Key Technology Trends for 2021

Cloud-based networks, 5G, hybrid work? Zyxel experts predict network trends for the coming year.

2020 was a year of significant change, both in terms of market volatility and mass digital transformation, using the shift to remote work as an opportunity to expand the range of products or services offered by companies and maintain business continuity.

The pandemic did not slow down innovation. The networking industry is relatively resilient, but also inventive. Managed service providers (MSPs) and integrators (VARs) play a key role in helping companies maintain business continuity and adapt to new challenges. The challenge for many companies today is the influx of new devices and the need to implement widespread remote operations.

What technology trends related to this can we expect in 2021?

1. Wi-Fi 6 for environments with many devices

Wi-Fi 6: performance in dense environments

The introduction of the Wi-Fi 6 standard allows for a noticeable improvement in network performance. This is achieved by increasing overall throughput while reducing network latency. Wi-Fi 6 also helps provide faster connections for each user – even in environments with many connected devices. This means that more users and devices can connect to the network without degrading performance or response times.

2. Cloud-based networks – a solution and a mindset in one

Cloud: flexibility and a new way of thinking

The introduction of the cloud revolutionized the way companies operate, giving them a new level of flexibility and access to resources in remote work situations. Working in the cloud can enable companies to manage IT services remotely, increasing efficiency while reducing costs. It also offers a more secure solution – hosting systems on remote servers protects information and prevents data loss. As we continue to work from home, this is an excellent opportunity for MSPs to serve customers remotely.

- A change in mindset is needed here. Moving network infrastructure to the cloud is time-consuming and requires people at all levels of the company to adapt. Organizations of any size need a clearly defined strategy and business goals behind their cloud migration. Both VARs and MSPs must work closely with their end customers to ensure a smooth transition to the cloud - says Aleksander Styś, VAR Account Manager at Zyxel Networks.

3. 5G – the fastest data highway

5G as the foundation of modern networks

5G will also revolutionize networks for businesses and will be an ideal solution for service providers, as it provides faster speeds compared to fiber-optic networks. Working at an average speed of 150-200 Mb/s, 5G also provides lower latency, greater capacity, better flexibility, and real-time services that can revolutionize businesses of any size. The spread of 5G networks with increased bandwidth will facilitate the transmission of large amounts of data within a company, thereby opening up greater opportunities for modern networks. As we enter the 5G era, the way data is captured, processed, and delivered to millions of devices will change. This is particularly beneficial for businesses, as the amount of data sent to cloud servers and vice versa is reduced.

4. Hybrid network as the golden mean in the face of remote work

The most important technology trends of 2021 in business networks

The role of the IT network is changing. Traditional models need to be adapted and changed along with the evolving needs of organizations and new technologies. With more distributed employees, some will connect via Ethernet, some via Wi-Fi, and those working from home – via the Internet or wirelessly via 4G / 5G. Using technologies such as Cloud Managed Networking or SD-WAN, companies can easily manage traffic from different connections and route it to the central network.

Implementing a diversified network infrastructure reduces the risk of network failure. Hybrid networks also offer greater flexibility, capacity, higher application performance, and lower prices. MSPs must be industry experts and trusted advisors, helping customers plan and manage these hybrid environments.

5. Data security and privacy will remain a priority

Data security in the era of distributed work

In 2021, for small and medium-sized businesses, security must remain the highest priority. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and their attack methods more complex. This means there will still be a need to pay particular attention to network security. This may also become increasingly difficult with distributed employees connecting to the network from different locations and devices. During the pandemic, the knowledge, experience, and skill set of MSPs are crucial. According to statistics, 59% of managed service providers offer more security offerings than any other business model.

The future of the industry

There is currently high demand for network technologies that many customers previously regarded with ambivalence. According to statistics, 41% of employees are likely to continue working remotely, at least part-time, after the pandemic. The demand for network access will continue to evolve, and MSPs will continue to play a key role in maintaining its continuity in a changing environment.

More and more companies will rely on external experts for IT knowledge. This need must be met, and therefore VARs and MSPs should invest in training and upskilling their teams to provide customers with valuable advice and knowledge on new trends and technologies. MSPs that thrive in 2021 will invest in training, and knowledge of new technologies will be their differentiator. However, this means stepping out of the comfort zone and adapting to current trends before it is too late.

Summary

Zyxel experts indicate that 2021 will bring an acceleration of network transformation driven by remote and hybrid work. Key trends include Wi-Fi 6 deployments for environments with many devices, migration to cloud-based networks, and the development of 5G, which is set to revolutionize data transmission thanks to speeds of 150–200 Mb/s and low latency.

An important challenge will also be building hybrid networks that combine different technologies and maintaining a high level of security. According to the cited statistics, 59% of managed service providers now offer more security solutions than other business models, and 41% of employees may continue to work remotely after the pandemic.