What’s the fastest-growing traffic segment of wireless networks? The answer for a large majority of organizations and agencies is traffic from wireless devices, and that growth is showing no signs of slowing down, says one expert. “It’s kind of like trying to stop the tide,” said Bob Laliberte, a senior analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group. “You either adapt or get run over by it.”
The growth of wireless device traffic comes from inside and outside of organizations. Some of the traffic comes from organizations and agencies extensively deploying their own wireless devices such as tablets and smart phones. Last fall, for instance, the Veterans Affairs Department announced it was acquiring up to 100,000 tablets including iPads as well as those that run on Android and Windows operating systems, and even the White House is looking to add a Wi-Fi network, which would encompass 60 buildings and several outdoor areas.
Employee-owned devices contribute, too. Some of the wireless usage is sanctioned as part of a bring-your-own-device trend, a policy that allows end users to access an organization’s data and network using a personal device.
Filling in the holes
Organizations that want to provide stable, reliable wireless service might think that the key to doing so is simply adding access points, but this strategy doesn’t work for every organization or every wireless network. The first step that all agencies should take is an assessment that identifies the type of traffic going over the wireless network. Are users accessing e-mail and software as a service? Are they using their devices for virtual desktop access? Are they looking to implement unified communications? The answers, say experts, will dictate the equipment, security and management tools that will be required for success. And some organizations might do an assessment and realize that they don’t need as much wireless coverage as they thought so they can focus on guest access.
Resources:
- https://gcn.com/microsites/2012/insights-modernizing-the-network/01-wireless-network-data-demands.aspx
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ReplyDeleteOverall this is a very nice article that describes the traffic of the network,
ReplyDeleteI understand that the traffic comes from organizations and agencies and I completely agree with you
But why do you think that the first step is to identify the type of traffic going over the wireless network?
Very good article, but,why some organizations might do an assessment and realize that they don’t need as much wireless coverage as they thought so they can focus on guest access. GOOD LUCK =>
ReplyDeleteAssessing the type of traffic on a network is essential to identify how the wireless network will be configured. this can save the company money and future technical problems. thanks Aisha for this nice article!
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