending data from one device to another.

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Why Is Enterprise Networking Important?

In our hyper-connected world, a stable, reliable network is regarded as a given, and the consequences of an unreliable network are only getting more severe. In fact, according to Gartner, the approximate cost of network downtime is $5,600 per minute, and can be much higher for technology-dependent organizations. As enterprise network architectures grow more complex, many organizations are finding it difficult to keep up. Thankfully, a number of networking solutions are available to simplify the process, like unified wired/wireless infrastructures, automated campus and agile data center networking solutions.

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Network Automation

When it comes to modern enterprise network management, automation is everything. The technology building blocks of a digital organization, such as Internet of things, cloud computing, and mobility, are all reliant on the network. If the network is slow, it will stall your digital transformation. But intelligent network automation will propel you forward and help you thrive.

Network automation integrates your technologies with the operational processes of your business to create smart, personalized automation policies. The network connects applications, storage, and users, and is uniquely placed to provide deep insight from the highest levels of abstraction right down to individual workloads.

How a Network Automation System Gives You a Competitive Edge

Drive IT staff efficiency

Streamline and automate your enterprise network to enable faster changes, quicker deployment of new applications and more intuitive troubleshooting.

Deliver a better user experience

A network automation framework allows you to gain visibility and control of users and applications along with actionable business insights to deliver the best user experience.

Reduce business risk

Deploy a segmented network to increase security by isolating critical users, applications and/ or IoT devices, and containing breaches to minimize damage.