Future Focus: Networks Steer the Spotlight in 2025
In 2025, enterprises are set to witness a significant transformation in their IT networks. Ed Fox, MetTel's CTO with three decades of expertise in telecommunications and networks, offers a compelling perspective on this forthcoming shift. The convergence of advancements such as AI, edge computing, and the impending sunset of century-old copper-based landlines create both opportunities and challenges.
The Farewell to Copper-Based Landlines: With major telcos phasing out these legacy systems, a wave of momentum will build around IP-based communications and alternatives like Plain Old Telephone Services (POTs). Businesses and property owners, particularly those reliant on critical systems like fire alarms, elevators, and security systems, will prioritize upgrades due to the large number of still-active landlines in the US.
Edge Computing: Though industry predictions may be overoptimistic, the trajectory of edge computing’s growth is unquestionable. The relentless demand for real-time processing by AI is driving compute power closer to data sources. Expect a substantial increase in edge deployments, mirroring the evolution of broadband use.
SMRs on the Rise: As edge computing, public cloud, and confidential data centers continue to grow, a pressing issue arises: energy supply. In response, we'll see significant progress in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a potential solution to the escalating energy demands of our digital world.
The Network's Time to Shine: The network, often overlooked, will become the centerpiece of our evolving IT landscape. We must revamp network design, management, and security to tackle the unprecedented volume and complexity of data flowing between devices, data centers, and the cloud.
AI-Aware Networks: SD-WAN solutions will evolve beyond basic application identification to recognise and prioritize specific AI workloads, enhancing performance and responsiveness.
Satellite Connectivity Boom: Satellite spaces, particularly Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, will see exponential growth. This growth will extend high-bandwidth connectivity to remote areas and transform industries like oil and gas.
Mobile Edge Compute Takes Root: The synergy of edge computing, 5G, and satellite connectivity will foster the emergence of mobile edge compute (MEC), delivering low-latency, high-bandwidth services at the network's edge.
The Age of Pervasive Encryption: Security will be the paramount concern in 2025, as an expanding attack surface necessitates encryption for various applications, from text messages to quantum-inspired algorithms.
Quantum Computing’s Ambivalent Impact: Though quantum computing has the potential to improve encryption, it also poses a threat to traditional encryption methods. Prepare for an intensified focus on quantum-resistant security solutions.
Decentralized Identity Gains Ground: Traditional centralized identity management can no longer meet the evolving security demands. In 2025, we'll witness significant advancements in the adoption of decentralized identity solutions utilizing blockchain and similar technologies.
In summary, 2025 promises a prosperous, although challenging, period for networking. Proactive engagement with emerging trends, rather than reactive responses, will position businesses to navigate the new demands brought by advanced AI, edge computing, pervasive encryption, and decentralized identity management, among others. Partnering with insightful communities such as MetTel's World-Class CIOs and CTOs Technology Council can be an invaluable resource in staying ahead of these changes.
Enrichment Data Incorporation:
- Return-to-Office (RTO) Mandates and Hybrid Work Models:
- Challenge: Fluctuating numbers of remote and on-site workers and the inherent security risks due to compromised devices.
- Solution: Implementing flexible bandwidth consumption models and "as-a-Service" solutions that incorporate network security.
- Legacy Network and Security Technologies:
- Challenge: Obsolescence of VLANs and NAC due to evolutionary network requirements and security threats. New architectures emerge to replace them.
- Solution: Implementing new architectures that streamline cloud management and Layer 3 device segmentation, eliminating complex NAC solutions and VLANs.
- AI in Network Management:
- Trend: AI adoption in fibre networks for automation, predictive maintenance, and network lifecycle management.
- Solution: Using AI for tasks like fibre route planning and quality control, optimizing network design and deployment.
- AI-Aware Networks:
- Trend: Integration of AI into network operations for automation, security, and efficiency.
- Solution: Shifting from overlay solutions to an integrated approach, prioritising security in new networking architectures.
- Satellite Connectivity:
- Trend: Increased satellite connectivity, particularly in edge computing and IoT applications, to provide reliable connections in remote areas.
- Solution: Integrating satellite networks with existing WAN infrastructure to support rising ultra-reliable connectivity demands.
- Mobile Edge Compute:
- Trend: Deployment of mobile edge compute (MEC) in 5G networks to host applications at telecom provider’s edge sites.
- Solution: Using MEC to reduce latency and optimise WAN integration for application hosting at the edge.
- Encryption:
- Trend: Continued importance of encryption in securing data processed locally at edge locations.
- Solution: Implementing robust encryption methods integrated into the network architecture, ensuring data security is a fundamental aspect of network design.
- Quantum Computing:
- Trend: Future impact of quantum computing on network security and optimization strategies.
- Solution: Preparing strategies to adapt to future encryption methods and data processing requirements.
- Decentralized Identity:
- Trend: Increasing importance of decentralized identity solutions for data security and integrity in edge computing and IoT environments.
- Solution: Implementing decentralized identity solutions to strengthen data security and integrity.
- SMRs (Small Modular Reactors):
- Trend: Revival of nuclear energy for clean, reliable, and controllable power due to the rise of AI and new technologies.
- Solution: Integrating SMRs into the energy mix to support the growing demand for reliable power, especially in data centers and edge computing environments.
Ed Fox's Insights: Given Ed Fox's expertise in telecommunications, his perspective on the 2025 IT network transformation could prove invaluable for enterprises looking to adapt to the changes.
Telecom Industry in 2025: The telecom industry in 2025 will be marked by the widespread adoption of IP-based communications and alternatives like POTs, driven by major telcos phasing out copper-based landlines.
2025 Network Evolution: In light of the 2025 IT network transformation, businesses must rethink their network design, management, and security to handle the unprecedented volume and complexity of data flowing between devices, data centers, and the cloud.
