How do you evaluate and adopt new network technologies and standards, such as 5G, SDN, and NFV?

1 Assess your current state

Before you dive into the latest network trends, you need to understand your current network infrastructure, performance, and requirements. Conduct a network audit to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your existing network, as well as the gaps and risks that need to be addressed. You also need to define your network objectives, such as improving scalability, security, reliability, or efficiency.

4 Test and validate the solutions

Before you implement a new network technology or standard, you need to test and validate its functionality, performance, and security in a realistic environment. You can use simulation tools, pilot projects, or proof-of-concept trials to assess the feasibility and suitability of the solutions. You also need to collect feedback from your stakeholders, such as users, customers, vendors, and regulators, to ensure that the solutions meet their expectations and requirements.

5 Plan and execute the adoption

Once you have verified the effectiveness and efficiency of the new network technology or standard, you can plan and execute the adoption process. You need to develop a detailed implementation plan that covers the scope, timeline, budget, resources, roles, and responsibilities of the adoption. You also need to prepare your network infrastructure, processes, and personnel for the transition, such as upgrading hardware, software, or firmware, updating policies, procedures, or documentation, or training staff or users.

6 Monitor and optimize the outcomes

After you have adopted the new network technology or standard, you need to monitor and optimize its outcomes. You need to measure the performance, security, and reliability of your network against your predefined objectives and metrics. You also need to identify and resolve any issues or challenges that might arise during or after the adoption. You also need to keep up with the latest developments and best practices in the network field, and look for ways to improve or enhance your network solutions.

7 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?