What is an Enterprise Network?

Enterprise networks have become an integral part of modern business operations. As companies expand and grow, the need for interconnectedness and data sharing increases exponentially. In this blog post, we will explore an enterprise network, its advantages, and how to monitor and manage it effectively.

What is an Enterprise Network?

An enterprise network consists of physical and virtual networks and protocols that serve the dual purpose of connecting all users and systems on a local area network (LAN) to applications in the data center and cloud and facilitating access to network data and analytics.

In a LAN, multiple local computing devices are connected together via switches, routers, and ethernet or WIFI connections to share applications and data. Users typically need to establish accounts for secure access. Enterprises often run VPN software that encrypts user data when connecting to websites or servers outside of a LAN. In addition, firewall software is used to inspect and control network traffic, both between the LAN and the wider world (north-south) and, increasingly, within the network itself (east-west).

How does it work?

An enterprise network includes various hardware components, including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers. These hardware components support software applications such as operating systems and network management software, as well as procedures and processes that work together to help enterprises exchange data.

Different departments in a company may use their hardware devices on different parts of the same enterprise network. What they all have in common is the need to communicate with each other so workers can exchange files, make phone calls, and perform all the other essential tasks required for doing business.

Each device uses its own operating system and configuration settings, but those must be able to talk to each other through an agreed-upon protocol such as TCP/IP or IPX/SPX. To facilitate communication between devices on an enterprise network, there’s also likely to be a router or switch somewhere along the line. These devices act like traffic cops; they receive packets from one device and route them to another based on the addresses contained within those packets.

Key Features of Modern Enterprise Networks

• Scalability and Flexibility: The dynamism of modern businesses requires networks that can adapt. Whether it’s accommodating a surge in web traffic, integrating new technologies, or expanding to new geographical locations, today’s enterprise networks are built to scale and flex.
• Security and Reliability: Data breaches and cyber threats are the nightmares of the digital age. Modern networks are fortified with advanced security protocols, ensuring data integrity, network reliability, and peace of mind for businesses and their customers.
• Integration Capabilities: The modern digital ecosystem thrives on interconnectivity. Cloud platforms, IoT devices, third-party applications, and even AI-driven tools, all need to communicate. Enterprise networks today are designed to integrate these seamlessly, creating a cohesive and efficient digital environment.

The Benefits of an Enterprise Network

The benefits of an enterprise network are numerous and cannot be overemphasized. An enterprise network:

• Scans incoming data to detect viruses and malware, thus increasing security.
• Provides a high level of control over corporate resources (i.e., reduced maintenance and operational costs).
• Facilitates and speeds up routine operation, therefore increasing productivity.
• Provides virtualization that helps handle massive data sets.
• Allows multiple people to collaborate on a project remotely and simultaneously.
• Offers improved Quality of Service (QoS) by providing enhanced voice quality, call routing, and network management.
• Can quickly adapt to changing needs such as organizational growth, scaling, and the launch of new services.
• Provides seamless connectivity between users and the cloud.

Security Challenges of Enterprise Network

• Unauthorized access. Threat of intruders or malicious actors gaining access to the network and accessing sensitive data or systems.
• Malware and viruses. Risk of software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
  Phishing and social engineering attacks. Attempts by attackers to trick employees into revealing sensitive information or credentials.
• Advanced persistent threats (APTs). Prolonged targeted cyberattacks where attackers gain access and remain undetected for extended periods.
• Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Overloading systems or services with traffic to make them unavailable to users.
• Device proliferation and BYOD (bring your own device) policies. More devices, especially personal ones, connecting to the network can create security vulnerabilities.
• IoT vulnerabilities. Internet-of-things (IoT) devices often have weaker security measures and can become entry points for attackers.

Conclusion

An enterprise network is a complex infrastructure that requires proper network management and monitoring to ensure optimal performance and security. By following the above tips and adopting a network monitoring and management solution, businesses can effectively manage their enterprise networks, improve collaboration, and optimize their resources for maximum value. As technology continues to evolve, enterprises must stay vigilant and adapt to new challenges to maintain a secure and efficient network.