Carl has had a front-row seat to the evolution of enterprise networking, having been part of Cisco’s engineering leadership for nearly three decades. From the Catalyst 6500 days to today’s AI-driven infrastructure, his perspective underscores a fundamental truth: while technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, simplicity remains the ultimate goal.

“Change is the constant,” Carl said, reflecting on how the industry has transitioned from standalone networking products to integrated, security-first solutions. What was once a world of switches and routers has now become a landscape where networking, security, and observability are seamlessly intertwined.

Below are some of the key outtakes from my insight-filled discussion with Carl during Cisco Live.

Cisco’s latest innovations focus on three key areas:

– AI-Ready Data Centers – As organisations ramp up AI adoption, they require robust infrastructure that can support compute-intensive workloads. Cisco’s investments in high-speed networking, advanced silicon, and partnerships with AI chipmakers like NVIDIA and AMD are setting the stage for scalable AI-driven enterprises.
– Future-Proof Workspaces – The return-to-office trend has forced businesses to rethink their physical environments. Cisco’s latest collaboration tools—including AI-enhanced room configurations and workplace sensors—are helping organisations create more adaptive, productive, and sustainable workspaces.
– Digital Resilience & Security – Cisco’s new security paradigm revolves around the Cisco Security Cloud and innovations like Hypershield, a new application protection framework. With cyber threats evolving at lightning speed, integrating AI-powered security intelligence into networking infrastructure has never been more critical.

The AI & Cloud Rebalancing Act: Why Workloads Are Moving Back On-Prem

One of the most compelling insights from our discussion was the shift in cloud strategy among enterprises. While cloud adoption continues to grow, many organisations are re-evaluating where their workloads should reside.

“Eighty percent of organisations IDC surveyed said they’d be repatriating some or most of their workloads and data back on-prem,” Carl explained. The reasons? Cost, compliance, security, and latency concerns are driving enterprises to adopt a more balanced hybrid model.

AI is a prime example—training large models in the cloud is expensive, leading many organisations to consider on-prem AI workloads for efficiency and control. Smaller, domain-specific AI models are also emerging, allowing enterprises to deploy AI solutions at the edge rather than relying solely on hyperscalers.

The Power of Observability: Accelerating Incident Response with AI and Automation

With IT environments becoming more complex, observability has emerged as a top priority for enterprises. Cisco’s acquisition of Splunk underscores the growing importance of data-driven insights in security and network performance monitoring.

As Carl put it, “The more data you have, the more you see. The more you see, the more you can action.” By integrating ThousandEyes, XDR, and AI-powered automation, Cisco is enhancing its ability to pinpoint issues in real time—reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

One standout example Carl shared was an incident where a Cisco engineer, using ThousandEyes, was able to instantly diagnose an ISP-related outage for a customer. The ability to visualise the entire network path—from user to application—represents a paradigm shift in troubleshooting and network resilience.

The Evolving Role of the CTO: Driving Innovation & Business Strategy

As the pace of innovation accelerates, the role of the CTO has become more critical than ever. Carl believes that CTOs are now integral to shaping business strategy, not just overseeing IT operations.

“Every business is now a technology business,” he said. “Understanding how emerging technologies can create differentiation is crucial for staying ahead.”

He also highlighted the importance of fostering innovation within teams. Encouraging engineers—regardless of experience level—to challenge the status quo and bring fresh ideas to the table has been a key driver of Cisco’s success.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Action for IT Leaders

For those who couldn’t attend Cisco Live in person, Carl recommended exploring Cisco’s on-demand content and engaging with Cisco’s technical teams to better understand how these innovations can drive business outcomes.

As the enterprise technology landscape continues to evolve, IT leaders must remain agile, embrace AI-driven solutions, and prioritise security and observability. The shift toward integrated platforms and hybrid AI is already underway, and those who can effectively navigate this transition will be best positioned for success.

To hear our full conversation, check out our special two-part episode of Securely Connected Everything

Securely Connected Everything S5-1: The Future, Reimagined: A Look Ahead with Carl Solder [Part 1]

Securely Connected Everything S5-2: The Future, Reimagined: A Look Ahead with Carl Solder [Part 2]

The post Navigating the Future of Enterprise Technology: Key Insights from Cisco ANZ CTO, Carl Solder appeared first on Orro.

From AI-driven advancements to groundbreaking developments in security, networking, and operational technology (OT), Cisco’s unified approach—what I’d call the “One Cisco” strategy—brings together its full portfolio to deliver integrated solutions greater than the sum of their parts. Here’s a closer look at the key themes and insights that will shape the future of enterprise technology.

AI and Security: Powering the Next Generation of Digital Infrastructure

At the heart of Cisco’s innovation is its investment in AI and security. These aren’t standalone advancements; they’re deeply integrated into Cisco’s technology stack to drive real-world outcomes.

Unified AI Assistant

Cisco introduced a skills-based Unified AI Assistant, designed to handle everything from policy setting and configuration to detecting and responding to threats like ransomware. By leveraging AI’s capabilities, this tool simplifies complex processes, enabling businesses to operate with greater agility and security.

Splunk Integration

The recent acquisition of Splunk was another standout moment, signaling a leap forward in Cisco’s security and observability capabilities. By cross-correlating vast datasets, Splunk enables faster, more effective threat detection and resolution—an essential capability for organisations navigating today’s cyber threat landscape.

Hypershield Security

Cisco’s Hypershield technology represents a fundamental shift in network security. By embedding AI-native security directly into the network fabric, Cisco ensures that threats are mitigated at every level, aligning with the principles of zero-trust architecture. This distributed approach prevents lateral movement of threats, enhancing resilience across hybrid and edge environments.

Customer Experience: Personalised, Predictive, and Seamless

Cisco is redefining customer experience with innovations designed to make technology intuitive, integrated, and impactful. This goes beyond technical capabilities to consider the end-user’s journey, ensuring organisations can extract maximum value from their technology investments.

Cross-Architecture Integration

Central to this is Cisco’s commitment to cross-architecture integration and open ecosystems. By uniting networking, security, observability, and collaboration tools, Cisco creates seamless, interoperable solutions that adapt to an organisation’s unique requirements.

Workspace Transformation

Innovations like the Cisco Ceiling Microphone Pro and workspace designer tools are tailored for hybrid work environments, improving the experience of remote and in-office collaboration alike. These tools are part of Cisco’s broader strategy to eliminate the barriers of distance, creating what they call a “distance zero” work environment.

Proactive, Predictive AI

Cisco’s focus on personalised and predictive AI interactions elevates customer support and engagement. By integrating AI into tools like Cisco’s assistant, organisations can anticipate issues, optimise performance, and improve decision-making—enhancing both efficiency and satisfaction.

Operational Technology: Extending the Edge

As industries continue to converge IT and OT environments, Cisco is making significant strides to support operational technology (OT) applications. This is a pivotal area for Orro, and the insights from these events underline the growing importance of OT in enterprise strategies.

IoT and Edge Computing

Cisco’s edge computing solutions are designed to extend the power of the data centre to industrial and IoT applications. Whether in manufacturing, energy, or transportation, these technologies provide consistent security, performance, and visibility across distributed environments.

OT-Specific Services

Cisco’s commitment to OT includes the launch of tailored services that address the unique challenges of industrial systems. This focus highlights the importance of secure, integrated solutions in environments where downtime isn’t just inconvenient—it’s costly and disruptive.

Networking and Observability: Building Resilient Infrastructure

Cisco is transforming how networks are built, managed, and observed, ensuring they’re ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

Wi-Fi 7 and Network Automation

The introduction of Wi-Fi 7 access points sets a new standard for wireless networking, offering unmatched performance in high-density environments. Coupled with network automation tools, Cisco is enabling organisations to simplify operations and optimise performance in increasingly complex network ecosystems.

Observability with ThousandEyes

Cisco’s ThousandEyes observability platform integrates seamlessly across applications, networks, and infrastructure, delivering end-to-end visibility. This capability ensures organisations can quickly identify and resolve performance issues, supporting digital resilience in a hyperconnected world.

Unified Vision: One Cisco

Cisco’s strength lies in its ability to bring everything together—a true “One Cisco” approach. By combining its diverse portfolio into unified, integrated solutions, Cisco delivers value that exceeds the capabilities of individual technologies. This vision aligns perfectly with Orro’s mission to provide Securely Connected Everything for our customers.

Final Thoughts: Driving Innovation Together

Cisco’s vision, supported by its relentless innovation across AI, security, networking, and OT, sets the stage for a future defined by integrated, resilient technology. At Orro, we’re proud to partner with Cisco to bring these advancements to life for our customers.

If you’re ready to explore how these innovations can transform your organisation, reach out to us today. Together, we’ll build a secure, connected future.

Article written by Michael Van Rooyen, Chief Technology Officer, Orro

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Performance issues can crop up from anywhere within the IT stack — be it inefficient code, resource bottlenecks, or network latency. But traditional monitoring only gives you a partial view of your IT environment, making it difficult to pinpoint the root cause of issues. This lack of insight often leads to prolonged downtime, extended incident resolution, and poor decision-making.

Here is where full-stack observability comes in, sweeping away the mystery. By offering visibility into every layer of your technology stack — from your underlying infrastructure and networks to frontend applications — it helps you to unlock a whole new treasure trove of IT insights.

Observability vs. monitoring: What’s the difference?

So, what’s observability anyway? 

To set the record straight, observability is not the same as monitoring. 

Traditional monitoring focuses on specific components of your IT stack or particular data points collected at certain times, which can create gaps in the overall picture. A key downside to this method is it requires you to know exactly what to look for. This means it’s often not equipped to handle unforeseen problems, such as new cyber threats, because it’s designed to be reactive. It alerts you only when something goes wrong according to the criteria you decide on.

Observability, on the other hand, can help you uncover the “unknown unknowns”. It shows you the true state of your IT stack, from the application layer down to the underlying infrastructure. This is achieved by continuously collecting and analysing real-time telemetry data, such as system logs, performance metrics, metadata, and application code. Observability tools extract vital insights from this data and provide recommendations for optimisation — all presented through a single, dynamic, real-time dashboard. You can easily see how all the components of your system interact and contribute to overall performance and proactively identify potential issues before they escalate. 

Simply put, monitoring tells you something’s wrong, whereas observability digs deeper to reveal the root cause and how to resolve it.

The fundamentals of full-stack observability 

Let’s break down some of the core capabilities that make full-stack observability indispensable:

Data collection and aggregation

Getting a clear and cohesive view of your IT environment starts with capturing and centralising real-time data from every layer of your IT stack. With applications now deployed in highly distributed structures, data must travel through numerous components. Traditional monitoring struggles to keep track of information flow, unable to continuously and reliably collect data from diverse sources. A robust observability platform integrates with all your IT components, easily ingesting and aggregating data so it’s ready to be analysed.

Visualisation

A picture is worth a thousand words when you’re dealing with distributed IT environments. A robust observability platform presents all your telemetry data and actionable insights on a single, easy-to-navigate dashboard. These dynamic dashboards update in real-time, whereas traditional monitoring dashboards are static, focusing on data at a specific point in time. A robust observability dashboard also allows you to zoom in on specific data points, see how different parts of your system are connected, and track information flow.

For example, an observability dashboard might show increased latency in a payment processing system. Comprehensive visualisation helps the team identify the exact microservices causing the delay. By pinpointing the bottleneck, they can reallocate resources on-the-fly, ensuring smooth and efficient transactions. 

Contextual analysis

Data is just noise until it’s contextualised. A robust observability platform correlates data from every layer of your technology stack to uncover hidden patterns, relationships, and interdependencies. With the right context, teams can quickly identify anomalies, understand their impact, and trace them back to their root cause much faster and more accurately. 

For instance, a traditional monitoring system might alert you to high CPU usage, but without context, it’s unclear whether this is a serious issue or just a temporary spike. On the other hand, full-stack observability could reveal that the high CPU usage is due to a surge in user traffic following a new feature release. This context allows teams to respond appropriately, whether that’s scaling resources or investigating further.

Anomaly detection  

Anomalies are often the earliest possible signs of issues. Traditional systems struggle with accuracy, responsiveness, and scalability when it comes to spotting anomalies. But with full-stack observability, even minor deviations can be flagged early and identified as anomalies before they escalate.  Automated anomaly detection can pinpoint faults faster — reducing the time-to-detection from hours to as little as a minute — leading to quicker repairs. 

Additionally, unlike traditional rule-based monitoring systems that are prone to generating false positives, full-stack observability leverages machine learning algorithms to detect a broader range of anomalies with greater precision. 

For example, in software development, minor code changes can sometimes lead to major unexpected issues. Automated anomaly detection helps catch these discrepancies early on, ensuring that developers can address problems quickly, enhancing the overall quality of the software. 

Automated alerts and responses

The sheer amount of alerts generated from multiple traditional monitoring tools is overwhelming for teams to manage. By integrating observability and automation tools, you can set up automated alerts based on predefined thresholds. You can also accelerate issue resolution by setting up automated responses to common issues that can be resolved without humans involved. For example, if a specific server starts showing signs of failure, an automated script can spin up a new instance to keep services up and running. 

Predictive maintenance

Traditional monitoring often focuses on reactive measures, alerting IT teams after something goes wrong, leading to a constant race to fix issues as they arise. Full-stack observability shifts the focus to proactive measures. Predictive analytics help forecast and flag potential future issues based on historical data, then suggest actions to improve system stability and prevent recurrences of past issues. 

For example, in data centres, predictive maintenance helps monitor server performance and anticipate hardware failures. By analysing temperature trends and fan speeds, the full-stack observability can predict when a server might overheat and alert IT teams to take preventive action. This not only prevents downtime but also extends the lifespan of critical hardware.

The ripple effect

Full-stack observability isn’t just for the IT department; it’s for the entire organisation. 

It boosts overall business performance by helping different departments in different ways. For example, CIOs can use observability data to make informed investment decisions, while business leaders gain clear insights into how IT performance impacts revenue. Infrastructure managers can ensure resources are used efficiently, and DevOps teams can accelerate development cycles. Service desk teams also benefit from automating issue resolution for common problems. 

Another significant benefit of full-stack observability is its ability to improve knowledge sharing and collaboration. In many organisations, different teams are responsible for different parts of the IT stack and often use various tools and languages, resulting in communication gaps and inefficiencies. Observability provides a central platform and language, making it easier to work towards common goals like delivering better products and services, increasing customer loyalty, and improving operational efficiency. 

Implementing full-stack observability 

Define objectives 

As with any technology implementation, start by defining the scope and objectives of your observability initiative. Think about the specific problems you want to solve, where you lack visibility, and the results you hope to achieve. It’s important to involve all relevant stakeholders in the process. Engaging with people across the organisation builds a shared understanding of the benefits and goals of the observability implementation, ensuring everyone is on board and supportive.

Establish baselines 

Getting a good read on the health and performance of your IT components requires setting some baseline metrics. These benchmarks show you what normal operation looks like and help you spot problems. KPIs to consider are Mean Time to Detect (MTTD), Mean Time to Resolve (MTTR), uptime and availability, user satisfaction scores, and various performance metrics such as network latency and application load times.

Develop a data strategy

Data is the foundation of effective observability. That’s why you need a solid data strategy. This should clearly outline how you will collect, monitor, manage, and secure data from different layers of your IT stack to ensure its quality, availability, and reliability. 

Choose the right tools

Picking the right tools is essential for effective observability. Observability tools vary widely in features and capabilities, so here are a few key points to consider:

• Integration capabilities: Look for solutions that can integrate data from every part of your tech stack. The more integrations a tool supports, the better visibility you’ll get into your system’s performance. Ideally, it should work seamlessly with most, if not all, of your existing tools.

• Scalability: Ensure the tool can handle an increasing number of data sources and complex queries without sacrificing performance. You don’t want your observability tool to become a bottleneck as your system grows.

• Support: Consider the level of customer support provided by the technology vendor. A responsive support team can be invaluable, especially when you’re dealing with critical issues.

Integrate across your stack

To effectively capture and aggregate all relevant data points, you need to embed monitoring agents and collectors into everything from your frontend applications to your backend servers. Ensure that the instrumentation covers critical aspects such as capturing metrics, generating logs, and tracing requests across distributed systems. For example, on the frontend, this means tracking user interactions, page load times, and errors. On the backend, you could monitor API response times, database queries, and server performance.

Integrate across workflows

Observability should be an integral part of your day-to-day operations. Create automated alerts for critical issues based on the baselines established earlier. The aim is to receive timely notifications about issues that require attention. The alerts should be actionable, providing enough context for teams to understand the problem and take corrective action. Also, set up predefined responses to common problems to speed up issue resolution, maintain service availability, and use resources efficiently.  

Integrate across teams 

Observability is a team sport and works best when everyone is on the same page.

Encourage your teams to embrace observability as a core practice. Teams need to understand how to use the tools effectively, interpret the data, and take appropriate actions. This might involve formal training sessions, workshops, or on-the-job learning. The goal is to build a culture of observability where everyone is empowered to contribute to the overall health and performance of the IT stack. 

Continuously analyse and optimise

Regularly review your observability strategy and tools to ensure they are meeting your objectives. Collect feedback from your teams and make adjustments as necessary. This might involve refining metrics, adding new data sources, or tweaking alert thresholds. The goal is to evolve your observability practices to keep pace with changes in your technology and business environment.

Start your observability journey with Orro 

The era of operating in the dark is over. Full-stack observability has emerged as a powerful approach to managing the complexity of modern IT environments. 

No longer do you have to guess what’s happening within your systems; now, you can turn IT operations from a black box into a transparent, efficient, and future-proof engine. This means delivering better products and services, responding faster to market changes, innovating with confidence, and so much more. 

If you’re still stuck using traditional monitoring tools, it’s time to see your IT in a new light with full-stack observability. Orro offers a state-of-the-art observability platform, backed by specialised expertise and 24×7 support, so you’re not alone on this transformational journey. 

As the first step forward, learn more here. 

Better yet, if you’re up for it, let’s talk about what observability can do for your organisation. Get in touch .

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With the boom of IoT, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, remote working, and guest access, traditional on-premises NAC systems are not up to the task of securing our modern, borderless networks.

Now 20 years old, these legacy systems are a common cause of dread and frustration among network admins. They’re challenging to troubleshoot, not user-friendly, and struggle to scale with evolving demands. Plus, updates and patches usually mean downtime.

This is why IT leaders are increasingly turning their gaze towards cloud-based NAC. This new system brings the agility, scalability, and ease of use needed to manage today’s networks.

The new age of NAC

Today’s cloud-based NAC systems do more than allow or deny access. They provide fine-grained control over who can enter the network and what they can see and do once they’re inside. A robust cloud NAC solution has a range of capabilities.

See all, know all

A top-tier Cloud NAC platform can identify, categorise, and monitor various devices with different operating systems, hardware configurations, and installed software. These range from PCs and laptops to smartphones, tablets, and ever-growing IoT devices. Whether these devices are accessing the network via wired, wireless, or remote connections, Cloud NAC can gather real-time information on them using both active and passive discovery methods. These methods include monitoring network traffic for endpoint information (passive discovery) or directly logging onto the connected devices using credentials (active discovery).

Policy enforcement simplified

One of the defining features of a Cloud NAC platform is its ability to create and enforce network policies based on user and device identity. For instance, it can block devices without the latest security updates or only allow access to devices on a whitelist of MAC addresses. Another example is only allowing staff to access resources and applications that are directly needed to perform their tasks. This can prevent excessive network permissions and minimise the likelihood of data breaches. Plus, policies can be developed and implemented in just minutes, compared to hours with on-premises NAC systems.

Access that scales

Due to its cloud-native architecture, a modern NAC solution can easily handle more users and devices, expanding at a moment’s notice. This is particularly beneficial for organisations experiencing rapid growth or those with fluctuating network demands. Cloud NAC’s integration capabilities also mean you can add more security and network tools as your business grows.

Zero trust, total protection

Modern cyber threats demand a zero-trust security approach. Built on the “never trust, always verify” principle, a zero-trust-based NAC system narrows the attack surface by continuously verifying the trustworthiness of users and devices. Controls can be set closer to the endpoints to prevent unauthorised access, data exfiltration, and lateral movement. Unlike traditional VPNs, controls can be adjusted in real-time for each user session.

Seamless integration with other tools

Integration with other systems is another significant advantage of Cloud NAC. With open/RESTful APIs, Cloud NAC works well with other security and IT monitoring tools, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and next-generation firewalls (NGFW). This integration capability means Cloud NAC can dynamically adjust access policies based on threat intelligence and real-time data, boosting your overall security strategy. Plus, when you connect Cloud NAC with AI-powered security tools, you get a system that’s much better at detecting and responding to emerging threats.

Always at the cutting edge

A cloud-native NAC solution with a microservices-based architecture automatically adds new features, security patches, and updates without causing downtime or disruption to your operations. This capability makes life much easier for network administrators, removing the headache of lengthy or delayed software upgrades and hardware issues.

The road to robust access control

The rapid deployment capabilities of a robust Cloud NAC platform, combined with the right support from partners like Orro, make the transition to modern NAC a smooth experience for everyone. So, what does the process involve?

Take stock of your existing setup

As with all technology implementations, the journey begins with a deep dive into your current NAC setup. This involves identifying which devices are connected to your network, checking their compliance status, and spotting potential vulnerabilities.

Set the rules of access

When you have a solid grasp of your position, you can establish access policies based on user roles, device types, and compliance requirements. For example, you might allow employees’ personal devices to use the Internet while restricting access to corporate resources.

Plan every step of the rollout

Every implementation needs a strong plan. Your Cloud NAC roadmap should include clear objectives and measures of success. For example, you might aim to set up stronger access controls so that staff, contractors, guests, or other third parties have minimal access to applications and resources, only what’s directly required for their tasks. Perhaps your goal is to make your network more adaptable to changes in demand and security risks.

Pick your perfect solution

In this crucial deciding phase, it is important to find a solution that integrates well with your existing infrastructure, can support all kinds of devices, takes a zero-trust approach, and delivers a seamless user experience for IT admin staff. Depending on your specific needs, there will be plenty of other considerations that a partner like Orro can help you with.

Deploy without disruption

After choosing the right solution, the next step is to implement it, following the steps in your implementation plan. A top-tier Cloud NAC platform can be deployed without causing any disruption or service downtime. This stage involves configuring the defined access policies and integrating them with other security and IT service management systems, ensuring everything works cohesively.

Keep monitoring, keep optimising

After your new Cloud NAC is running, the focus shifts to ongoing management.

This involves monitoring the performance of your NAC system, adjusting access policies as needed, patching up any vulnerabilities, and staying on top of regulatory compliance.

Educate and empower

You must get your employees up to speed to get the most out of Cloud NAC. Data breaches often result from human error, so employees should know the new NAC system and why it’s essential to your organisation. Providing training on best practices and how to comply with access policies goes a long way.

Reclaim control of your network with Cloud NAC

With the exponential growth of connected devices, knowing exactly who and what devices have access to your network is crucial. This should be a key part of any security plan.

Understandably, migrating to a new system can feel daunting. It’s natural to worry about how complex and time-consuming the deployment might be, the costs involved, and whether it’s worth the investment. However, a good Cloud NAC system is designed to be straightforward and can save money by cutting out the need for expensive hardware, reducing maintenance costs, and offering flexible subscription-based pricing.

At Orro, we carefully crafted our Cloud NAC service with simplicity in mind. Cloud NAC is the smarter, more efficient way to manage access to your network, powered by our bespoke One Touch Control AIOps platform, cutting-edge network access control technology, and round-the-clock support from our experts.

Having a knowledgeable and experienced partner like Orro can make a world of difference, paving the way for secure access, everywhere.

 Ready to take control of your network? Discover more about Orro Cloud NAC here.

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Full fibre broadband, also known as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), is becoming the gold standard of internet connectivity worldwide. Unlike traditional broadband connections that relied on sluggish copper wires for the final leg of the connection, fibre optic cables run directly to business premises, transmitting data as light signals. The result is significantly faster and more reliable internet connections.

Currently, businesses with full fibre enjoy gigabit upload and download speeds (nearly 10 gigabits per second), far surpassing older broadband options. The upgrade to full fibre broadband — available for free across most of Australia and expected to be accessible everywhere at no cost — has already been transformative for organisations seeking to boost productivity, efficiency, agility, resilience, and innovation. The transition to full fibre is set to gain even more momentum as more businesses notice the impact it’s having on their industry peers and competitors.

The transition to full-fibre networks is also being championed by governments worldwide that recognise the economic and social benefits they bring. For example, regions with advanced network infrastructure can attract investments from businesses that need dependable high-speed internet. These areas can then become bustling tech hubs, creating jobs, sparking innovation, bridging the digital divide, and driving inclusive economic development.

Breakthroughs in fibre optics

Recent breakthroughs in fibre optics are now setting the stage for truly mind-blowing internet speeds and capabilities.

From gigabit to petabit

In late 2023, international researchers set a record-breaking data rate of 22.9 petabits (22.9 million gigabits) per second using a single optical fibre.

Not long before this, a collaborative effort from Australian, Japanese, Dutch, and Italian scientists resulted in a data transmission speed of 1.7 petabits per second — the equivalent to the combined speed of 17 million home broadband internet connections — over a 67 km length of fibre. This was enabled by a groundbreaking glass chip developed at Macquarie University.

AI-native 6G networks

Fibre optics are also set to be the crucial backbone for both 5G and the highly anticipated 6G networks. With 6G expected to offer data transfer rates up to 100 times faster than 5G and ultra-low latencies of less than 1 millisecond, compared to the 30-60 milliseconds latency of traditional broadband, fibre optics will be vital for delivering on these promises.

6G is also expected to be entirely AI-native, meaning AI will be embedded directly into networking equipment, paving the way for autonomous networks that learn, organise, and operate by themselves. Fibre optic cables’ ability to handle massive amounts of data — generated from an extensive range of sources, such as sensors and IoT devices — will be crucial for AI to make real-time decisions.

A quantum leap towards quantum networks

In another exciting breakthrough, quantum data — information that is stored and processed using the principles of quantum mechanics — has successfully been transmitted through standard fibre optic cables for the first time. This milestone is crucial for the development of quantum networks, demonstrating that quantum devices can interface on the same wavelength.

Quantum networks have immense potential across various sectors. They can significantly enhance security by detecting any eavesdropping attempts, making them particularly valuable for governments and financial institutions.

Additionally, connecting quantum computers through these networks will supercharge computing power, allowing industries like pharmaceuticals to solve complex problems that are currently out of reach.

These networks also promise ultra-precise sensing and measurement, detecting tiny changes in our environment with remarkable accuracy, which could transform fields like logistics and medical diagnostics.

From misconceptions to realities: Why forward-thinking businesses are switching to full fibre

Advancements in fibre optics are accelerating rapidly, yet many businesses still depend on outdated ADSL or partial fibre broadband solutions (i.e. Fibre-to-the-Curb and Fibre-to-the-Node). Often, this is due to misconceptions about costs, complexity, and necessity, along with a general fear of change.

In Australia, full-fibre broadband plans are competitively priced, and upgrading from copper to full fibre is free, thanks to the government’s commitment to fibre-fuelled digital infrastructure. Most metro and regional areas already have access to full fibre, making installations straightforward. Streamlined processes ensure that teams can continue their work while experts, like those at Orro, handle the rest of the transition.

While high-speed internet may seem unnecessary to some, businesses of all sizes and industries stand to benefit greatly from all the capabilities of full-fibre broadband. <link to landing page>

For example, full fibre’s symmetric upload and download speeds of up to 10 Gbps, even during peak periods, ensures seamless videoconferencing, file sharing, and real-time collaboration. Its low latency, reduced from 30-60 ms to 5-12 ms, also ensures smooth, real-time data processing. Meanwhile, fibre optics cables are resistant to electrical interference, as well as more secure than copper cables, making full fibre indispensable for businesses.

It’s not just about alleviating day-to-day frustrations; it’s also about future-readiness. It’s unfeasible to adopt technologies, like AI-powered applications, with traditional broadband options.

Real-world applications: Industries feeling the full impact of fibre

Retail

Full fibre can pave the way for transformative changes in retail. With full fibre broadband as the backbone, retailers can harness real-time inventory management systems to optimise their supply chain operations. For example, smart shelves can continuously monitor inventory levels and send instant restocking alerts, ensuring popular items are always available.

But it’s not just behind the scenes where full fibre shines. It can also transform online shopping experiences too. Picture a retailer effortlessly handling massive data sets in real-time, analysing customer behaviour and sales trends to offer personalised experiences. During peak shopping events like Black Friday, the scalability of full fibre broadband becomes crucial, allowing retailers to manage surges in online activity and keep their customers happy.

Meanwhile, in stores, full-fibre broadband can help bring digital and physical shopping together. Interactive digital displays provide detailed product information, reviews, and recommendations. Smart fitting rooms with augmented reality mirrors let customers virtually try on clothes, making shopping more engaging. Even the checkout experience can be better, with cloud-based systems like point-of-sale terminals processing transactions more swiftly.

Healthcare

In healthcare, a significant benefit of full-fibre broadband is the support it can offer for telehealth. With high-speed, low-latency connections, healthcare providers can conduct high-quality video consultations and follow-ups remotely, reaching patients no matter where they are. This is especially valuable for those in rural or underserved areas, ensuring they get timely and effective care.

Full-fibre broadband can also make real-time transmission of health data possible. Wearable devices and sensors can collect vital signs and other health metrics, sending this information instantly to medical professionals. For patients with chronic conditions, remote monitoring can be life-saving, allowing for early detection of potential health issues, leading to timely interventions and better patient outcomes. Patients can also receive personalised care without needing frequent hospital visits, thereby improving their quality of life.

Additionally, the transmission of large medical imaging files such as MRIs and CT scans requires substantial bandwidth. Full fibre can enable these large files to be uploaded and shared quickly and securely among medical professionals, facilitating faster diagnoses and collaborative treatment planning.

Manufacturing

Equipment failures can be both catastrophic and costly. However, with data analytics platforms, underpinned by full-fibre broadband, manufacturers can have the ability to predict equipment malfunctions before they occur. Sensors and IoT devices gather vast amounts of data, which are then analysed using AI-powered platforms to foresee potential issues. This predictive maintenance approach not only minimises downtime but also extends the lifespan of machinery, ultimately saving costs and boosting operational efficiency.

Advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), robotics, and AI, also rely heavily on high-speed broadband to perform optimally. Full fibre can provide the essential bandwidth and low latency required for these technologies. With this robust infrastructure, AI algorithms can analyse large datasets in real-time to optimise production lines, and 3D printers can receive complex design files instantaneously, speeding up both prototyping and production processes.

Another transformative innovation is bandwidth-intensive digital twins. These virtual replicas of manufacturing processes enable real-time adjustments and performance optimisation. Full-fibre networks can enhance the effectiveness of digital twins, providing a clearer path to operational excellence.

Public sector

Intelligent traffic systems and coordinated public transport are vital for reducing congestion and improving urban mobility. Full-fibre broadband can be the backbone of this modernisation, enabling real-time data exchange between traffic lights, sensors, and transport management systems. This connectivity allows for dynamic traffic management, with traffic light sequences adjusting based on current conditions. Full fibre can also support real-time updates on bus and train schedules, ensuring passengers have accurate information to effectively plan their journeys.

Public safety is another top priority for governments. Full-fibre broadband can enhance surveillance systems that depend on high-speed connectivity to transmit live video feeds to control centres, allowing for quicker response times to incidents and better coordination among emergency services. High-speed internet allows for the rapid dissemination of information, such as emergency alerts and weather warnings, to the public.

In addition, full-fibre broadband can allow public sector organisations to deliver services more efficiently and effectively. For example, government agencies can streamline processes such as licensing, permits, and tax submissions through user-friendly online portals, ensuring quicker turnaround times and greater user satisfaction.

Education

Full-fibre broadband can be an essential tool for students to access education from virtually anywhere. The bandwidth provided by full fibre allows students to attend live lectures, complete online assessments, submit assignments, or collaborate on projects seamlessly. This level of accessibility is particularly crucial for those in remote areas or with limited mobility, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to learn and grow.

Full fibre can also support the development of new, innovative learning methods. Emerging technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality have opened up a whole new world for students to explore and experiment with, bringing abstract concepts to life. With high-speed internet, students can access VR and AR applications in real-time without experiencing delays or disruptions, enhancing their immersive learning experience.

For universities and research institutions, full-fibre broadband can facilitate high-speed access to research databases, collaborative tools, and cloud-based applications. This accelerates research activities and fosters greater collaboration among scholars and researchers worldwide. Additionally, it can enhance the ability to conduct virtual conferences and real-time data sharing, further enriching the academic environment.

Finance

 In financial markets, milliseconds can mean the difference between profit and loss. Full-fibre broadband can provide the speed, reliability, and low latency needed for these transactions. The ability to process large volumes of data instantaneously allows traders to react to market changes in real-time, maximising their returns.

 Full-fibre networks can also enable financial institutions to adopt AI to deliver personalised services. For example, robo-advisors, which provide automated financial advice, need real-time data processing capabilities to deliver recommendations that meet individual needs. Financial institutions can harness the full potential of this technology to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.

 Additionally, blockchain technology and distributed ledger systems rely on robust network infrastructure to enable secure, transparent, and efficient financial transactions. By enabling rapid data transfer, full fibre can support blockchain’s decentralised networks, facilitating real-time verification and reducing latency, which ultimately enhances the overall reliability and performance of these systems.

The future is full fibre

Regardless of what industry you operate in, or how big your business is, full-fibre broadband is set to become the standard fixed access technology for at least the next few decades. For businesses hesitant to get on board, there’s no value in waiting.

At Orro, we understand that transitioning to full-fibre broadband can seem complex. That’s why we offer a seamless and hassle-free transition process tailored to meet your specific needs. Our team of experts will guide you through every step, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations. We provide:

• Personalised consultation: Understanding your business requirements and recommending the best solutions.
• Expert installation: Professional installation services to ensure your new connection is set up correctly.
• Ongoing support: Continuous support and maintenance to keep your network running at peak performance.
• Customised solutions: Tailoring our offerings to match the unique demands of your business.

Discover how we can simplify your transition to full fibre broadband and ensure your business is equipped for the future. Get in touch with us and take the first step towards a faster, more reliable internet connection.

The post The gigabit game-changer: How full fibre broadband is catapulting businesses forward appeared first on Orro.

Imagine a network that doesn’t just passively shuttle data back and forth but one that actively makes decisions, anticipates problems, and adapts in real time. Welcome to the world of AI-native networks, where Wi-Fi and LAN technologies are transformed into intelligent systems capable of providing seamless, reliable connectivity across any device, anywhere.

The intrinsic qualities of AI-native networks

AI-native networks are built with artificial intelligence at their core, rather than AI being bolted onto or replacing existing systems. This means that most, if not all, components use AI to perform its tasks.

There are key characteristics that define these networks: perceptive, cognitive, and interactive.

Perceptive networks are aware and attentive

Perceptive networks have an awareness of their environment. They can digitally map the layout of your network, identifying areas of strength and weakness. This heightened awareness allows them to make real-time adjustments, ensuring a consistent experience across locations, devices, and applications. For example, such a network would know exactly where to boost signal strength or reduce interference, providing a seamless experience for every user.

Cognitive networks learn and adapt

Cognitive networks are proactive learners. They continuously gather data and evolve their strategies over time. Essentially, they don’t just follow rules; they create them based on observed patterns and insights. For example, your network can predict a surge in usage and adjust resources accordingly, ensuring everyone remains blissfully unaware of the potential problems averted behind the scenes.

Interactive networks share and collaborate

Interactive networks do not function in isolation. They communicate and collaborate with other networks, sharing data and insights to create a more efficient and robust ecosystem. This collaborative intelligence ensures that AI-native networks can operate effectively within their parameters and contribute to broader network environments. This means your network is not just looking out for itself but is also aware of and responsive to the needs of other networks it interacts with.

The perks of AI in networking

Automated network optimisation

One of the standout perks of AI in networking is real-time optimisation. AI can monitor network data like latency, packet loss, and jitter, pinpointing areas where performance is lagging and taking corrective action. Got a weak signal in some areas? AI boost coverage. Too many devices slowing things down? AI predicts demand and adjusts capacity so everyone stays connected.

Additionally, AI understands the specific needs of different applications, allocating bandwidth where it’s needed most. Whether you’re streaming high-definition video or hosting a large-scale conference, your network runs smoothly and efficiently.

Plus, optimisation isn’t just about easing workloads; it’s about reducing human error, leading to fewer disruptions and more uptime. AI dynamically adjusts resources based on historical trends and current usage patterns. This predictive analysis ensures optimal performance without manual intervention.

Proactive troubleshooting and maintenance

Maintenance and troubleshooting are the bane of many IT teams. But with AI, it’s a whole different ball game. AI can monitor complex networks, rapidly sifting through extensive datasets to forecast potential failures and suggest proactive maintenance. Whether it’s rebooting a malfunctioning device or switching to backup systems, AI can resolve certain issues on its own to ensure your network is always in top shape.

Seamless scalability

As your business grows and evolves, your network infrastructure needs to be able to keep pace with new demands to ensure your business operations remain uninterrupted. Static network infrastructure cannot keep up with your evolving needs. When your business expands or pivots, adapting your network feels like an uphill battle. AI gives your network the ability to scale without the need for constant manual reconfiguration. It seamlessly handles increasing loads and new device types in real time, while maintaining high speed and reliability. This dynamic scalability ensures that network resources always align with your evolving requirements.

Robust security

Legacy networks are prime targets for cyber threats. Without the capability to detect and respond to threats instantly, your business is at high risk of experiencing costly data breaches. AI takes network security to a whole new level, with machine learning algorithms that can sift through vast amounts of data quickly, identifying anomalies and potential threats that might be missed by traditional methods.

AI can automate responses to certain types of cyber incidents — such as network quarantine and password resets — reducing the time between detection and resolution. This rapid response helps avert or limit the damage caused by cyberattacks. Plus, by continuously learning from new data and past incidents, AI systems get increasingly better at detecting and responding to threats over time, ensuring your security measures evolve alongside emerging threats.

Cost-efficiency

Another standout benefit of AI-native networking is the potential for significant cost savings. Automation reduces the need for manual intervention, leading to lower operational expenses. Predictive maintenance prevents costly emergency repairs, while optimised network resources ensure efficient use of bandwidth. Additionally, by removing traditional controller hardware and associated costs, AI-native networks offer a more cost-effective solution.

Innovation

Beyond addressing current challenges, AI-native networks also pave the way for future innovations. These networks break free from the constraints of traditional networking, such as manual processes, allowing you to innovate and experiment with new business models, services, and technologies — think digital twins and augmented reality — that need adaptable and scalable network infrastructure.

Getting started with AI-native networking

As daunting as it may sound, transitioning from legacy to AI-native network infrastructure can actually be a seamless process with expert guidance — and it’s certainly a journey worth embarking on. At Orro, we believe that a systematic process is the backbone of all successful transformation initiatives. This includes careful assessment, thoughtful design, seamless implementation, and continuous optimisation. Our in-house industry-leading expertise ensures a streamlined deployment process, accelerating your time-to-value.

Here’s an overview of how the process goes:

Assessment: Knowing where you stand and where you want to be

As with all technology transformations, the first step to transitioning to AI-native wireless and LAN infrastructure is to take a close look at the current state of your network. Key considerations should include: business requirements, legacy network architectures, performance bottlenecks, virtualisation requirements, applications and services, traffic patterns, vendor solutions, automation opportunities, and security risks.

Design and planning: Crafting a custom blueprint 

Equipped with the insights gained from the assessment, it’s time to custom-design your new network with the right mix of software and hardware, then map out the entire transformation journey.

Selecting the right AI-native solutions is crucial in this phase. Look for platforms that integrate seamlessly with your existing setup while offering robust, scalable capabilities. Consider partnering with Orro, who brings cutting-edge AI-native wireless access technology, sophisticated AIOps platforms, and deep network design expertise to the table.

There are various activities that tend to take place during this phase:

• Creating high-level or low-level network designs
• Validating the network design through testing
• Optimising network designs to meet your needs
• Building plans for implementation, risk mitigation, and network migration
• Identifying the best spots for your wireless access points through proactive site surveys

Implementation: Bringing your new network to life

With a plan in place, your new network is ready to be rolled out. This is when network engineers will install and integrate all essential hardware and software components, such as access points, switches, and platforms, into your existing infrastructure.

Post-deployment site surveys should also be conducted during this phase to ensure maximum signal strength and coverage.

Continuous optimisation: Keeping the engine running smoothly

Once your new AI-native network is up and running, the journey doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s the beginning. Continuous optimisation is crucial for maximising the potential of your network. This involves comprehensive monitoring, analytics, and technical support to make sure everything keeps running like clockwork and that your network is meeting the needs of your business and users.

Future-proof your network with Orro

Imagine IT teams shifting from firefighting to strategising, focusing on initiatives that truly drive the business forward; employees being more productive, efficient, and satisfied than ever; and customers moving through the buying journey with no interruptions.

How do you get here? One way is to partner with Orro. We pride ourselves on setting new standards in enterprise connectivity. Our One Touch Control AIOps platform, combined with AI-native wireless access technology, transforms your network infrastructure into a dynamic, high-performing asset.

Explore the possibilities of AI-native networking and lead your company into a smarter, more connected future.

Find out how we can make it happen together here. Or get in touch for personalised support.

The post Reinventing Wi-Fi and LAN in an AI-mature world appeared first on Orro.

In the high-stakes world of modern business, where downtime could mean thousands lost per minute, the reliability and resilience of your network aren’t just IT concerns—they’re central to your operational integrity.

Picture this: at the zenith of your biggest sales day, your network crashes. Transactions halt, customer frustration mounts, and your brand’s reputation faces a real-time stress test. In the era of relentless digital advancement, a robust network is more than just an IT backbone; it’s the lifeline of your business.

This is why we’re seeing more and more organisations getting serious about rebuilding their networks, this time with scalability and security addressed from the start.

So, what does a secure and scalable network look like? There are several key components.

Devices — facilitating seamless data flow

You need to carefully select your network devices to get your data flowing in the right direction. These include routers, switches, access points, and firewalls.

When it comes to choosing routers for your business, the class level matters. Should you settle for a consumer or small office router, or is a more advanced and feature-rich product necessary? While cost-cutting is important, it’s crucial to consider if this is the right aspect to compromise on.

But while your router handles external traffic, switches take care of local communications, acting as the backbone of your network. There are two types of switches to consider: managed and unmanaged switches.

Unmanaged switches require no configuration, making them easy to use. On the other hand, managed switches offer advanced configuration options, but are pricier. If you don’t need the extra features of a managed switch, opting for an unmanaged one can save you some money.

Redundancy is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. To maintain uninterrupted connectivity, redundancy and failover mechanisms should also be integrated into your network infrastructure. Redundant devices and connections act as backups in case of primary component failures — meaning, you won’t notice when there’s a hiccup in the network.

Network Topology — crafting your digital blueprint

Think of a network topology as the blueprint of your network — it’s how all the devices and connections come together.

There are different types of topologies out there, like mesh, star, ring, bus, tree, and hybrid. Each one has its own pros and cons when it comes to things like size, performance, reliability, and cost.

Take the star topology, for example. It’s like a central hub that’s easy to expand by adding more devices, but it does have a weakness — if that hub fails, everything connected to it goes down too. Then you’ve got the mesh topology. It’s robust and adaptable, but it can be a tad more complex and pricier to handle. Some businesses find that a mix of different topologies works a charm. For example, a company might combine the easy expansion of a star topology with the resilience of a mesh layout, optimising both performance and reliability.

Modularity — building a future-proof network

One of the best things you can do for your network is to embrace modularity. Think of it like building blocks — by breaking down your network into smaller units like subnets, VLANs, and pods, you can easily add, remove, or swap out components as needed. This makes it a lot easier to isolate and fix faults without bringing the whole network down. And with flexibility, your network can easily scale and handle any changes without breaking a sweat.

Plus, with standardised designs, you can use consistent configurations, devices, and protocols, which makes maintaining your network simpler.

Security — growth without compromise

Your network’s security should be a top priority. To keep your network safe as your business grows, you have to implement firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and encryption protocols.

Segmenting your network is also a smart technique that involves splitting it into smaller, logical units based on different factors like function, location, or security level. This can be achieved through VLANs, router configuration, or even separate internet connections. This boosts scalability by reducing the complexity and size of each segment, while helping allocate resources and bandwidth more efficiently.

Plus, it enhances security by isolating sensitive data and devices from unauthorised access. If your corporate wireless network doesn’t require the same access as the wired network, consider segmenting those networks as well.

Another way to enhance security is to implement MAC address filtering. Administrators can use MAC address filtering on corporate networks to provide additional verification for device connections. Users will not only need to know the wireless key but the administrator must also add the device’s MAC address to the list of allowed devices. Bear in mind, however, that MAC addresses can be easily “spoofed” by attackers, so don’t just rely solely on this safeguard.

Of course, no network is secure without a savvy workforce that understands cyber security best practices. Regularly educate your employees about the importance of strong passwords, phishing prevention, and other fundamental security measures. Encourage them to follow security policies, keep their devices updated, and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Automation — resilience through highs and lows

Network automation is another vital component of a secure and scalable network. It uses software tools and scripts to carry out repetitive or tricky tasks on your network, such as configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, or backup.

To make sure your network can handle all the demands and traffic, you’ll want to keep an eye on things like speed, responsiveness, and how much of your network’s capacity is being used. It’s also important to watch out for any issues that might come up and fix them before they become problems. Upgrading hardware, keeping software up to date, and adding backups are just some of the ways you can keep things running smoothly and safely.

By taking care of the nitty-gritty, network automation helps you avoid mistakes, saves you time and effort, and ensures everything behaves the way it should. It also lets you adapt to changing conditions quickly and easily, so you can make adjustments to your network parameters, provision resources, and be alerted to any issues that pop up.

But technology alone doesn’t forge an impenetrable defense. A well-informed workforce, trained in cybersecurity best practices from strong passwords to phishing awareness, becomes a vital component of your security strategy.

Laying the groundwork for tomorrow

Before you start building your network, you need to define your requirements and objectives. By taking the time to identify your expected peak and average traffic volumes and how often they fluctuate, you can save money and resources in the long run.

You also have to consider the SLAs and QoS standards you need to abide by, the security regulations you have to follow, and the budget and resources you have for network infrastructure and maintenance. These questions will form the basis of your network design, so it’s important to take the time to get it right.

As we embrace the potentials of 5G, AI, and the Internet of Things, the question remains — how prepared is your network to navigate this evolving technological landscape?

Building a secure and scalable network is a dynamic, ongoing process, adapting not just to current needs but future innovations. As you consider these elements, remember: your network is more than cables and hardware; it’s the digital heartbeat of your enterprise, a core driver of your business’s growth, security, and resilience in an increasingly interconnected world.

Are you ready to explore the future of your network? Let’s talk.

The post The Anatomy of a Secure and Scalable Network appeared first on Orro.

In today’s borderless world, a key challenge for organisations isn’t just staying connected; it’s ensuring that every single connection is secure, no matter where it’s made.

With the shift to remote work, the widespread use of cloud-based apps, and everyone’s love for mobile devices, security has become a lot more complicated. Gone are the days when security was all about guarding a physical boundary. Today, our traditional network perimeter has virtually disappeared, broadening the attack surface.

While the old ways of securing a network aren’t cutting it anymore, there’s an exciting shift towards protecting what really matters: your data, wherever it lives, travels, or is accessed from.

Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE, is at the forefront of this evolution, directly addressing modern security challenges.

The SASE framework explained

 What exactly is SASE?

SASE is often mistaken for a plug-and-play solution, when, in fact, it’s an architectural framework that integrates various networking and security functions into a single, cloud-delivered service.

To put it simply, SASE is about strategically assembling the right components (i.e. tools, platforms, and policies) — guided by your needs, goals, and existing infrastructure — to ensure fast, secure, and reliable connectivity from anywhere.

The road that led us to SASE

There are three key advancements in technology that paved the way for the more integrated, secure, and scalable networking framework that we now identify as SASE, a term coined by Gartner in 2019.

These crucial developments include software-defined networking (SDN), which changed how networks are managed by separating control from the actual transfer of data; network function virtualisation (NFV), turning network functions from hardware-reliant to virtual systems; and Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN), extending the principles of SDN over larger networks.

The building blocks of a secure and scalable network

While it varies from business to business, there are some common components that come together in a SASE framework:

• Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN): SASE leverages SD-WAN technology to ensure resilient, low-latency connectivity across any network, redefining how resources are accessed and shared.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): SWG protects users from online threats and enforces compliance policies, acting as a secure intermediary between users and the web.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): CASB solutions manage access to cloud applications, providing visibility and security for cloud-based resources.
• Data Loss Protection (DLP): DLP technologies offer oversight over data regardless of its state, ensuring its security and compliance.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): ZTNA embodies the principle of “never trust, always verify”, granting access to resources based on rigorous authentication.
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): FWaaS goes beyond traditional firewall capabilities, integrating advanced threat detection and analysis tools for comprehensive protection.

Consistency in the cloud

As a cloud-native service, SASE eliminates the need for hardware investments and maintenance, allowing you to save costs while still having a secure and flexible network. Whether scaling up to accommodate sudden surges in demand or tightening security protocols in response to emerging threats, SASE architectures enable organisations to pivot fast. No more backhauling traffic to a centralised hub; SASE brings security and connectivity into perfect alignment, wherever your data or users are.

Another key aspect of SASE is its ability to provide a consistent security framework across all locations and devices. With traditional methods, securing remote or branch offices can be a challenge, as they may have different security measures in place compared to the main headquarters. This inconsistency can create vulnerabilities and increase the risk of cyber attacks.

However, with SASE, all locations and devices are connected to a centralised security platform, ensuring consistent protection and reducing potential risks. This also makes it easier for IT teams to manage and monitor security across the entire network.

En route to cyber resilience: Designing a journey that’s uniquely yours

Transitioning to SASE requires a strategic, phased approach based on your organisation’s needs, goals, and existing technology.

Discovery

As with all technology transformations, the SASE journey begins with a deep dive into the current setup of your network and security. This involves understanding where your data lives and travels, how consistent your security policies are across devices and environments, how well you can see into your network, where the workflow bottlenecks are, if your team has all the skills it needs, and any security loopholes.

Once you have a solid grasp of where things stand currently, you’re ready to draw up a roadmap. It’s important that your implementation plan includes clear objectives and ways to measure success. For example, you might be aiming to set up stronger access controls or maintain the same high level of security across your WAN. Or perhaps, your goal is to make your network more adaptable to changes in demand and the threat landscape.

Design and deployment

 Based on the findings from the discovery phase, you’re all set to craft a bespoke plan and framework for your SASE implementation. In this crucial phase, there are several considerations to take into account:

• Scalability — both horizontal and vertical: Your network should be able to easily handle more users and data traffic, ready to expand at a moment’s notice (horizontal scalability). You should also have the flexibility to add more security features to your setup as your business grows and changes (vertical scalability).
• Centralised control over policies and reporting: Managing and reporting security policies from one place doesn’t just save time; it removes security gaps and maintains consistent protection across all users, locations, and devices.
• Two-way zero trust security: It’s crucial to protect your networks against both inside and outside threats. This means securing your applications from unauthorised users, whilst protecting authorised users from harmful applications or content.
• Protection for unmanaged devices: With a diverse workforce comes a range of devices, not all of which you control. Supporting unmanaged devices means your security measures are flexible enough to protect data, no matter the device it’s accessed on.
• A unified platform: Opting for a centralised management platform that protects all data, applications, and cloud services is key to ensuring your operations remain cyber resilient.

After pinpointing all the essential network security components, the next step is to put them into place. Remember, your SASE deployment isn’t an overnight switch; it’s a phased, strategic process where prioritisation is key. If you have significant security gaps putting your business at risk, the first phase of the deployment might focus on addressing those vulnerabilities.

Continuous improvement

Post-implementation, the focus shifts to the ongoing management of the SASE architecture. This involves continuous monitoring, assessment, and optimisation to ensure that the framework not only meets current business needs but is also positioned to adapt to future changes. For example, this could mean updating your security policies or integrating more components into your SASE architecture.

Orro’s take on SASE

 SASE is not just another addition to the cybersecurity lexicon; nor is it a fleeting trend.

The trajectory of SASE points towards even greater integration of network and security functions among organisations. This is particularly exciting as we witness the convergence of AI, analytics, and automation with network and security functions, paving the way for smarter, more responsive, and self-optimising systems.

Understandably, the prospect of transitioning to a sophisticated SASE framework might appear daunting at first. Questions around deployment complexity, operational challenges, and scalability are common. However, when your SASE transformation is delivered as a fully managed service, these concerns quickly dissipate.

At Orro, we carefully crafted our SASE service offering with your ease in mind. Orro SASE combines the most advanced network, security, and management technologies, with top-tier in-house network, security, and implementation expertise for every managed SASE project we take on, making the journey smooth for you and ensuring you see the benefits faster.

Having a knowledgeable and experienced partner like Orro can make a world of difference, providing a clear path towards being securely connected, everywhere.

 Getting serious about SASE? Let’s talk. 

The post Securely connected, everywhere: Unfolding the SASE journey appeared first on Orro.

Introducing CMDB View: Unifying Perspectives.

Embarking on a seamless journey through all your assets and services has never been easier, thanks to our new CMDB View. This latest update offers a unified view, bringing together all your CMDB items, from assets to services, in one comprehensive interface. With this interconnected view, you can effortlessly navigate through your entire ecosystem, gaining valuable insights into how each component interacts with the others. It’s a significant leap forward in our commitment to providing you with a holistic and streamlined experience, where every piece of the puzzle fits together seamlessly.

New Performance Dashboard: Your Window to Real-Time Insights

Step into a new era of transparency with our brand-new Performance Dashboard. Whether you’re accessing it within the portal or projecting it onto a big screen in full-page view, this powerful tool provides real-time insights directly from our systems. From tracking ticketing metrics and SLA adherence to anticipating upcoming planned outages, it’s your comprehensive guide to our operations. Stay informed, stay ahead, and make decisions with confidence, knowing you have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.

Site Health Summary: Gain Insights into Your Network’s Health

We have rolled out the Site Health Summary in our Network Management section. This new feature offers a comprehensive overview of each site’s health, including device counts, site availability, and key events. With customisable intervals and an interactive interface, staying on top of your network’s health has never been easier. Keep your network running smoothly and make informed decisions with the Site Health Summary.

Need assistance accessing any of these exciting new features or interested in a demonstration? Reach out to your Service Delivery Manager (SDM) or account manager today for personalised assistance and guidance. We’re here to ensure you maximise the utility of these robust tools, providing you with transparency and visibility into your network’s health and operations. Contact Us today.

The post Unveiling Enhanced Functionality: Exciting Updates to Our Robust OneTouch Control Customer Platform appeared first on Orro.

It’s critical that network managers have visibility of the entire network, so they can see if a network issue is hardware or software related, and exactly where on the network the issue has occurred. In some cases, the network may not actually be the source of the problem, but being able to determine this quickly speeds up the process of getting everything back online.

Here are a few ways that greater network visibility can help to find and fix issues before they impact business.

1. Proactive monitoring: Network visibility tools allow businesses to continuously monitor the network infrastructure, collecting data on network performance, traffic patterns and device behaviour. This proactive monitoring helps detect anomalies, bottlenecks or unusual activity that may indicate a network issue before it escalates into a major problem.
2. Real-time troubleshooting: With network visibility, IT teams can access real-time data and insights into network traffic, device status and performance metrics. This allows them to quickly pinpoint the root cause of network issues, such as network congestion, faulty devices or misconfigurations, allowing them to take immediate action to resolve the problem.
3. Traffic analysis: Detailed traffic analysis, including protocols, bandwidth usage and traffic patterns are possible with network visibility tools. This helps in identifying abnormal traffic behaviour, unauthorised access attempts or network security threats. By analysing traffic patterns, network managers can quickly identify and mitigate potential network issues or security breaches.
4. Device monitoring and management: With comprehensive monitoring of network devices including routers, switches, firewalls and servers, IT teams can monitor device health, performance metrics and configurations to identify any device-specific issues that might impact network connectivity or performance. Timely detection and resolution of device-related issues can minimise network downtime and improve overall network reliability.
5. Troubleshooting collaboration: Network visibility tools facilitate collaboration among IT teams by providing a centralised platform for sharing network data, logs and analysis. When troubleshooting complex network issues, different team members can access the same set of network visibility data, allowing for efficient collaboration and faster problem resolution.

Better network visibility with ThousandEyes

ThousandEyes is an enterprise-class solution that delivers unprecedented visibility by combining network and application synthetics, end user monitoring, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) route visualisations and network and application outage detection. This visibility helps to identify the source of a network issue in real time, so businesses can diagnose and fix problems quickly.

Orro leverages ThousandEyes in network architecture to speed up troubleshooting and provide unparalleled visibility and insights into the digital experiences of users. With an end-to-end view and ability to simulate transactions, VOIP calls and other activity on the network, businesses can understand and improve the digital experiences of every employee and customer. ThousandEyes can also help check network status before and after any migration, and when used in conjunction with our unique One Touch Control (OTC) network management platform, delivers clear evidence of any problem.

Networks play a crucial role in helping businesses with better communication, collaboration, data sharing, resource utilisation and overall efficiency. To keep the network running smoothly, network visibility is critical for quickly identifying and resolving any network-related issues.

With real-time monitoring, traffic analysis, device management and collaborative troubleshooting, network visibility is the ultimate tool for IT teams. By leveraging these insights, businesses can quickly identify and resolve network issues, reduce downtime, optimise performance and ensure a more reliable and efficient network infrastructure.

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Gain better visibility of your network infrastructure for greater performance, resilience and efficiencies with an Orro secure network and ThousandEyes. Find out more today.

The post How to Find and Fix Network Issues Before They Impact Business appeared first on Orro.

SASE is helping to address the challenges posed by the increasing use of cloud applications, the rise of remote work and the need for robust security measures in modern network environments.

In a SASE model, security and networking functions are delivered as a service from the cloud, typically through a subscription-based model. This approach allows organisations to move away from the traditional perimeter-based security model and instead focus on delivering security controls and policies directly to users and devices wherever they are located.

For users, this means a single cloud-based service that provides secure, optimised access to applications and data, regardless of their location or the device they are using.

Evolution of SASE

The introduction of SASE over the last five years has allowed organisations to streamline their network architecture while reducing overall costs and elevating security.

But just as the digital landscape continues its evolutionary path, so too has SASE. Originally focused on providing secure access to cloud applications, SASE has evolved as cloud technology has become more widely adopted. Now SASE provides a broader range of security services, including Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS).

Critically, SASE also lays the foundation for Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) as a more secure way to access applications and data than traditional network security models. This approach ensures that only authorised users and devices can access critical resources, effectively mitigating the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches.

At Orro, we call this Secure Client to Cloud, because it provides seamless and secure access to cloud, internet and on-premises applications.

Simplifying secure network architecture

Traditional network architecture often involves complex and fragmented setups with multiple security appliances and point solutions. SASE consolidates these functionalities into a unified cloud-native platform, resulting in simplified and streamlined network architecture. By reducing the need for hardware and physical infrastructure, SASE significantly cuts down operational costs and management overheads.

Seamlessly connecting remote workers and branch offices

The rise of remote work and the increasing number of branch offices have posed unique challenges for organisations in terms of connectivity and security. SASE solves this challenge by providing a flexible and secure connection for remote workers and branch offices to the cloud and internet. This enables teams to access business applications and data from anywhere without compromising security.

With SASE, remote workers and branch offices benefit from enhanced network performance, reduced latency and improved user experience. SASE’s cloud-native architecture ensures that traffic is dynamically routed through the optimal path, leading to faster and more efficient data transfer.

Transforming connectivity with Secure Client to Cloud

As a leading provider of cutting-edge networking solutions, Orro offers a comprehensive SASE implementation to provide organisations with consistent, fast and secure connection.

The Orro Secure Client to Cloud solution incorporates a wide range of services, including cloud-delivered security, SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking), secure web gateways, and zero-trust access controls. This integration ensures that businesses can deploy a unified and scalable SASE platform tailored to their specific requirements, industry vertical and size.

SASE is transforming the future of business connectivity by offering a secure, scalable and efficient solution for modern network architecture. By simplifying network infrastructure, reducing costs and elevating security, organisations can confidently embrace digital transformation and empower their workforce with seamless access to critical resources.

With SASE, businesses can effortlessly connect remote workers and branch offices to the cloud and internet while ensuring robust security through a zero-trust model. Orro’s Secure Client to Cloud approach brings together best-in-class solutions to deliver a comprehensive and reliable SASE platform that caters to the evolving needs of businesses.

As organisations continue to embrace cloud computing, remote work and digital expansion, SASE has emerged as a game-changing technology that paves the way for a more connected, agile and secure future of business connectivity..

Supercharge your network for faster, secure and flexible access

Our team can help your organisation implement Orro’s SASE-based Secure Client to Cloud solution to deliver fast, secure network, internet and cloud access to your team, no matter where they are working.

Find out more, here.

The post The Rise of SASE: Transforming Business Connectivity appeared first on Orro.

Both share a common goal of protecting information systems, data and networks from unauthorised access, attacks and breaches. However, while cyber security takes a broad approach, encompassing the protection of all digital assets, network security focuses specifically on securing the infrastructure and components of a network. This includes everything from network devices such as routers, switches and firewalls, to network protocols and the data transmitted across the network.

Network security aims to prevent unauthorised access, ensure data confidentiality and integrity and defend against network-based threats such as malware, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and unauthorised network access. So it’s fair to say that strengthening network security and protecting your digital infrastructure is essential for protecting against cyber threats, preserving data integrity and confidentiality, ensuring business continuity, complying with regulations, maintaining customer trust and safeguarding your organisation’s financial well-being.

To strengthen network security and protect your digital infrastructure, there are several key measures you implement, which we have outlined below in more detail.

1. Implement a zero-trust model

Zero-trust means that all users, devices and applications accessing the network are assumed to be untrustworthy until proven otherwise. This can be achieved by implementing access controls, identity and access management (IAM) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) protocols. Enhance network security further with robust firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic.

2. Use encryption to protect sensitive data

Using encryption to protect sensitive data both at rest and in transit will enhance network security and ensure confidentiality. A secure network design will use SSL/TLS encryption for all web traffic, full-disk encryption on laptops and other mobile devices, as well as encryption of all data stored on servers.

3. Segment the network

Segmentation can help to prevent lateral movement across the network by isolating critical systems and data from the rest of the network. This can be achieved by dividing the network into smaller subnets, using VLANs, or implementing micro-segmentation across the network to enhance security.

4. Keep software up to date

It may seem obvious, but it’s important to keep software up to date. Outdated software and systems can be vulnerable to security threats, so ensure that all software and firmware are updated regularly to the latest versions to minimise the risk of any breach.

5. Implement strong password policies

People remain one of the greatest threats to network security, so a secure network must implement strong access controls for all user accounts. Enforce strong password policies, including requiring complex passwords, changing passwords regularly and limiting password reuse. Consider implementing password management tools to help users create and store strong passwords securely. Finally, adding multi-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security.

6. Educate your team about security

It’s also important to educate employees about security best practices and provide them with training on how to recognise and respond to phishing attempts or suspicious activities.

7. Conduct regular security audits

Regular security audits can help identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement. Conduct internal and external audits regularly to identify and address potential security risks or weaknesses, and then promptly address them. Combine security audits with regular backups of critical data and an effective disaster recovery plan to mitigate the impact of any potential breaches or system failures.

Network security is a critical part of cyber security that is designed to protect network infrastructure with multiple layers of defence to safeguard digital assets and mitigate risks.

Both cyber security and network security are crucial for maintaining a secure and resilient digital environment. They work hand in hand to protect against various cyber threats, ensure data privacy, maintain business continuity and safeguard sensitive information from unauthorised access or manipulation.

By implementing these expert secure network design tips, organisations can significantly improve their network security posture and minimise the risk of cyber threats.

Stay ahead of the latest security threats and protect your business with a secure network designed by Orro.

The post How to Strengthen Network Security Against Cyber Threats appeared first on Orro.