It’s almost difficult to imagine an even more connected world than the one we live in now – but that world is already on the way. Before long, companies simply won’t be able to function without having multiple IoT devices connected at ultra-high speeds.
5G
That’s why there’s such a big push to roll out 5G wireless technology. The demand for bandwidth and connectivity is about to get much, much bigger. 5G is a huge leap forward in terms of connection speed and reduced latency.
The Internet of Things depends on nearly real-time interaction with constantly changing data, and the only way to make that work is with a low latency network like 5G. The sooner companies can deploy 5G technology, the better they’ll be able to adapt to (and facilitate) changing conditions on the ground.
However, the transition to 5G isn’t a one-step process. According to a 2018 survey by Gartner, 66% of companies had plans to start using 5G by 2020. Unfortunately, demand for 5G often outpaced the ability of communications services to actually provide the technology. End-to-end 5G won’t happen right away, and many companies will have to settle for a phased deployment.
So, what can your company do to get ready for 5G? By using a Software-Defined Wide Area Network, or SD-WAN, you can put your company in the best position to expand your use of 5G.
SD-WAN
A Software-Defined Wide Area Network, or SD-WAN, is an updated version of the traditional WAN designed to function more effectively in the cloud. This not only facilitates the use of 5G, it also makes your branch offices more efficient. Rather than backhauling all traffic through corporate headquarters as branch offices had to do with traditional WANs, SD-WAN allows them to connect directly to the cloud for a much faster experience.
SD-WAN has the capability to rout applications intelligently. Any essential applications can be sent over your 5G network, while less mission-critical applications are sent over one of the other transport services. In effect, you’ll be able to get the faster speed of 5G when you need it most, long before you have true end-to-end 5G.
With a traditional WAN, all traffic from branch offices had to be routed back to headquarters for security purposes, even though this made for a much slower process. With SD-WAN, the network will steer different applications based on your security policy for that specific type of application, improving the user experience at your branch offices.
SD-WAN can give you the level of granular control needed to take full advantage of your 5G network, while leaving you ready to expand your use of 5G as soon as you’re ready. The use of 5G in combination with SD-WAN can make your branch offices function as efficiently as your corporate headquarters.
Contact Intercontinental Communications to learn more about the business packages we have available. Ask about our free consultation, audit, or bill analysis service!