11 September 2024
Mantas Čižauskas, Head of Business Development Division, Teltonika Networks
In an Industry 4.0 world, every sector relies on networking devices to keep things centralised, interconnected, and operating at peak efficiency. However, different industries have different needs, and it is those specific needs that dictate whether any given networking product is the right choice.
Enterprise is no exception, but the nature of enterprise needs makes four factors in particular to stand above the rest: scalability, compatibility, security, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
Scaling for the future
Let’s start with scalability. As your enterprise grows and expands, so does its network and the total number of devices it encompasses. As such, your fleet of networking devices needs to be scalable.
This means it must be able to handle rapid expansion and increase of traffic, users, and device volume with minimal infrastructure changes. It also means choosing a manufacturer that offers long-term support as part of its product lifecycle.
The less frequently you will need to replace devices, and the easier it is to add new devices to meet new operational demands, the more efficient your network will be.
Compatible integration
Of course, an important facet of scalability is how simple it is to integrate devices into both existing systems your enterprise uses and future systems you may not consider today. In other words: compatibility. This includes device compatibility with your hardware, software, and cloud services, but also flexibility for emerging technologies and potential third-party systems.
For example, a device’s physical serial interfaces dictate what equipment it can connect to without needing additional accessories, such as adapters. Similarly, a networking device supporting a wider range of communication protocols offers a better likelihood of easy integration to equipment that may become relevant a year from now.
Ultimately, the goal is to plan ahead as much as you can and choose devices accordingly. Your chosen device should be as flexible and easy to integrate as possible, so that new compatibility needs down the line would necessitate the least amount of infrastructure changes.
Comprehensive Security
Regardless of how compatible or scalable your network infrastructure is, it’s all moot if it isn’t secure. Indeed, the best security is the only security worth considering — it’s difficult to overstate the scale of damages and costs of a security breach.
Different products are equipped with security features of varying scope and utility, from basic firewall functionality to support of secure remote management platforms. Naturally, the more comprehensive this suite of security features, the better.
Ideally, a cybersecurity professional should be consulted with before deciding on your fleet of devices. Even relatively mundane tasks such as password management and access control can present a security risks if the chosen device doesn’t have the proper safeguards in place to eliminate them.
Total cost of ownership
Scalability, compatibility, and security all impact the bottom line when it comes to pricing, but make no mistakes—investing in these core pillars is a cost-saving strategy, not a luxury.
A device that is difficult to scale up and one that is low on compatibility will both necessitate acquiring additional accessories or outright replacements at a sooner date than later. A security breach will result in costly downtime and an unexpected need for replacements, among even worse outcomes.
Such factors negatively impact TCO, but the considerations don’t stop there. Mixing and matching devices of different manufacturers to cut costs is an option, but doing so also increases the overall competency and training costs of your staff, as the total numbers of systems and user interfaces worked on also increases.
The initial price of the device represents a small fraction of its TCO. Choosing a cheaper device can get expensive quickly, but choosing an expensive device, by itself, does not guarantee all other costs are eliminated. Your goal when choosing your fleet is to weigh these considerations and their related costs, and find the best match between your enterprise needs and what the product offers.
Conclusion
For enterprises, the stakes are high when it comes to choosing networking equipment. The scale, complexity, and strategic importance of enterprise networks mean that decisions need to go beyond the basics of base price and function.
Scalability, compatibility, security, and TCO address the broader and more intricate needs of large organisations. By considering these factors, you can build robust, adaptable, and efficient networks that support your enterprise goals and drive long-term success.
