Many businesses today find themselves tethered to outdated equipment that cannot handle modern networking demands. Why is it crucial that they upgrade their access networks? Older wireless access points slow down network performance. Legacy access switches may lack the Power over Ethernet (PoE) capacity needed to support new collaboration tools, IoT devices, and AI. Antiquated network management tools can leave infrastructure vulnerable to attack and unable to handle the growing demands of user and device authentication.
A future-proofed workplace requires a strong backbone for access networks. Deploying multigigabit switches with enough power to support a range of devices allows organizations to scale to meet future demands like AI and Wi-Fi 7, while simplifying the deployment of cameras, sensors, and other workplace technology with a single Ethernet cable.
The latest generation of Cisco and Cisco Meraki access switches, access points, and software solutions help businesses of any size to take advantage of these capabilities. Read on to learn why upgrading your LAN infrastructure is key to unlocking the business opportunities you’ve been working toward.
There are many real downsides to holding onto outdated equipment. Slow, unreliable networks can lead to lost productivity as employees struggle to access essential tools and collaborate effectively. If employees can’t rely on a stable network, simple tasks like downloading documents, participating in video calls, or accessing cloud-based applications become time consuming and frustrating. The constant disruption undermines workflow efficiency, morale, and productivity.
Even more critical are the potential impacts on customer experience. In today’s digital-first world, customers expect seamless interactions—whether they’re purchasing online, using self-service portals, or interacting with in-store technology. A sluggish, unreliable network can directly affect a company’s ability to serve customers, leading to delayed responses, poor service, and potentially lost business. This not only harms a brand’s reputation but can also drive customers to more responsive competitors.
Security is another huge and growing concern. Legacy systems often lack the latest security updates and features needed to protect against evolving threats. Without the necessary network management tools to monitor and control the increasing numbers of connected devices and users, businesses expose themselves to vulnerabilities, putting sensitive data, adherence to compliance, and their revenues and future potential at risk.
Bandwidth and speed: As workplace technology continues to evolve, multigigabit networking is quickly becoming the new standard to support video conferencing, streaming, large file transfers, and emerging AI applications.
Power and efficiency: As businesses adopt more smart building technologies and advanced physical security solutions, the need for higher PoE capabilities becomes essential to run devices like IoT sensors, IP cameras, and smart lighting and help reduce the complexity and cost of cabling by enabling data and power delivery over a single Ethernet cable.
Security: Integrated security features in access switches help protect both the network and its users. Built-in security measures like microsegmentation, access control lists, and encrypted traffic can prevent unauthorized access and safeguard sensitive data.
Scalability: New networking technology should scale with your business. Cloud-native networking allows for faster deployment of sites, quicker troubleshooting, and easier configuration management across distributed locations.
Cisco offers a range of Ethernet switches to meet a variety of needs, whether on premises, in the cloud, or a mixture of both; Catalyst 9000 and Meraki MS switches cover the bases for virtually any use case.
New Cisco Meraki switches
Most recently, we released the cloud-managed Cisco Meraki MS150 Series of stackable access switches. These devices have the power, speeds, and features previously associated with the top end of our portfolio but are now available as a cost-effective option for branch locations.
The MS150 offers up to 60W PoE+, 5 GbE mGig, and physical stacking of up to eight devices for 80 Gbps stacking bandwidth. These models also support Adaptive Policy to provide simplified microsegmentation based on security group tags.
Additionally, the MS130 offers a simple and scalable means of connecting users and devices in a single switch network where physical space is limited.
Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series updates
The industry-leading Catalyst 9200 and 9300 Series access switches provide a deep feature set to power secure, resilient operations at the sites that matter most. Cloud-native IOS XE Software is supported in beta on these models to provide a seamless transition to the cloud, with flexible management options that combine the power and speed of the Cisco Catalyst 9000 switching family with the ease of management of the Meraki dashboard.
Cisco Wireless Wi-Fi 7
Once the access layer is strengthened, new technology such as Wi-Fi 7 can be easily deployed across sites. Cisco offers Wi-Fi 7 solutions that bring the newest generation of wireless technology to businesses. Simplified licensing and integrated smart building software with Cisco Spaces creates a truly intelligent workplace, capable of connecting a growing number of users and devices in high-density locations.
The future-proof network will look different based on the needs and strategy of each business. But upgrading is not optional. It’s mission-critical.
Find out more about Cisco access solutions: intelligent, secure, and built for the future.
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