The enterprise networking industry is innovating rapidly, and enhanced functionality based on cloud and software-defined networking principles are unleashing the full potential of advanced optical fiber infrastructure. Furthermore, network automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are prominent technologies that are driving greater efficiency and agility in traditional network operations.

The pandemic forced many organizations to re-evaluate their network modernization projects, says independent analyst John Fruehe. “Data center strategies needed to change as the enterprise network became the focal point for many companies. New network architecture is needed to drive better bandwidth, better UX and a more streamlined and scalable network. Ultimately, a more modern network and applications are crucial to keep businesses competitive.”

Managing explosive data traffic volumes within an always-on operational environment requires a network with high-availability, scalability, and performance - together with managed QoS and comprehensive redundancy.

This article discusses the process of a successful enterprise network deployment, encompassing network infrastructure and planning, market trends and challenges, and industry best practices.

Arelion has been connecting businesses around the world for 30 years. As a pioneer in the industry and one of the most experienced network providers, Arelion offers both public Internet and private connectivity solutions - the best combination of flexibility and security for today’s enterprises. Over 70% of the global internet is directly connected to Arelion’s #1 global backbone. With its unique scale and reach, Arelion connects billions of end-users to critical content and applications - every day.

Planning and Designing Enterprise Networks

All networks are unique and different. Enterprise organizations each have different needs, but there are a few common steps in a typical enterprise network planning process.

It all starts with scoping out the requirements – what are the specific connectivity needs of the organization? This will include considerations such as bandwidth, security, availability, scalability, and manageability. Then, all of this needs to be put into the context of any budget constraints.

“Given the ever-growing number of options, network service selection has grown increasingly complex,” says business technology journalist John Edwards. “Between delivering applications over the cloud and supporting hybrid and/or remote work on mobile devices that require access wherever they are, enterprises need network service providers that can readily adapt to their needs.”

The next step is network design - including the network architecture, topology and hardware (routers, switches, firewalls). Thereafter, suitable vendors need to be found and partnered with, so that the appropriate hardware and software components can be sourced.

Implementation of the network follows, to initiate the installation, configuration and roll-out of the various network elements and services.

The functionality, security and performance of the overall network ecosystem needs to be validated and tested. Continuous monitoring and maintenance routines can then be implemented to ensure sustained reliability and security.

Once the network is operational, it will enter its organic growth phase. While expansion is generally included in the initial requirements. traffic growth and potential bottlenecks can now be managed as a natural part of the network lifecycle.

Choosing the Right Network Partner

Considering the business-critical nature and complexity of many enterprise networks today, there is no compromise on network quality. A stable and reliable network foundation is not just nice to have, but a key differentiator for overall business success. With that in mind, it is worth asking the following questions when choosing a network partner:

• Who owns the network you use? And the routes your traffic takes?
   
• Will you get the scalability, network diversity and redundancy you need?
   
• Will you get full visibility and control of network security, capacity management and performance monitoring?
   
• Is it easy to get help if a problem occurs?

Four Critical Consideration for Building & Planning Enterprise Networks

There are several considerations when planning and building an enterprise network, including scalability, reliability, service delivery, and customer satisfaction.

• Scalability: As the size of the network grows, so do issues related to managing and maintaining a greater number of network resources and more traffic. The demand for scalable, high-capacity bandwidth will only increase as enterprises strive to cost-effectively serve diverse application needs, improve performance, and maintain customer satisfaction.
  • Best Practice: Managing explosive data traffic volumes within an always-on operational environment requires a network with high-availability, scalability, and performance - together with managed QoS and comprehensive redundancy.
     
• Reliability and Security: Organizations are pushing more traffic and applications over the Internet than ever before; reliable performance and security on a global scale is crucial for business success. Moreover, there is no network security “finish line,” it is a continual process of development and adaptation to the evolving threat landscape.

  • Best Practice: To achieve comprehensive network protection, it is necessary to deploy and maintain a multi-layered network security strategy so that the network can be effectively protected against a broad spectrum of vulnerabilities.

    Critically, secure infrastructure needs solid foundations. The Internet backbone is a critical part of the global network infrastructure, comprising high-speed data links that connect major data centers, global Tier 1 networks and key content providers. To ensure the security of the Internet backbone, various measures should be in place, such as encryption, access control, and intrusion detection and prevention systems. These systems are designed to protect the integrity of data traffic and prevent unauthorized access to network resources.
     

• Unparalleled Service Delivery: Enterprises place significant importance on the service delivery experience. Unfortunately, previous negative service delivery experiences often inhibit innovation by preventing enterprises from exploring new connectivity providers. Many carriers currently falter in the implementation stage. Transparent communication throughout the service delivery process should be a key consideration.
  • Best Practice: Leverage Internet carriers with globally distributed service delivery teams that can provide a tailored experience for enterprise customers. Seek service delivery teams that possess a deep understanding of the markets they serve and can leverage relationships in those markets.
     
• Simple, Transparent and Informative Customer Service Resources: Often, simplicity can be the defining quality of customer service, as opposed to the traditional gauntlet of portals and credentials required to access support. Enterprises should be able to choose connectivity services that can be accessed through either 1.) a single service portal that provides full transparency of service tickets, real-time network analytics and traffic graphs, or 2.) open APIs that can integrate directly into the customer’s IPSM platform.
  • Best Practice: Evaluate if customer service is a core part of a carrier’s business and culture. Have third-party measurements validated its customers’ trust in their services? Does the carrier’s SLA and overall support process demonstrate their ability to be a responsive partner when there is a service-impacting problem? Arelion, for example, puts highly skilled people on the frontline, fixing 80% of network issues during the first call.

Conclusion

As Capgemini Engineering’s Brian Bronson states, “Uprooting and rebuilding a core component of your organization is never an easy task, especially when considering an element as complex as networks.” Importantly, however, he notes that “The push toward improved networks is not slowing down. In fact, it is only becoming more vital.”

Becoming a digital enterprise requires software development and access to leading-edge tools and technologies, as well as a stable environment for continuous integration and deployment. This requires a scalable, reliable, and well-connected network underlay. Arelion’s #1 ranked Internet backbone serves the world’s largest operators, cloud, and content providers, as well as enterprises that rely on business-critical connectivity. With more than 450 valued local access partners to provide the best end-user experience for its customers, Arelion provides full global coverage in more than 125 countries.

About Arelion

Arelion solves global connectivity challenges for multinational enterprises whose businesses rely on digital infrastructure. Its global Internet services connect more than 700 cloud, security, and content providers with low latency.  Established in 1993 – with 30+ years in the carrier industry – Arelion is an Internet pioneer with more than 2,700 customers worldwide. It provides the world’s best-connected Tier 1 Internet backbone (Kentik ranking 2024), including 75,000 km of optical fiber in North America, Europe and Asia.

Arelion has more than 350 Points-of-Presence in 120 cities and 35 countries worldwide. Directly connected to 900+ operators and 500+ content providers, Arelion provides direct on-ramps to the top five cloud providers. The company achieved a record-breaking Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 72 for 2023, with the highest scores given to Account Management, Network Quality and Service Delivery.