Understanding Branch Networking and the Challenges We Are Facing

In today's fast-paced business environment, operating across multiple locations has become the norm for many companies. Whether it’s retail stores, banks, or service centers, these branches require reliable network connections to ensure smooth operations. However, establishing and managing a secure and efficient branch networking comes with its own set of challenges. FS PicOS® switches offer an ideal solution to these issues, helping businesses effectively address the various difficulties inherent in branch networkings. Let’s explore how these switches help solve branch networking challenges.

What Is Branch Networking?

Branch networking refers to the elements used to distribute information to, from and among remote sites, stores, branch offices, and data centers.

Due to escalating competition within the corporate sector, companies are compelled to improve their products and services. Numerous organizations maintain offices dispersed across the country or even worldwide. These satellite offices rely on a "branch networking" or "branch security network" to manage the flow of data to and from these locations, enabling employees to access corporate resources.

Nevertheless, without an appropriate solution, managing these branch networkings can become a significant challenge for these organizations.

Why Is Branch Networking Important?

The complexity of network security escalates notably for companies with multiple dispersed offices. With over 1.6 million branch offices in the United States alone, businesses collectively spend approximately $10 billion annually on branch networking solutions.The growing number and variety of devices connected to the branch networking, including IoT devices, smartphones, and tablets, create additional vulnerabilities for potential cyber-attacks.

Branch networking is designed to simplify network security and internet connectivity for distributed enterprises. It needs to be integrated with device, campus network, and data center security measures. Ideally, traffic at the branch should be monitored for anomalies, and any suspicious activity should be redirected to centralized resources or the cloud for further analysis. Branch security operations are most effective when fully automated and cloud-based intelligence.

Challenges of Implementing a Secure Branch Networking

Branch networking faces several significant hurdles, including the increasing demands of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, a rise in security threats, and shifting patterns in data traffic.

• Increasing IoT Demands: As IoT devices become essential to both business and personal technologies, their numbers continue to rise. These devices frequently need to connect to branch office networks but often lack robust security measures, leading to potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, IoT devices tend to consume considerable bandwidth, potentially impairing overall network performance.

• Rising Security Threats to Branch Offices: Cyber attackers are increasingly targeting branch offices to bypass robust security systems protecting central headquarters. Consequently, 30% of cyber assaults manage to infiltrate companies' networks through their branch locations.

• Evolving Data Traffic Patterns: Previously, the bulk of enterprise data traffic was managed by wide-area networks (WANs), but this is undergoing a transformation. A significant portion of data now traverses the internet, complicating efforts to maintain data security.

FS Multi-Branch Networking Solution Solves Everything

For campus and branch networking deployments, FS provides robust multi-branch networking solutions. These solutions simplify operations and enhance flexibility by offering a synchronized system that integrates various facets of a multi-site network.

• Unified Operating System for Unrivaled Stability: Deploy FS switches embedded with the PicOS® operating system to achieve superior network performance in campus and branch environments. This OS simplifies the learning curve, ensuring easy management and operation.

• Simplified Network Management: Utilize the AmpCon™ network controller, featuring Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), automated deployment, configuration management, and backup capabilities, to reduce human errors in large-scale rollouts and upgrades.

• Enhanced Network Redundancy: PicOS® switches support the MLAG protocol, enabling redundant interconnect designs for more stable connections, increased bandwidth, and scalability. Additionally, these switches feature hot-swappable power supplies and redundant fans to ensure continuous operation.

• Advanced Network Security: FS devices are equipped with robust security protocols including SSH, ACL, AAA, and 802.1X, and enhanced firewall features such as IPS, AV, and URL filtering, ensuring a secure networking environment.

Conclusion

The challenges of establishing and maintaining secure and effective branch networkings in today’s dispersed and digitally sophisticated business landscape cannot be overstated. However, FS PicOS® switches provide a comprehensive solution that addresses these challenges head-on. By leveraging a unified and stable operating system, simplifying network management, enhancing network redundancy, and incorporating advanced security protocols, FS’s Multi-branch networking Solution stands out as a reliable choice for modern branch networking deployments.