What are the most common mistakes when implementing network industry trends?

1 Mistake 1: Not aligning network design with business goals

One of the most common mistakes when implementing network industry trends is not aligning the network design with the business goals and needs of the organization. For example, if the business requires high availability, scalability, and flexibility, the network design should support these objectives by using technologies such as cloud computing, virtualization, and automation. However, if the network design is based on outdated or irrelevant trends, such as overprovisioning, rigid architectures, or manual processes, it can create inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and vulnerabilities that can harm the business outcomes.

2 Mistake 2: Not following network security best practices

Another common mistake when implementing network industry trends is not following network security best practices. Network security is not a one-time project, but a continuous process that requires constant monitoring, updating, and testing. For example, if the network adopts trends such as IoT, edge computing, or 5G, it should also implement security measures such as encryption, authentication, segmentation, and firewalling to protect the data and devices from cyberattacks. However, if the network security is neglected, outdated, or inconsistent, it can expose the network to risks such as data breaches, ransomware, or denial-of-service attacks.

3 Mistake 3: Not optimizing network performance and quality

A third common mistake when implementing network industry trends is not optimizing network performance and quality. Network performance and quality are essential for delivering a satisfactory user experience and ensuring the efficiency and productivity of the network operations. For example, if the network adopts trends such as SD-WAN, AI, or ML, it should also optimize network performance and quality by using tools such as network analytics, monitoring, and troubleshooting. However, if the network performance and quality are overlooked, ignored, or compromised, it can lead to problems such as latency, jitter, packet loss, or congestion.

4 Mistake 4: Not training and educating network staff

A fourth common mistake when implementing network industry trends is not training and educating network staff. Network staff are the key assets for managing, maintaining, and improving the network infrastructure. Therefore, they should be trained and educated on the latest network technologies, skills, and standards. For example, if the network adopts trends such as DevOps, cloud-native, or zero-trust, it should also train and educate network staff on how to use these methodologies, platforms, and frameworks. However, if the network staff are not trained and educated, they can lack the knowledge, confidence, and competence to implement network industry trends effectively.

5 Mistake 5: Not evaluating and adapting to network changes

A fifth common mistake when implementing network industry trends is not evaluating and adapting to network changes. Network changes are inevitable and unavoidable, as the network industry trends and challenges are constantly evolving. Therefore, the network should be evaluated and adapted to network changes regularly and systematically. For example, if the network adopts trends such as hybrid cloud, multi-cloud, or SASE, it should also evaluate and adapt to network changes by using methods such as network audits, reviews, and feedback. However, if the network does not evaluate and adapt to network changes, it can become outdated, incompatible, or inefficient.

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?