We recently blogged about how VDI can support the rise in tablets and mobile devices and the BYOD model being adopted by many organizations. In addition to extending virtual desktops to personal devices, an organization must provide a mobile or borderless network infrastructure. Consider these questions: Can your wireless network handle the wave of mobile devices that are brought onto campus? Do you provide secure access and support of these various devices? There are 5 essential features of a Borderless Network that are necessary to effectively provide access, support and security of these BYOD devices.
1. Transparent mobility for anytime, anywhere, any device access
Network connection should be consistent whether connecting to a LAN or via wireless. Users are increasingly mobile and the network should support access to critical applications whether they are in the field, a guest in a meeting room or roaming the office. Considerations should be made as to the number of wireless access points, the bandwidth, frequencies and so on. Cisco’s Borderless Networks provides the framework to provide mobility and wireless access and performance management across any device.
2. Security to enforce corporate policy and meet regulatory requirements
An integrated security solution including VPNs, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and access control lists provides tighter security than point product solutions. Cisco’s Borderless Network solution provides context-aware policy with distributed enforcement delivered through the Cisco ISE. This solution also enables segmentation of the network into logical domains which allows tighter security for compliance requirements or added security. IT organizations maintain visibility and control whether you are connecting at headquarters, a branch office or are a remote worker using wired or wireless.
3. Optimized performance to support real-time collaboration experiences
Mobile devices on a borderless network utilizing 802.11n networks can offer 5-10 times the bandwidth to support collaboration and high-definition video. Cisco’s Medianet technology understands the common types of video and can prioritize video flows for the optimal experience.
4. Provide remote and mobile employees with a LAN-like experience
Adding WAAS onto the network, improves application performance and access to network resources providing a LAN-like experience wherever you are located. Headquarter employees benefit from a better user experience with business applications and remote or mobile workers have the connection and experience as if they were working from headquarters.
5. Bandwidth maximization
By maximizing bandwidth with WAAS solutions, organizations can often extend the time until bandwidth expansion is necessary. With the WAAS compression techniques, policies and controls of applications and content, organizations are able to make better use of their existing bandwidth therefore postponing or avoiding upgrades in circuits.
Providing mobility and wireless access to support the BYOD model requires a well thought out and architected borderless network. Cisco’s Borderless Network comprises of integrated hardware and software technologies that provide transparent, secure and optimal user experience. Partners such as AMS.NET can help determine your business requirements and architect a solution that provides true mobility anytime, anywhere from any device.
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