02 July 2024
Ian Wharton, technical architect, Principle Networks
The office as we know it no longer exists. The modern workspace has become a multifunctional hub, blending work with client interactions and social events and at its core is a fast, reliable and secure wireless network.
However, the shift to the modern office isn’t as simple as updating old systems. It’s a comprehensive overhaul which demands a fundamental reimagining of existing infrastructure and all that underpins it. The density of traffic travelling through today’s networks is no longer akin to those of the past, which means on-premise Local Area Networks (LAN) and clunky, standard guest WiFi connections are no longer fit for purpose.
Why is there a desire for change?
For many organisations, the office wireless network hasn’t been a priority. Incorporating guest WiFi into existing infrastructure was considered enough. Fast-forward ten years, those same businesses are attempting to transition to the cloud and using the same network connection to host multiple users. Almost immediately, they found it had limited bandwidth and couldn’t cope with the density of devices trying to connect.
This approach is hindering innovation. A recent survey of over 500 IT decision-makers found that organisations spent an estimated 40% of their annual IT budget on maintaining legacy technology. Furthermore, 69% of respondents acknowledged that technical debt is hindering their ability to innovate.
There has been a shift in what organisations need, want, and expect from a wireless network. Why? Hybrid working is one reason, but another is the fact consumer brands have transformed our experiences as technology users.
Hybrid working has made it possible for us to use public spaces such as coffee shops as a place to work. They offer instant, fast, and secure internet access, which can be more appealing than going into the office. It has highlighted flexibility as the cornerstone of modern network infrastructure. Organisations need to match this with a network that seamlessly adapts to the dynamic nature of the current working environment. When a new starter joins your organisation, they or any visitors must connect to your network. It’s a benchmark of a modern business.
Transitioning to the future
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s (DSIT) Wireless Infrastructure Strategy details the government’s plan to deliver world-class wireless infrastructure across the UK by 2030. But how do we get there?
Organisations need to move away from simplistic, standard networks and embrace more secure, user-friendly and cloud-based infrastructure that reflects the needs of the modern office. This shift should be a necessity and is driven by several key factors.
Firstly, modern security concerns require a more robust network. Standard solutions often lack the required security measures to safeguard against a potential cyber-attack. Any attack could prove extremely costly, whether financially or reputationally. The rise of hybrid working and the handling of sensitive data across dispersed environments means security protocols are imperative to maintain data integrity and minimise the threat of unauthorised access to a network.
Secondly, scalability and flexibility are central to organisations’ operations. Traditional networks can struggle to adapt to the evolving needs of multiple devices and a fluctuating workforce. Cloud-based infrastructure provides the required adaptability, scaling up or down to meet the changing needs without compromising network performance. They also ensure a hassle-free connection across various devices and locations, driving productivity and collaboration, and delivering a user experience that surpasses physical boundaries.
Optimised performance is another crucial factor when it comes to upgrading wireless networks. Cloud-based infrastructure can manage dense environments well. It ensures speed, latency, and reliability are not compromised, no matter how busy the network is. Transitioning to the cloud also facilitates ongoing innovation. It supports new technologies and enables the deployment of updated security measures. This is essential to businesses trying to stay ahead in a competitive marketplace.
The office we once knew no longer exists
IT decision-makers can mould what the office of the future looks like.
By prioritising network upgrades and designing a network infrastructure that aligns with their business objectives, they will be able to create a modern workspace that enables their business to thrive.
It’s about implementing networks that facilitate change rather than hinder it. The need to embrace future-ready infrastructure is imperative.
It’s long past time to overhaul legacy systems, transition to the cloud and build a secure, reliable and scalable network that drives success.
