16 Aug 2023
Evolution of communication networks for the next digital era
Computer networks and their security are constantly evolving with the advent of emerging technologies. Driven by operational imperatives and awareness of communication role towards businesses’ resiliency.

"The next communication network generations enable better response to the needs of businesses while ensuring the security of their strategic applications for today and tomorrow."
Investments in network technology have not decreased during the economic downturn of recent years because they are required for urgent communications. Businesses must adapt their digital transformation strategy to improve their operations and increase their efficiency. Businesses must also adapt and protect their assets while leveraging on evolving trends, which can be more complicated if their network is not appropriate.
Until now, the communication network had the objective to interconnect different elements such as users and IT resources according to traditional architectures, and overall network traffic was predictable. But the adoption of hybrid work models within organisations in various sectors, the demand for cloud services, and the emergence of several technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence have had a major impact on networks. Improving their architecture and visibility result in security requirements as their attack surface becomes more exposed. But this visibility also allows a better traffic monitoring, provided that modern architectures, advanced functionalities, and centralised solutions are implemented using next-generation solutions. This involves applying rules and policies, identifying applications, and even proactively blocking malicious activities. This is a strategic approach to network management with a number of financial and operational benefits.
Real-time communication experiences pose a challenge which the next digital era will face. Overcoming this challenge might not be easy.
The Internet works rather well today for all online experiences, particularly because there are many mobile applications that are not bandwidth intensive. An example is social network platforms accessible through a browser or mobile app. Overall, few online experiences require significant bandwidth, low latency, and continuous connectivity other than multi-user virtual worlds rendered in real-time. Most experiences only require one or at most two of these parameters. However, virtual worlds have higher performance requirements and are more affected by the least disconnection of any of these parameters. Much more complex datasets are transmitted and the transmission requirements must be more stringent.
Over the next decade, networking capabilities will define and limit much of what's possible to communicate.
It is important to have a new and improved physical infrastructure, medium wireless standards, high performance hardware, and possibly even enhance fundamental protocols.
As an experienced player in the network infrastructure sector, BIRGER. can confirm that many organisations in the region are aware of the benefits of a well-designed network architecture adapted to their businesses. A significant number of them are considering improving their network architecture in the short to the medium term.
It is illusive to think that it is possible to maintain an existing network to support today's technologies. To anticipate the requirements and risks for the next digital era, it is paramount to have a next-generation network.
Author: Bhargava Sokappadu, Head of Network & Security
Source: JANVIER-FÉVRIER 2023 - Supplément de L’Éco austral n°375