Empowering Tomorrow
Our annual company Iftar was recently held at Giggles and Geeks Restaurant, Cyberjaya . Everyone tried and enjoyed different delicious Western and Local Fusion cuisines!
It’s always wonderful spending time with the team away from the office with our loved ones!
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Happy Chinese New Year!
May the Year of the Dragon be filled with an abundance of smiles and laughter. Wishing everyone who celebrates a joyful and prosperous Chinese New Year ahead, brimming with good fortune, happiness, and success!
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
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Changes in the way we work have had significant implications for business cybersecurity, not least when it comes to network monitoring. A working network is the backbone of any business, and through continuous monitoring, a network should ensure reliability, maximum staff performance, and robust security.
What is Network Infrastructure?
Let’s start with the basics. Your company’s network infrastructure includes all the hardware and software resources of your entire network, including routers, switches, wifi, firewalls, and servers, each of which require careful configuration and maintenance.
* Your routers connect devices to the internet.
* Switches connect the devices in your private network, like computers, printers, and more, to allow them to communicate with each other.
* Wifi access points connect your laptops, tablets, and phones to the rest of the network.
* Firewalls protect your private network by controlling incoming and outgoing traffic to untrusted networks.
* Servers host applications, databases, and data files that get delivered to users through a network.
And of course, there are all your PCs, printers, phones, and tablets. When you consider this reach, the importance of network monitoring quickly becomes apparent. The best way to ensure that all of these devices are running efficiently is through proactive network monitoring.
What is Network Monitoring?
Network monitoring is the continuous analysis of a network to detect and correct any performance issues. Network monitoring involves collecting network statistics to determine the quality of services offered by the network. Continuous monitoring and review of your network includes monitoring network hardware and software devices like routers, firewalls, switches, servers, and WiFi.
Network monitoring is important because it helps you point out the exact location of any network problems, or prove that the network is not the source of a problem. Continuous monitoring can also help you to identify potential issues before they occur, so you can proactively solve problems before they impact users. For example, you can detect and troubleshoot problems like network slowdown before it affects business operations.
With more and more businesses operating remote or hybrid work models, it is vital to ensure your business network performs optimally for off-site employees. Remote network monitoring is important to ensure your network does not have performance issues and is secure enough for employees to access sensitive company resources.
Why Network Monitoring is Important: 3 Benefits of Network Monitoring
Continuous network and device monitoring helps you to troubleshoot not just hard failures but slowdowns as well. Troubleshooting issues early ensures business continuity and little or no downtime, as well as network monitoring benefits like:
1. Identifying Issues Anywhere in the Network
Network monitoring and assessment is a way to quickly locate a problem in the network. Monitoring your network’s performance can show you the cause and source of a network problem, where and when it occurred. It can also tell you who needs to fix it. When you actively monitor your network, you can detect any performance changes that could be problematic to users before they occur.
2. Better Use of IT Resources
A network outage is a productivity killer. To fix it, an under-resourced IT manager would be required to divert attention from one business critical project to another with little notice or preparation. A key benefit of network monitoring systems is that they reduce manual work for IT teams. This gives back valuable time to your IT department, which can instead be allocated to more critical projects.
3. Providing Historical and Baseline Data
With the availability of baseline data, network monitoring tools can continually and automatically compare data. In case of performance degradation, an alert is sent to you, and you can immediately address the problem. Historical data gives you a comparison point to determine optimal network performance or identify poor performance. It also enables you to troubleshoot network problems from past events.
How Can I Monitor My Network?
The first step to get started with network monitoring is to identify which devices need to be monitored, and what performance metrics to measure. Here are some baseline metrics you’ll want to track:
* Bandwidth usage: Your network should send as much data as it can without being overloaded. A network monitoring tool can identify how much bandwidth is typically used versus how much is currently being used.
* Throughput: This measures the percentage of data packets that are sent in a specified timeframe.
* Latency: This is the time it takes between requesting data and receiving that data. Latency performance issues can be challenging to measure, so it’s important to have a monitoring tool in place.
* Packet loss: This is the number of data packets that are lost during data transmissions.
* Retransmission: This is a measure of how often data packets are lost and need to be retransmitted to complete a request for data.
* Network availability/Uptime: This lets you know if your network is currently available. Your network monitoring tools can alert you when the network goes down, and how often.
* Connectivity: Make sure your network connection is operating at top performance at all times.
What to Look for in Network Monitoring Software
Like any other kind of software, small businesses shouldn’t just pick up any off-the-shelf network monitoring tool. Here are some important factors we recommend you keep in mind:
Usability
Network monitoring applications come in different shapes and sizes. They range from a basic command line interface to web-based dashboards with alerts and real-time analytics. Before settling on any vendor, you should make sure that your IT staff has enough hands-on time with the product and are comfortable using it.
Scalability
Your network may just consist of a few devices at one location, but will that always be the case for your business? Be sure that you understand the maximum network size that a monitoring vendor can support.
Current Infrastructure
If you’re like many startups and small businesses, you’re probably using multiple vendors for your switches, routers, and other components of your network infrastructure. Your IT team will need to determine if the network device monitoring software that you are considering is compatible.
Current IT Systems
It’s unlikely that a network monitoring system will be the only IT tool that your company uses. It will probably need to be integrated into a larger system that includes application management, device management, and analytics. Your IT team will need to find out how well your preferred network monitoring software will fit into the suite of tools that you already have.
Looking someone to monitor your Network Infrastructure? Fee free to contact us and please drop us an email to info@comarnet.com
Introduction
It is no longer practical to backhaul traffic from remote offices to the data center for rigorous security inspection since doing so wastes bandwidth and delays application performance. There is a real need for a more effective method of delivering traffic directly from branch locations to dependable SaaS and cloud-based applications while meeting the enterprise’s security requirements. So, if someone asks, “Is SD-WAN worth it in 2024?” it totally depends on the current technological advancements, and by far, it is worth pursuing SD-WAN.
An SD-WAN ensures reliable application performance and robustness automates traffic steering based on business purposes, increases network security, and simplifies WAN design. An SD-WAN uses a centralized control function to reliably and intelligently move traffic across the WAN and into established SaaS and IaaS providers. This increases company productivity and agility while decreasing IT costs by speeding up applications and providing a high-quality user experience.
This blog will concentrate on some of the basic concepts of SD-WAN and also explain the most asked question, i.e., is SD-WAN worth it in 2024? But before we move ahead, let’s have a brief introduction of SD-WAN.
What is SD-WAN?
Connecting LANs across extensive distances is the job of a wide area network (WAN). A wide area network connects branch offices and other facilities to the corporate network. Traditional WANs include software and hardware that are closely integrated to define and route network traffic. The software and hardware for this setup are usually acquired from the same networking company.
An SD-WAN is a WAN architecture that may be modified to function with different network gear and protocols. The controlling software is compatible with any kind of network gear. An SD-WAN may be set up using off-the-shelf hardware rather than specialized hardware. Therefore, SD-WANs are less expensive, more flexible, and more scalable than conventional WANs.
Many people have many misconceptions about SD-WAN, and candidates are also searching for answers to the questions such as “Is SD-WAN worth it in 2024?” and many more. Let’s get into the details so candidates can get the answers they seek.
Is SD-WAN worth it in 2024?
In short, Yes, SD-WAN is worth it in 2024 and many more years to come. SD-WAN has completely revolutionized the networking landscape. This is the primary motivation for many individuals who have a passion for technology to pursue this line of work. It is noticeable that there will be an increase in demand for professionals with the skills and expertise necessary to install, operate, and troubleshoot SD-WAN networks as the use of SD-WAN continues to rise rapidly.
SD-WAN training can be a worthwhile investment in the professional development of IT professionals that deal with various networking technologies. They can boost their chances of progression within their present organization and make themselves more valuable to future employers if they have knowledge and experience in SD-WAN technology, which is becoming more extensively utilized.
PyNet Labs is the ideal place to begin your career as an SD-WAN Engineer if that is your long-term goal. You will get a lot of information on the worth of the SD-WAN training at various points during the course. So, continue developing your skills and keep evolving with emerging technologies.
To understand the scope of SD-WAN in detail, let’s discuss a few more questions surrounding the main question.
Is SD-WAN the future?
SD-WAN has made remarkable progress since its introduction, making it one of the most intriguing and closely followed network technologies. Here are a few reasons why SD-WAN will be important in the coming years and will also assist in answering the most asked question, i.e., Is SD-WAN worth it in 2024?
Migration to the cloud
SD-WAN’s structure fits itself into cloud networking. Furthermore, as more businesses seek the advantages of cloud storage, SaaS, and IaaS, SD-WAN will become an essential component of their networks. In the future, control, and data planes will be moved to the cloud to increase software performance, and SD-WAN will be the best way to guide traffic across multiple transport types. Overall, enterprises will have more freedom than ever before.
Simplified management
When it comes to network troubleshooting and maintenance, automation has become the standard. Network managers and businesses are searching for simple solutions that monitor various parts of the network and alert issues as soon as they appear. Some systems proactively monitor metrics and alarm when they exceed predefined thresholds.
SD-WAN supports automation and simplified management. This is also why this technique drastically cuts maintenance expenses.
Fast and flexible
SD-WAN is quicker and more versatile than traditional networking technology. This is due to the fact that the old system is outdated and unsuitable for today’s cloud environment. They were built with restrictive architectures that didn’t always scale effectively for data center applications.
On the other hand, SD-WAN employs a software-based approach for routing traffic across connections, allowing it to easily select the most optimum connection for each transfer. It also decreases jitter and addresses lost packet issues, making connections substantially quicker and more reliable.
Learn about the components of SD-WAN.
Do you really need SD-WAN Training?
Yes, SD-WAN training is essential if you want to learn about developing, installing, and applying approaches for managing SD-WAN. It covers all SD-WAN principles, from the fundamentals to the advanced ones. Software-defined WAN technology is the focus of Cisco SD-WAN training. This course helps students prepare for the Cisco 300-415 ENSDWI – SD-WAN exam. Some of the advantages of having an SD-WAN course include the following:
Better Understanding of SD-WAN Technology: There has been a significant rise in the use of SD-WAN. SD-WAN training can teach you about the technology behind SD-WAN and its advantages and distinctions from more traditional WAN. Here are the differences between SD-WAN and Traditional WAN.
Improved Network Performance: In order to boost network performance, SD-WAN uses numerous wide WAN connections and employs intelligent routing, traffic prioritization, and load balancing. Network performance can be improved with training in configuring and managing these features.
Better Job Opportunities: There is a rising need for people with SD-WAN expertise as more businesses implement SD-WAN. Training in SD-WAN might help you advance in the networking industry and get your desired job.
Why is SD-WAN Popular?
Software-defined wide-area networks, or SD-WANs, are becoming more popular among businesses for their ability to save expenses, enhance the user experience, and strengthen cloud connection. SD-WANs are especially helpful for remote offices because they reduce bandwidth costs and give IT and security departments more oversight and control. Some of the reasons that make SD-WAN popular are:
SD-WAN Improves the User Experience
In today’s digital transformation and workplace modernization age, providing a fantastic user experience is of utmost importance. Companies with foresight understand that it’s not enough to provide a positive consumer experience; they must also provide the same for their staff.
SD-WAN Simplifies Operations
Businesses want to increase application performance and end-user experience by making it simpler to manage numerous connection types throughout their WAN.
SD-WAN Reduces Branch Office Costs
The traditional model of backhauling traffic from branch offices to data centers and back is inefficient and costly. IT teams need on-site equipment, which necessitates capital and operational/personnel expenditures. SD-WAN significantly cuts bandwidth costs while requiring much less investment in hardware or IT people.
SD-WAN Can Vastly Strengthen Cybersecurity
One of the key reasons behind the popularity of SD-WANs is that it allows for significant gains in cybersecurity while simultaneously lowering costs and simplifying operations. IT and security professionals can obtain comprehensive visibility and control over SD-WAN connection if the correct solutions are used.
Check out – SD-WAN Interview Questions
Is SD-WAN hard to learn?
SD-WAN learning difficulties are determined mainly by your degree of networking expertise and experience. You may find it simpler to grasp SD-WAN ideas and technology if you have a background in networking. On the other hand, SD-WAN may need more effort to understand if you are new to networking.
SD-WAN training and online materials are available to assist you in understanding the technology. Numerous online platforms, such as PyNet Labs, provide training to assist students in becoming adept at technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 – Do you really need SD-WAN?
SD-WAN can be beneficial if you have multiple branch offices or remote sites, as it provides centralized management and control over the network. It optimizes bandwidth usage and improves performance by intelligently routing traffic. However, the need for SD-WAN depends on your specific network infrastructure and requirements.
Q2 – Is SD-WAN the future?
SD-WAN is considered a significant advancement in networking technology and has gained popularity in recent years. It offers numerous benefits, such as improved performance, cost savings, and simplified network management. While it is challenging to predict the future with certainty, SD-WAN is expected to continue evolving and playing a crucial role in network infrastructures. As organizations increasingly adopt cloud services, embrace digital transformation, and require efficient connectivity across multiple locations, SD-WAN is likely to remain a prominent solution in the networking landscape.
Q3 – What are the disadvantages of SD-WAN?
Disadvantages of SD-WAN include complexity in implementation and management, potential security risks due to direct internet access, dependency on internet connectivity for network performance, and initial implementation costs. Proper planning, robust security measures, redundancy mechanisms, and budget considerations are important to address these challenges effectively.
Q4 – Is SD-WAN better than WAN?
SD-WAN offers several advantages over traditional WAN in terms of cost, performance, scalability, and agility. It enables cost savings by utilizing multiple network connections, optimizes application performance through intelligent traffic routing, and provides centralized management for easier scalability. SD-WAN also allows for greater agility in adapting to changing network requirements and integrating with cloud services. However, the suitability of SD-WAN depends on the specific needs and circumstances of an organization, and a careful assessment should be conducted before determining if it is better than traditional WAN.
Conclusion
The requirement for users and devices to have quick, accurate, reliable, and secure access to essential applications and resources will continue regardless of how networks change. It doesn’t matter whether Secure SD-WAN is installed on-premises, in the cloud, as a cloud-based service, or as part of a bigger solution; it will always reliably and securely link end users, devices, and networks to mission-critical services and data. Is SD-WAN worth it in 2024 or not?
Source : https://www.pynetlabs.com/is-sd-wan-worth-it/
Happy New Year! ✨
It’s that time of new year again, and we’d like to wish each and every one of our employees and our beloved clients a safe, happy and relaxing festive season. See you in 2024!
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Wishing everyone a magical Christmas filled with love, laughter, and all the joy this season brings.
May your days be merry and bright 🎄✨🎉.
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It’s Day 1 of #CapacityAsia2023!
