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NETWORKING EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

It wasn’t long ago that networking equipment was focused on speeds and feeds. It was all about packet delivery. Today, the industry focus is shifting more to software, code and open systems.

While software-defined networking (SDN) is slowly making its way into the public sector, many other networking trends are taking hold of I.T.

According to a recent Cisco Global Networking Trends Report, architectural changes are underway to advance digital business, including a network platform, AI-enabled operations, and converged security, which are all proving pivotal to advancing modern network strategies.

Below are just a few of the networking technology and security trends that are impacting the I.T. landscape:

Cloud Continues Gaining Even Greater Traction

According to a Pluralsight report that surveyed over 1,000 technology leaders globally, the major trend in cloud computing has shifted from migration to the rapid adoption of cloud services, yet there’s a stark difference between merely adopting the cloud and leveraging it for organizational success. Despite cloud adoption being essential, 69% of leaders still lack a clearly-defined cloud strategy.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Is the Future

Software is clearly transforming the data center and networks in general as both providers and organizations increasingly leverage Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) to speed, deliver and scale new services.

The Criticality of Security Will Continue Skyrocketing

Today’s modern networking environment, coupled with increasing demands for cloud-based apps and mobile device access, means security-related attacks and breaches will continue to impede the delivery of services and overall reliability. For most organizations, New IP networking helps deploy more advanced security that is designed into the network from the ground up rather than being bolted on to the edge of the current infrastructure.

Security services are also more often being virtualized, allowing organizations to deploy security whenever and wherever needed by geo, location, function, application, individual or group.

Network Automation Brings Speed, Savings & New Efficiencies

Although many organizations are moving cautiously to network automation, its promise of more speed, new efficiencies and cost savings are increasing adoption.

Organizations Study the Value & Vulnerabilities of Open Networking

Open networking brings more flexibility and efficiency, so even if organizations don’t move to this model, there is much to learn from how web giants like Facebook and Google are leveraging its benefits.

IPv6

IPv6 adoption has continued to grow steadily, surpassing 50% globally by 2024, driven by the increasing demand for IP addresses due to the proliferation of connected devices and IoT technologies. In the past year, the Asia Pacific region saw significant gains, with IPv6 deployment rising from 37.2% to 42.3%. Despite these advances, challenges remain, as only 43.3% of servers are IPv6-capable, indicating a need for broader deployment by ISPs and content providers. The global market for IPv6 is projected to grow significantly, reaching 127.6 billion units by 2030, highlighting its critical role in supporting scalable and efficient IP solutions.

802.11ac WiFi

The adoption of the 802.11ac WiFi standard, which is up to 12 times faster than 802.11n, accelerated in 2014 due to increasing demand for faster wireless access. It operates in the 5GHz band, utilizes 80 or 160MHz bandwidth, supports up to eight spatial streams, and employs beamforming to direct signals to client devices.

According to a recent report by ABI Research, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) did not see widespread adoption in operational technology (OT) networks, with Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) remaining predominant until it is expected to be surpassed by Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) in 2026.

Security Technology Trends

From user passwords and endpoint protection, to IoT devices (video cameras, etc.) and advanced threat protection across data networks and physical locations – information security, physical asset security and facility security has never been more critical to State and Local Government entities and Higher Education institutions.

According to a 2023 report by Gitnux, 67% of companies have experienced cyberattacks since transitioning to remote work, highlighting the increased complexity of protecting attack surfaces in a remote work environment.

Attackers are getting more numerous, better organized and more powerful. And with the number of vulnerable entry points growing to include IoT devices, the threats are growing exponentially too. Organizations need to get up to speed on the latest threats, and look for more holistic, end-to-end security solutions to combat their growing security challenges.

Big Data Challenges: As the volume of data continues to surge, with global data creation expected to reach 175 zettabytes by 2025, organizations face challenges such as human errors, insider threats, and extensive data sharing. Ensuring data integrity and understanding data provenance—how it’s used, shared, and manipulated—are crucial for effective data management.
Mobile Apps and IoT: The proliferation of mobile devices and IoT has expanded the number of vulnerabilities and endpoints that need protection. A comprehensive security strategy that addresses all known vulnerabilities is essential as IoT attacks continue to rise, with IoT malware attacks increasing by 400% in recent years.
Shadow IT Risks: Successful attacks on shadow IT resources are increasing. Organizations should track shadow IT and foster a culture of acceptance and protection rather than detection and punishment to mitigate these risks.
White Hat Hackers: Companies are increasingly investing in white hat hackers to enhance security, with platforms like Upwork facilitating the hiring of skilled professionals who help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.
Ransomware Threats: Ransomware remains a significant threat, with 72% of businesses affected in 2023. The average ransom payment has risen to $1.54 million, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Cyber Attack Frequency: Cyberattacks occur every 39 seconds, with more than 2,200 attacks happening daily, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
US Cybercrime Target: The US remains a prime target for cybercrime, with predictions indicating it will account for over 50% of global cybercrime attacks by 2027, necessitating enhanced protective measures.
Phishing Prevalence: Phishing remains a dominant cyber threat, responsible for 91% of cyber attacks, as attackers exploit human vulnerabilities.
Big Data and AI Investment: 91.6% of Fortune 1000 companies plan to increase investments in big data and AI, with firms adopting AI expected to be significantly more efficient and hold greater market share by 2025.
IoT and Quantum Computing Growth: IoT investments are projected to grow significantly, with the number of IoT devices expected to reach 30.9 billion by 2025. Meanwhile, the quantum computing market is expected to grow to $5.3 billion by 2029, reflecting the increasing integration of advanced technologies.

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