What are the best network architecture tools to support remote work and mobile devices?

1 VPNs and Firewalls

One of the most basic and important network architecture tools for remote work and mobile devices is a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection between a remote device and a network, allowing the device to access network resources and services as if it were physically connected. VPNs can also protect the device and the network from cyberattacks, malware, and unauthorized access. However, VPNs are not enough to ensure network security. You also need firewalls, which are devices or software that monitor and filter network traffic based on predefined rules. Firewalls can prevent unwanted or malicious traffic from entering or leaving the network, as well as block or allow specific applications or ports.

2 Cloud Computing and Storage

Another network architecture tool that can support remote work and mobile devices is cloud computing and storage. Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, such as servers, databases, software, analytics, and intelligence, over the internet. Cloud computing can offer many benefits for remote work and mobile devices, such as scalability, flexibility, cost-efficiency, and performance. For example, you can use cloud computing to run applications or processes that require high computing power or storage capacity, without having to invest in expensive or complex hardware or software. Cloud storage is a subset of cloud computing that allows you to store and access data over the internet. Cloud storage can also offer many advantages for remote work and mobile devices, such as availability, backup, synchronization, and collaboration. For example, you can use cloud storage to store and access your files from any device or location, as well as share and edit them with others in real time.

3 SD-WAN and SASE

Another network architecture tool that can support remote work and mobile devices is software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) and secure access service edge (SASE). SD-WAN is a technology that uses software to control and optimize the routing and performance of network traffic across multiple locations and links, such as broadband, cellular, or satellite. SD-WAN can offer many benefits for remote work and mobile devices, such as reliability, efficiency, agility, and visibility. For example, you can use SD-WAN to dynamically select the best path for your traffic based on factors such as bandwidth, latency, or congestion, as well as monitor and troubleshoot your network performance and quality. SASE is a technology that combines SD-WAN with cloud-based security services, such as firewalls, VPNs, encryption, and identity management. SASE can offer many benefits for remote work and mobile devices, such as security, simplicity, scalability, and consistency. For example, you can use SASE to provide secure and seamless access to your network resources and services from any device or location, as well as reduce the complexity and cost of managing multiple security solutions.

4 Network Monitoring and Management Tools

Another network architecture tool that can support remote work and mobile devices is network monitoring and management tools. These are tools that help you monitor, analyze, and manage your network performance, health, and security, as well as troubleshoot and resolve any issues or problems that may arise. Network monitoring and management tools can offer many benefits for remote work and mobile devices, such as visibility, control, optimization, and automation. For example, you can use network monitoring and management tools to collect and display data and metrics about your network traffic, devices, and applications, as well as configure and update your network settings and policies. Some examples of network monitoring and management tools are network analyzers, network mappers, network scanners, network configuration managers, and network automation tools.

5 Network Architecture Resources and Guides

Finally, another network architecture tool that can support remote work and mobile devices is network architecture resources and guides. These are resources and guides that provide you with information, advice, and best practices on how to design and implement a network that supports remote work and mobile devices. Network architecture resources and guides can offer many benefits for remote work and mobile devices, such as knowledge, inspiration, and improvement. For example, you can use network architecture resources and guides to learn about the latest trends, technologies, and standards in network architecture, as well as get tips and examples on how to optimize your network performance, security, and scalability. Some examples of network architecture resources and guides are books, blogs, podcasts, webinars, courses, and certifications.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?