In the world of enterprise networks, ensuring network uptime, reliability, performance, and security are top priorities for businesses. As organizations continue to grow and expand, their network infrastructure must also evolve and adapt to meet changing business demands, which can sometimes be a daunting task. However, the rise of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) and modern orchestration and automation tools that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into the monitoring and alerting processes has provided businesses with new and innovative network management solutions. In this article, we will explore these two different models for network management and how they are revolutionizing the way businesses manage their network infrastructure.
The Two Different Models for Network Management
Network management can be accomplished in several ways, but two models are rising to the top: Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) and modern orchestration and automation tools.
Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) for network management seeks to offload the management of an enterprise network to a third-party service provider. The service provider manages all aspects of the network infrastructure, including devices, applications, security, and performance. The business can focus on core competencies while leaving the network management to the experts. This model has gained popularity in recent years due to the increasing complexity of network infrastructure and the growing need for businesses to focus on their core competencies.
The advantages of NaaS include scalability, cost savings, 24/7 monitoring and support, and access to cutting-edge technology. It also reduces the need for in-house resources devoted to network management, which can result in significant cost savings for businesses.
Third-party service provider
The rise of NaaS also means the rise of third-party service providers. These providers specialize in network management and have the expertise and experience to handle the most complex network infrastructure. Businesses can leverage the expertise of these providers to ensure their network is running smoothly and securely.
Modern Orchestration and Automation Tools
Automation tools and AI/ML are making network management faster, more efficient, and more reliable. These modern tools enable businesses to automate complex configuration tasks, detect and troubleshoot issues faster, and optimize their network’s performance.
Explanation of Orchestration and Automation Tools: Network orchestration and automation tools eliminate manual configuration errors, which are the leading cause of infrastructure outages. The tool intelligently reviews all network changes to validate that they won’t negatively affect the network. These tools also provide a centralized dashboard for visualizing and managing network infrastructure, simplifying network management tasks.
Advantages of Orchestration and Automation Tools
Orchestration and automation tools provide businesses with several benefits, including cost savings, improved uptime/reliability, enhanced security, and better network performance. Moreover, these tools allow businesses to have more control over their network infrastructure while reducing the need for manual intervention by IT staff.
Traditional Enterprise Network Management
Traditionally, enterprise networks are managed on a hop-by-hop basis and are configured using complex command-line syntax. This method of network management is time-consuming and creates an increased risk of errors.
Eliminating Manual Configuration Errors
Manual configuration errors are the leading cause of infrastructure outages. These errors can occur due to human error, lack of documentation, or misconfiguration of devices. Orchestration and automation tools help to eliminate such errors by automating configuration tasks and validating changes before implementation.
The biggest network management challenge is perhaps the nagging need for network administrators to be physically present to conduct advanced troubleshooting and for occasional equipment replacement.
Cloud-managed network devices
Cloud-managed network devices open the door to networks being fully managed by a third party. They enable businesses to outsource their network management to a third party while maintaining control over their network infrastructure. These devices simplify network management tasks, reduce the need for in-house resources and provide enhanced security features.
Advantages of Cloud-Managed Network Devices
Cloud-managed devices provide businesses with several benefits, including cost savings, far-reaching network access, proactivity, simplified management, and improved security.
In conclusion, the rise of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS), modern orchestration, and automation tools with AI and ML have provided businesses with new and innovative network management solutions. These tools require fewer in-house resources and can deliver improved network uptime, reliability, performance, and security. While NaaS offloads all network management to a third-party provider, businesses also have the option of using modern orchestration and automation tools for greater business control. The investment may prove to deliver a better return on investment compared to traditional network management methods. Businesses must continue to adapt and evolve their network infrastructure to meet their ever-changing business demands.