What does network infrastructure have in store for us in 2020? What are the main trends in network technology to watch out for in the course of the new year?
All eyes are on the disruptive technologies that the sector can expect in 2020 and the future of network technology. At the top of the list are 5G services, edge computing infrastructure and WAN technologies.
As WAN connectivity constantly improves and more organizations implement WAN technologies, including software-defined WAN, the number of corporate sites using only WAN connectivity to the Internet could triple by 2023.
In 2019, less than 10% of these locations had only WAN connectivity to the Internet, according to Andrew Lerner, research vice president at Gartner. Lerner also predicts that 60% of data center operations will be automated by 2023.
Top 5 predictions for network technology trends in 2020
1- The consolidation of SD-WAN technology
Interest in software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) increased significantly in 2019, as the vendor field shrank and production deployments became more common.
The technology has gone from a proof of concept to real deployments for many customers. Stability and choice of supplier are the main factors for customers who decide to go ahead with SD-WAN implementation.
2- The year of 5G
We heard this last year and will hear it again throughout 2020 as one of the main trends in network technology. The biggest 5G driver for networking will probably be branch automation, usually via SD-WAN.
But poor 5G coverage will remain the biggest obstacle for most companies. Operators continue to expand their 5G trials, but without widespread coverage, don't expect wireless to replace MPLS or broadband Ethernet in the WAN space just yet.
The year 2021 is a more realistic goal, but look at SD-WAN deployments as a clue as to how this is unfolding.
3- Edge computing takes over
At the end of the 2010s, most, if not all, of the networking industry knew about edge computing, as it is also known, and how it intended to transform network infrastructure.
In 2020, organizations will go beyond the hype and should dig deeper into Edge computing planning, according to Chris Drake, principal analyst at Global Data Technology. Edge computing promises significant benefits for the future of network technology, and 2020 will likely see the effects of all the industry hype.
4- Everything will be enabled for Artificial Intelligence
Being AI-enabled means different things for different vendors. Look out for more intelligence and predictive capabilities among 2020 products as vendors strive to reduce the amount of manual work involved in monitoring and managing networks.
AI capability in network security is an important topic, and vendors are working hard to realize this in security products. However, the real return on investment will come with the management products.
Artificial Intelligence is an interesting facet of security, but most customers want to be more hands-on with their security. Their confidence in algorithms is growing, but there is still a way to go.
5- Network automation at its strongest
The good news is that the hard work of network management is reduced through automation. But the bad news is the lack of real automation standards.
Each vendor is approaching automation a little differently. As networks become more multivendor and complicated, managing automation across all these products is an infinitely greater task.
Automating automakers could be the next big opportunity.
A new year focused on customer satisfaction
The effects of the trends presented include companies adding edge computing to their digital transformation plans, although edge computing does not take over operations.
Instead, edge computing should complement various cloud services and will control a large part of traditional data center operations. Edge computing will also benefit the adoption of IoT in enterprise networks, as well as 5G deployments, to help kick-start the digital transformation plans of many organizations.
In 2020, expect more alliances and more use cases that take advantage of the ability to combine cutting-edge technologies and 5G network architectures in ways that enable the development and delivery of new digital applications.
About Conversys
Conversys IT Solutions is a provider of Information and Communication Technology services and solutions operating throughout Brazil.
With a highly qualified technical and commercial team and a network of partners that includes the main global technology manufacturers, Conversys IT Solutions is able to deliver customized IT and Telecom Infrastructure solutions to clients.
We invest in our employees and partners and strive for a long-lasting relationship with our clients, because we believe that this is how we gain the skills and knowledge we need to innovate and generate value for the businesses in which we operate.
About Aruba
ARUBA, a Hewlett Parkard Enterprise company, is redefining the smart grid with mobility and IoT solutions for organizations of all sizes globally.
Offering IT solutions that empower organizations to serve the Mobile Generation - mobile-savvy users who rely on cloud-based applications for all aspects of their work and personal lives - and to harness the power of insights to transform business processes.
With infrastructure services offered as private or public cloud software, Aruba offers secure connectivity for mobility and IoT, allowing IT professionals to create networks that keep pace with change.
