A mobile device within the networking space can be defined as any portable device that can be connected to a network to facilitate the transfer of data or deliver some business function. Including, a laptop, tablet, cellular phone, to name a few. There has been a notable rise in mobile connectivity. Why is this important? 

Even before the Pandemic, there was a steady rise in laptops and other mobile devices on networks. Often tied to the drive for enhanced productivity, flexibility, and mobility for the employee. Fast forward to the Pandemic and this increase is even more drastic. Driven by the need to work remotely due to health restrictions and the inability to physically be in the office.

WHAT HAVE WE SEEN?

We have seen a tremendous shift from the purchase of traditional and most times more cost-effective desktop computers. Organisations are rapidly investing in laptops and phasing out the desktop, in some cases even for the entire organisation. We recently worked with an organisation that decided to replace ALL desktops within their environment, as a strategy to future proof the company and enable them to deal with similar situations in the future. What does this increase in mobile connectivity mean for the business? 

WHERE DO WE START?

The business is affected in many ways. We will focus on some of the areas of infrastructure that are affected. Let’s break this down and as usual, I will use some examples for better understanding. 

• Device Connectivity. These mobile devices require the infrastructure to connect to the enterprise network. To enable the user to perform the required business tasks. The most popular connectivity method for mobile devices is Wi-Fi. This increase forces organisations to either implement the necessary wireless infrastructure or upgrade what currently exists. This requirement for wireless connectivity also applies to the home since many of these users are remote workers. 
• Remote Connectivity / Work From Home. As the name states, this speaks to the ability to support users connecting and working from their homes or any remote location. Contrary to popular belief, this facility is not just available by default. This requires an investment in the necessary solution for example firewalls supporting Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology, secure authentication, etc. There is also the investment in the design and implementation of the required solution.   
• Mobile Device Management. The stretching of the walls of the organisation to allow employees to perform business functions while home, presents several security concerns. One major concern is, how the organisation manages these mobile devices which are all accessing company data. Many network security breaches occur at the user end. The ability to manage the device and how it is used is critical. There are infrastructure solutions that allow the Technology Teams to manage various areas of the devices. For example operating system vulnerabilities, patch management, on and off-network web usage policies, etc. 
• Network Visibility. With increasing cyber threats globally, network visibility will always be a concern. The rise in mobile devices just further exaggerates this concern. The organisation must be equipped with the right technology to monitor and manage what is happening on the network. And also be able to address issues as they occur.

We spoke about this topic in-depth with  Saul Beniquez from Ruckus Networks recently- Rise in Mobile Connectivity

What’s next?

Contact us for more information about your mobile connectivity