The idea behind SD-Branch isn’t a new one. According to industry publication TechTarget, it basically amounts to “…a single, automated, centrally managed software-centric platform that replaces or supplements an existing branch network architecture.” At least, that’s how one could sum up SD-Branch a few years ago, when it first arrived in the domain.

Since then, there have been major changes in the world, in the availability and use of technology, and in customer expectations around their workplace experience. IT teams still have trouble finding the talent they need, and the resources allotted to IT remain stuck in a “do more with less” situation.

The other major change that’s happened in the last few years is a shift in the way companies think about networking success. It’s no longer based around connectivity and uptime – it’s based on the experience being provided to the end users. Are end users able to do their jobs efficiently? Do they have constant, on-demand access to the tools, applications and data needed to be successful? These are the measuring sticks for today’s networks.

Which brings us back to the idea of SD-Branch. With IT teams needing to do more with fewer resources, especially in the face of a talent shortage and a possible economic downturn, the discussion is returning to the idea of a single platform to handle and manage all needs, i.e., SD-Branch.

“Enterprises are rapidly evolving their networks to ensure the network is an accelerator, rather than an inhibitor of broader business goals. A key new architecture that has emerged to help transform enterprise campus and branch networks is the software-defined branch (SD-Branch),” says Brandon Butler, IDC Research Manager, Enterprise Networks. “SD-Branch architectures consist of integrated management across the LAN/WLAN & SD-WAN, managed from the cloud and enhanced by ML/AI automation. Embracing an SD-Branch approach enables enterprises and service providers to see faster time to deployment, reduced inefficiencies, and improved network experiences.”

What’s Needed in a Modern SD-Branch Solution

As the idea behind SD-Branch regains popularity, companies are finding that they require more from an SD-Branch solution than what was defined in the original approach. This can include improved security capabilities, the incorporation of automated tools to enable traffic optimization (and that the user experience is protected), tools that unify and simplify management, and a cloud-first approach. Incorporating SD-WAN into an SD-Branch solution is also a key element, as it can help strengthen and simplify IT infrastructure management.

This is what makes Cisco Networks’ AI-driven SD-Branch solution such a perfect fit for modern enterprises.

Cisco’s AI-driven SD-Branch simplifies branch-office communications with AI-driven, software-defined routing, switching, Wi-Fi and security delivered from the Cisco Mist cloud. Cisco tunnel-free Session Smart Routing accelerates application performance for faster response times, while Mist AI automates operations and accelerates troubleshooting.

With visibility into the real-time service levels of individual users, network administrators can continuously fine-tune the network and optimize user experiences. Network configuration, deployment and operations across wired and wireless LANs and WANs are also simplified with cloud-based management tools that allow IT teams to do more with less.

The key benefits of Cisco’s AI-driven SD-Branch solution include:

• Optimized User Experience: Improve uptime and accelerate troubleshooting with AI-driven insights across the network. The Marvis Virtual Network Assistant, powered by Mist AI, proactively detects network issues before they impact users.
• Enhanced Branch Security: Safeguard users and devices while streamlining IT operations. Zero Trust security, driven by secure vector routing and deny-by-default access policies, enables a simplified and secure branch. Cisco secure services edge (SSE) capabilities work with AI-driven SD-WAN to deliver a full-stack branch solution that protects applications and users without compromising performance.
• Cloud-Based Onboarding: Simplify site deployments and rapidly scale to thousands of branch sites with zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) and flexible configuration templates.
• Unified Management: Reduce operational complexity with unified, cloud-based and AI-driven wired, wireless and WAN management. It helps deliver the scale, reliability and agility needed to address today’s diverse branch requirements.
• Location Services: Cisco Wireless Access Points and the Mist software development kit (SDK) enable pervasive and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity with consistent coverage network-wide. Indoor Location Services, built on patented virtual Bluetooth LE (vBLE) technology, greatly accelerates branch transformation with personalized services.

How to Get Started with SD-Branch

Cisco has set the bar for ease of deployment, operations and troubleshooting at the branch, while showing a steadfast commitment to delivering customers and partners an optimized and secure user experience from client-to-cloud. To make it as easy as possible to get started with a modern, experience-first based SD-Branch solution, Cisco is announcing a limited time pricing promotion for new SD-WAN customers during its initial release.

With this bundle, customers will get special pricing on Cisco SD-WAN driven by Mist AI that includes:

• Cisco advanced security: Includes URL Filtering and Intrusion Detection/Prevention System (IDS/IPS). URL Filtering allows IT teams to prevent access to or from specific sites on the internet, allowing them to meet business and security requirements. IDS/IDP further protects branch sites from advanced malicious attacks that have been on the rise. The Branch Security Pack strengthens Cisco’s flagship SD-WAN solution and meets security requirements for many branch deployments without the need for additional appliances.
• Cisco Mist WAN Assurance: Simplifies network deployment and operations, improves visibility into end-user experiences and shortens the mean time to repair SD-WAN issues. By combining data and intelligence from Mist AI and Session Smart Routers, Cisco provides industry-leading network automation and insight for optimum user, device and application experiences in branch and remote locations.
• Marvis Virtual Network Assistant: Uses Mist AI to transform how IT teams interact and engage with enterprise networks. With natural language processing, a conversational assistant, prescriptive actions, self-driving network operations and integrated help desk functions, it streamlines operations and optimizes user experiences from client-to-cloud across wireless, wired and SD-WAN.
• Premium Analytics: Provides long-term data storage, reporting for full-stack networks, location services and visibility into the network.

Simply put, it’s never been easier to experience AI with an Edge.

For more information about Cisco’s AI-driven SD-Branch solution, and to learn more about our limited time price promotion offer, click here or contact your Cisco sales representative.

Introduction

Network infrastructure is the backbone that connects people and businesses to each other. It’s what makes our everyday lives possible, and it’s critical to making sure that we can get the information we need when we need it.

It allows us to send emails, stream music, and video, make phone calls, access the internet, and even connect with friends through social media. But what is network infrastructure? And why does it matter? Let’s take a look.

What is Network Infrastructure?

The network infrastructure consists of the hardware and software components of an entire network that enable connectivity, communication, operations, and management. It provides the communication path and services between users, processes, applications, services, external networks, and the internet. Since connectivity is almost limitless, it is essential to have controls and security to prevent theft, intentional data corruption, and just access by mischievous users.

How Do Wired and Wireless Networks Differ?

Wired and wireless networks are similar in many ways, but there are some key differences.

A wired network is one that uses cables to connect all of the computers on the network. Wired networks can be very fast, but they’re difficult to set up. If you want to add a new computer or device to a wired network, you have to run new cables back to where the local service originates.

A wireless network is one that uses radio waves to send information between computers. If you have a wireless network, it is much easier to set up than wired ones and can be set up quickly even in large buildings.

However, they aren’t as fast as wired networks and often have more issues with interference from other wireless devices nearby (like cell phones) other access points, and other inherent issues with the actual device itself. 

Mist AI and machine learning can improve connectivity by compensating for every device on the network with the use of automation. 

Additionally, the building, objects, and concrete walls can degrade signals. Planning the wireless network is an essential part of deploying a high-quality wireless network. Trying to fix a poorly designed Wireless Network is costly and results can be varied  

Component of Wireless Network Infrastructure 

Access points

Access points, or APs, are the network devices that allow you to connect your wireless network to the internet or a local or remote application. They provide coverage for a specific area of your home or office and allow you to connect multiple devices together through Wi-Fi. They also act as a bridge between wired and wireless networks.

What is software-defined networking (SDN)?

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a technology that enables you to build, deploy, and manage your network using software.

Using SDN, you can automate network processes, such as the creation of virtual networks and the routing of traffic between them. 

Mist AI uses a combination of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science techniques to optimise user experiences and simplify operations across the wireless access, wired access, and SD-WAN domains.

SDN also allows you to programmatically control the flow of data through your network infrastructure. This provides users with a much better user experience.

It gives you more control over how your network operates and makes it easier to implement changes. With SDN, you can use software to automate many of the processes involved in managing networks. It works virtually all of the time to improve communications and can solve problems through analysis.

Network Infrastructure Components

The network infrastructure consists of physical devices and logical services that allow people to share resources, such as data, applications, and devices. These components include:

• Network Hardware
• Network Software
• Network Services

Network hardware is a physical device that sits between the end user and the network. It provides networking functions, such as routing and switching. Examples of network hardware include routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.

Network software is software that runs on network hardware. It provides networking functions, such as routing and switching. Examples of network software include Cisco IOS, Cisco JUNOS, and Linux. The hardware is managed so that access can be granted to specific users and devices.

Network services are the streams of data that are permitted to and from the Internet or application servers to your company’s servers, switches, and routers.

Your company’s network requires a carefully set up set of services to allow the required services and block those that may harm your company’s critical data.

Infrastructure services and application services are the two categories of Network Services.

Infrastructure services include the transport layers for various things like file transfer, email, network time settings, and where to find the requested information (internal or external).

Application services provide you the means to read your email, access the data in your accounting system, and provide users with the interaction required to complete their work. These application services may be provided by internal servers or cloud-based servers provided by those that specialise in the needed business application.

These services are the key to the user experience.

AIOPs today are used to guarantee service levels by monitoring and correcting response times through machine learning.

They are typically outsourced to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Difference between Network Infrastructure and IT Infrastructure

Network infrastructure is the core of the network that connects all the devices, applications, and users together. It includes all the hardware, software, and services that make up your business’s communication systems.

Network Infrastructure is a data superhighway that connects your internal users to both internal and external data and customers with access to data you wish to share with them.

IT infrastructure is a subset of network infrastructure; it refers specifically to information technology (IT) systems for organisations like networking equipment such as routers or switches; databases including relational database management systems (RDBMS) such as MySQL databases; web servers including Apache HTTPD web servers; load balancers such as HAProxy load balancer software

IT professionals can also learn about Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which helps them understand how best practices should be implemented within an organisation so they can provide better service levels while reducing costs at lower risk levels.

Though these are a form of structured recommendations it is important to balance your company’s exact needs and adjust accordingly.  

Common Types of Network Infrastructure

LAN, WAN, MAN, and PAN are all types of network infrastructure.

LAN stands for local area network. It is a computer network that spans a relatively small area like a building or a campus. Wide area networks (WANs) can be formed by connecting together a series of local area networks (LANs).

WAN stands for wide area network. It is a large computer network that covers a wide geographical area such as cities or countries, or even continents.

MAN stands for metropolitan area network and refers to the area between LANs and WANs in terms of size and scope. MANs can be connected together to form larger networks called wide area networks (WANs).

PAN stands for personal area network and refers to the computer networks used by individuals within close proximity to one another such as in an office environment where multiple employees might share files via wireless technology such as Bluetooth on their laptops and smartphones.

Network Infrastructure Management

Network infrastructure management is the process of managing and maintaining a company’s network infrastructure. The physical equipment and software that supports the computers and other devices that run the business are what make up the network infrastructure.

The goal of network infrastructure management is to ensure that everything works together smoothly so that employees can work efficiently, without interruption. This can involve upgrading hardware or software when necessary; implementing new security policies; monitoring traffic patterns, and making sure there are enough bandwidth resources available to meet demand.

Poor infrastructure management and outdated equipment cause poor user experience and higher costs of operations. Many times customers add costly bandwidth instead of finding the bottlenecks. Cisco Marvis can provide you with the insight needed to make better decisions and find network problems.

Network Infrastructure Solutions

Network infrastructure solutions are the services that allow companies to connect their computers and other devices together and share information. This can include servers, routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and more.

When you’re looking for network infrastructure solutions, you’ll want to be sure you’re choosing a networking service provider company that has a good reputation in the industry as well as experience with your specific needs. This can help ensure that your network will be secure and effective.

Managed Services VS NaaS

Compufutura has been providing NaaS before the term was invented. I never understood the MSP model and its focus on PCs. Frankly, I always believed that the server and the network were the keys to a successful business. An example is the point of sale. These character-based devices have provided a fast and reliable function. Process the orders or products and print a receipt. Add a bunch of devices to make it fast (old tech – barcodes).

This business model does not require PCs. It requires a flawless network connection and a reliable server. The POS or PC, Tablet, Phone, or whatever is easily replaceable. It is merely a dumb endpoint in which data is processed. Arent the registers at Costco etc just big dumb terminals with drawers, scanners, and credit card readers?

Not much has changed except the location of the server. Since they reside in the cloud or a data center, network delivery to users and customers should be the key concern. This change requires a flawless network, secure transactions, and reliable servers. Compufutura has always pursued these objectives.

Network as a Service takes into account these key points and relieves customers of the chore of delivering these ever more complex services.

Today, Compufutura can verify a device that is assigned to specific users only gets access to the specific application with an excellent experience from anywhere in the world. If there is an exception to any of the conditions we are alerted and our team will rectify the situation.

Compufutura – Blue Manage provides the following:

• Improved productivity
• Better user and customer experience
• Technology updates
• Proactive management
• Improved network performance
• Improved security
• Easy deployments
• Scalability

Importance and Benefits of Network Infrastructure

Network infrastructure is the backbone of all business communications. It provides the foundation for all other network activity. It also makes possible the exchange of data, voice, and video across a variety of devices.

The benefits of network infrastructure are numerous. Here are some additions to what I have mentioned above:

1. Cost-effective – Network infrastructure requires little or no maintenance and can be used for years without needing replacement.
2. Reliable – Network infrastructure is built for performance, which means that your data will flow smoothly with little or no interruption. Set and expect a guaranteed service level for all users and customers. 
3. Efficient – Network infrastructure allows you to connect many different devices at once, regardless of whether they’re in the same room or across the globe from each other.
4. Scalable – Network infrastructures can expand as needed to accommodate growing needs within your organisation’s network as well as access to and from external sources.

Challenges in Network Infrastructure

Network infrastructure is the foundation of an organisation’s interaction with all customers and users. It consists of all the hardware, software, and applications that allow users to communicate with each other over a network.

Network infrastructure is also known as the “backbone” of a company’s IT department. Which means it supports all other IT systems in use at any given time.

The challenges associated with network infrastructure include:

Security threats: In recent years, the number of security threats that target networks has increased dramatically. With more than 20 million new malware samples being created every day. This makes it extremely difficult for IT departments to keep up with these attacks and protect themselves from them.

Performance issues: The performance of your network infrastructure can vary greatly depending on how you’ve set up your network. When you’re designing your network, don’t overlook this aspect. Poor performance can negatively affect productivity among employees and customers alike.

Costs: Setting up new network infrastructure can be expensive, but if done correctly, it will help keep your data plan in check.

Consider ongoing costs like maintenance fees paid to providers who manage parts of your network and plan for a long-term strategy. NaaS can keep network costs down and multi-year contracts always provide cost savings.

Network Infrastructure Security

Network infrastructure security is an essential component of any data management plan. It refers to the physical wiring and equipment that makes up your network. It includes routers, switches, firewalls, and more. Without a first-class firewall and the subscription services that provide continued learning of new threats you jeopardise your entire business

In order to ensure that your network infrastructure is secure, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Make sure you have a firewall in place. A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that requires subscriptions in order to keep unauthorised users from accessing your network as well as free of harmful viruses. This includes hackers who are trying to get into your systems for monetary gain or to just create chaos. Employee access should be limited to only information required to accomplish their job.
2. Internet Network Security. Make sure all traffic coming into or out of your network is encrypted using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS). These protocols encrypt everything from passwords and credit card numbers to email messages and video streams sent between users on different computers/devices connected to the internet. Encrypted data is unreadable by anyone else besides those who have keys for sending/receiving your sensitive information across cyberspace (e.g., emails being sent between two different servers).
3. Update your software regularly. Software updates are released by manufacturers to fix bugs and security issues found in their systems or add new features/functionality to existing ones. Most critical is the maintenance of the firewalls, routers, and switches that provide protection and integrity to your network and need updates to be able to prevent new threats. 
4. Install antivirus software and keep it up-to-date. Antivirus software scans for malicious code on your system and prevents it from executing once detected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, network infrastructure is the foundation for all computing and networking technology. Without this critical structure, it would be very difficult to do anything in today’s modern society. Businesses of all sizes are looking at ways they can improve their network infrastructure and make sure they have enough capacity available to meet their needs and provide the flexibility to provide services as business demands change.

I started thinking about A.I. when I visited HP’s Fort Collins facility around 1985. I remember it was the day when HP produced its first batch of PA-RISC chips. It was amazing that the first batch had some 95% yield and was built in the USA.

The discussions about the architecture revolved around future technology and naturally AI.

Then we heard about chess-playing computers that evolved from Carnegie Mellon University and ended up at Big Blue.

Hmm, that was almost 40 years ago. TCP/IP started to be adopted at about the same time. Over the years we saw processors and memory speeds increase, but not a lot more. We could write bigger, more complex programs but not necessarily “better.”

The Born of Mist AI from Cisco

Everyone would say how technology has evolved so much over the years. I did not agree. The network and computing paradigm are the same except bigger and more complex. The first major change that changed my 35+ years in the technology industry was in 2019 when introduced to Mist Systems. A startup in 2016 had in 3 years revolutionized data management. Sujai Hajela and Bob Friday former Cisco employees put together a team that completely rethought how networks are run and managed.

Compufutura Computer Systems installed and managed our first Cisco Mist system in New Los Angeles Charter Middle School with about 600 students in 2020. The results were amazing. Other than requests to allow or disallow websites we did not have any problems until last week. ADD account and address Half of the Wi-Fi went down. An old physical cable failed. Of course, Cisco Mist AI was able to point us to the bad cable.

Mist AI, from Cisco, integrates Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science Techniques across wired access, Wi-Fi, WAN, and SD-WAN environments to deliver real-time insights into specific user, device, and application experiences. Mist AI revolutionizes AIOps – AI for IT Operations.

AIOps (AI for IT Operations) had proven to me that we could reduce the operations cost dramatically and even a catastrophic problem is not too big and rapidly resolved.

What a great journey with Cisco and Mist AI learning from brilliant people and customers how AI elevates customer experience. Customers benefit now and the future is mind blowing. Come join our event in Venice, CA to learn more about Turning IT Challenges Into Opportunities – Together . Cisco Mist WiFi and Wired Assurance integrates the wired and wireless portfolio to provide end-to-end visibility into the user experience and network operations, delivering the key knowledge that enables fast responses across both wired and wireless networks.

Elevate your employees’ and customers’ experience and register at https://compufutura.com/seminars or call us at 323-325-9667.

Cisco Networks is proud to be recognized in the 2022 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Indoor Location Services. Gartner has positioned Cisco as a Leader and furthest in Completeness of Vision. We believe that our focus on customer experience has led to Cisco’s placement in this year’s Magic Quadrant. We offer:  

• Highly accurate location service using patented virtual BLE technology
• Simplified deployment and operations enabled by Mist AI and 100% API-based platform
• Comprehensive analytics platform
• Rich portfolio of partner solution integrations
• Very positive customer feedback on experience with Cisco

How Can Schools and Libraries Apply for Funding?

In view of outstanding demand and the recent spike in coronavirus cases, the FCC will open a second application filing window. This second window will open on September 28 and run until October 13. During this new application filing window, eligible schools, libraries, and consortia of eligible schools and libraries will be able to submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.

The initial ECF Program application filing window opened on June 29 and closed on August 13.

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is the administrator of the ECF Program and will review applications. Interested schools and libraries can find more information and apply at emergencyconnectivityfund.org.

What Equipment and Services Are Covered?

Eligible equipment includes Wi-Fi hotspots, modems (including air cards), routers, devices that combine a modem and router, and connected devices (laptop and tablet computers). Schools and libraries can also receive funding for commercially available broadband service that provides a fixed or mobile broadband connection for off-campus use by students, school staff or library patrons. In limited instances, a school or library that can demonstrate it has no available service options sufficient to support remote learning may seek funding for the construction of new networks to provide remote learning and the equipment needed for datacasting services. Review the Eligible Services List for additional guidance on the equipment and services eligible for funding under the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program.

The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program covers 100% of the reasonable costs of laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons.

Eligible schools and libraries must apply by August 13. During the current application filing window, eligible schools and libraries, in addition to consortia of schools and libraries, can submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.

Interested schools and libraries can find more information and apply for support at emergencyconnectivityfund.org. The FCC will hold a webinar on August 3 at 2 p.m. Contact Compufutura for program procedures or orders.

Build a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and prevent ransomware with no hardware investment. A 3 year data storage commitment will provide you a local operational backup as well as a cloud backup of your systems. Datto also can provide you with data protection for your Office 365 and Google data. Contact us to learn more and protect your business.

Ransomware Detection and Prevention – we scan every backup for ransomware to make sure they will work and are free from ransomware

• Better Backups – our image-based backups are more resilient to ransomware. Even if ransomware hits your systems, the rest of your backup chain will not be infected.
• Fast Rollbacks – if you’re hit with ransomware there, is no need to panic. We can easily roll your systems back to before the ransomware attack occurs

Join our weekly demo to see how we deliver the industry’s best wired and Wi-Fi experience. Get a Free AP and EX switch! Attend to see how Mist AI wired and Wi-Fi networks are predictable, reliable and measurable to give IT teams an edge in transforming their businesses with new technologies.

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