Why You’ll Continue to Fight with Bandwidth Constraints
40GB is common for Ethernet connections today, and advanced networks such as tw telecom’s offer options for accessing up to 100GB. Yet the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) predicts the need to move — soon — to 400GB connections. What’s causing the astronomical change? A new approach to business and life that may surprise you.
It adds up
A need for added capacity is always a given in the business world. As businesses users integrate the use of technologies such as smartphones and tablets with the standard desktop computer, more connections and more demands are placed on corporate networks. That’s already tripled demand in the last five years.
However, the need for the next pipeline increase stems from the fast approach of the Internet of Things (IoT). The term refers to a collective of Internet-connected consumer devices, manufacturing systems, customer service apps, and other capacity-hungry items.
‘Things’ refers to, well, all types of things! Security cameras, projectors, smartphones, thermostats, headsets — anything you can think of that can be equipped with a tiny Internet-connected sensor designed to busily generate actionable data.
It’s already coming
Some organizations are doubtful that IoT will really be a big deal. But Gartner forecasts that, by 2020, IoT will have grown to more than 26 billion devices. Yes, billion. IDC puts the number closer to 30 billion, with an industry value of about $9 trillion by 2020, and Cisco thinks the value will run closer to $14 trillion in the next eight years.
Spiceworks, a network of more than 5 million IT pros, says the invasion of ‘things’ is already underway. Nearly 60% of video equipment now uses IoT. A staggering 43% of electronic peripherals use it, and 35% of RFID or badge readers do as well.
Imagine the future, say IoT proponents. All materials in construction yards could be connected to transmit data for contractors to enable accurate tracking and location. Oil pumps in remote fields, livestock on the range — you name it, it can be probably be equipped for IoT.
Get your bandwidth ready
Spiceworks also notes that although most IT pros acknowledge the increase in demand, less than one-third are preparing for the inevitable. Of those who are preparing, here are the top five ways they are priming for IoT:
- 68% are investing in infrastructure,
- 63% are investing in security solutions,
- 55% are expanding bandwidth,
- 41% are investing in applications, and
- 34% are enlisting hosted solutions.
Bandwidth is among those top initiatives for two good reasons, say experts.
First, most companies are linking to connected things for a reason and want to be able to collect and use the data as soon as possible. And at the same time, these companies will continue to need to support users and systems at home locations, remote locations, and in the cloud.
The move to IoT in the coming years could leave organizations that are already experiencing challenges with bandwidth in a difficult position in their industry. Storage issues, too, will become a problem for companies that ignore IoT. Because IoT is designed to receive and hold data, limited storage space now could spell disaster in five years if it’s not addressed now.
Budget constraints must be reviewed and managed soon to ensure that organizations don’t get caught off-guard with performance issues, security and compliance requirements, data availability, and workload.
These issues underscore the essential fact that effective network management takes not just an increase in bandwidth, but also the ability to control the bandwidth and network resources you have — and use them very, very efficiently.
Are you ready?
