What is Enterprise Networking? How is it Useful?

What is Enterprise Networking? How is it Useful?

Enterprise networks are a combination of dynamic and virtual networks and their protocols. The primary purpose of enterprise networking is to facilitate the access to the data centers and applications via a LAN area for the users and their computers. In addition, enterprise networking provides you with data analysis after you have accessed the network data. In a LAN connection, multiple gadgets are connected to share applications and data. For example, routers, switches, Ethernet connections, wireless connections, etc.

A user must first create an account in order to access these devices, and that account will give him access to applications and data in the enterprise network. In most companies, a VPN connection allows users to securely browse data on a website. If you are connecting to a website or server outside the LAN area, then the encryption will protect your internet traffic. Enterprises also use firewall software to control network traffic.

But this is just the definition of enterprise networking. This post will cover its advantages, components, and more. Read it from beginning to end to learn more about it.

What is an Enterprise Network?

The enterprise network refers to an environment where applications can communicate with each other, share information, analyze system performance, and run programmes and services. The enterprise network is a combination of infrastructure, hardware components, software programmes, services and communication protocols. The protocol determines how the services will be delivered from one host computer to another. The network’s infrastructure is subject to being configured, optimized, deployed, designed, and architected to meet various requirements of the organization. If you want your business network to be only geographically accessible, you’ll need to use a VPN service.

There are three main types of enterprise networks: local area network, wide area network, and cloud network. Each of these types has its unique facilities. Let’s learn about them now.

1. Local Area Network or LAN

Local Area Network or LAN connects multiple devices within a small area, and it is mostly used for a home network or organizational institutes. LANs are also used for testbed networks. You can use LAN in a larger network even if it is a virtual or logical infrastructure. You can, for example, allocate a LAN connection to every part of your enterprise network so that multiple devices can connect to it through the same switch. However, the LAN will be separated from other LAN connections in other parts of the network.

2. Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WAN is like a LAN, but it spreads across different geographic locations and apartments, which can also include locations all over the world. LANs protocols and components are different from WAN and its connectivity goes through different layers of the OSI model for transmitting data. With LAN, you can transact data in a high volume within a small area, but WAN is for long-distance, energy-efficient, secure, and reliable communication connections. Your Internet service provider can set up your WAN connection, and it can be configured as a private or public network.

A software application can set up your WAN connection, but SD-WAN is a virtual architecture of WAN that is controlled by a software application. Using software technologies, the virtualized WAN and the hardware components of the network infrastructure can be separated. SD-WAN offers flexible and reliable connectivity that can be managed through an application without compromising quality or security.

3. Cloud Networks

The majority of the IT services are based on data centres and cloud networks, and sometimes some IT companies rely on both of the architectures. And it is also important to note that your cloud network can be based on public, private, and hybrid cloud models. Developers use multiple cloud services to create different elements for the applications and settings. Different cloud platforms can reduce cost, increase the performance of the apps, and enhance security. Enterprise network software technologies are responsible for connecting the network, hardware components, and applications. In addition, the software technologies ensure that the services are delivered through different IT infrastructures. Resources and services available through the hardware infrastructure can be accessed over the internet via the cloud platform. And these resources are protected by private and public networks.

There are several types of enterprise networks, but it is important to consider their privileges first before applying them to your enterprise.

What Are the Benefits of Enterprise Networking?

Your company needs a suitable network solution so that you can manage your workload seamlessly. And at the same time, it should serve you well in production services, logistics, and meeting the demands of your targeted customers. Utilizing the right enterprise network solution gives you access to the following benefits:

1. Connectivity On

A perfectly designed networking for your enterprise will provide you with the best connectivity features. The users, devices, and apps of the organizational network should be able to connect with each other for complete tasks and their purposes.

2. Fine User Experience

The enterprise network solutions provide a better user experience for the organization. Along with effective network optimization, it provides you with a fast resolution, proper traffic, and keeps your network secure and privacy protected.

3. Proper Digital Transformation

The enterprise network solutions are designed to help you adapt to the latest technologies so that you can grow your company and services. It supports scaling, growth, expansion of services, upgrade of existing services, and more.

4. Simplified Network Management

Network management tools include network controllers that allow you to create rules and permissions that should be followed by the users. The administrators can add new users, monitor the performance of the network, take actions against certain activities, and more from their network management dashboard.

5. Advanced Security

There are security solutions involved in networks, but enterprise networking needs more than that. Firewall solutions, VPN solutions, secure internet gateways, etc. enables enterprise networking to secure the incoming and outgoing connections within the network. It comes with network monitoring features, access controls, authentication, account management, device management, verification, and more to protect frauds.

6. Licenced Software Subscriptions

The subscription-based networking solutions provide continuous security features and technologies to keep up with the ongoing demands of customer requirements.

7. Cloud Integration

Users need seamless connectivity with the cloud accounts where organizations store, deploy and deliver applications. Enterprise networking takes care of that. And along with that, it provides optimization of workloads between cloud platforms and physical locations.

Conclusion

Enterprise networking is all about creating fast and reliable connections between users and applications. Technology has made it easy for developers to distribute the applications across various public and private clouds. Although you can deploy and access applications easily, networking allows each of your users to make use of the same data to their advantage.

Moreover, networking solutions allow the administrators of your business to operate and monitor your network’s activities with ease. Network parameters are designed to secure apps and your company’s network using various security features such as firewalls, VPNs, etc. The functions help you keep outside attackers away from your company’s private database. If you need to know more about enterprise networking, you should check out our other articles as well.