Next-Generation Connectivity: The top 10 questions answered

Q&A blog image

In an era where a Teams call is more common than an in-person meeting, it has never been more crucial to comprehend the underlying technology that keeps our businesses connected: the network.

This extra attention leaves IT teams inundated with questions about their network, particularly what the next generation of connectivity looks like and what it can do. So we've compiled the 10 questions our Network Engineers get asked the most:

1. What is next-generation connectivity?

Next-generation connectivity refers to advanced networking that supports AI, IoT, hybrid cloud, and sustainability strategies. It's not just about faster speeds; it's about leveraging your network to drive innovation, resilience, and a competitive advantage.

2. Why is next-gen networking critical for digital transformation?

Networks are now at the centre of business innovation. As businesses become more digital-first, the network plays a central role in AI-driven change, supports IoT expansion, and helps organisations embrace hybrid cloud and sustainability goals.

3. What are the biggest challenges with legacy networks?

Legacy technologies and traditional networks often suffer from vendor lock-in, complex licensing, and fragmented management platforms. All of these factors limit agility, visibility, and scalability, making it harder to respond to ever-changing business needs.

4. How does modern networking improve agility?

Modern networking solutions are designed to flex and scale with business needs. Instead of relying on rigid infrastructure that requires costly and disruptive upgrades, your organisation can adopt agile network models that evolve through multiple iterations.

5. What role does automation play in next-gen networking?

Automation reduces manual tasks, improves efficiency, and enables proactive management. By 2026, 30% of enterprises will automate more than half of their network activities, which means organisations that embrace automation will significantly cut their operational costs.

6. How does next-gen connectivity enhance security?

Security is built in from the start. Zero Trust strategies, layered access controls, and Universal Zero Trust Network Access (UZTNA) help protect users and data across all environments.

7. What is unified connectivity, and why does it matter?

Unified connectivity means managing all network domains through a single platform. It simplifies operations, improves visibility, and supports innovation.

8. How does next-gen networking support sustainability?

Power over Ethernet (PoE) enables data and power to travel over the same cable, representing a significant step forward in sustainable network design. Eliminating the need for separate power infrastructure leads to a direct reduction in installation and energy costs.

9. What technologies are included in modern networks?

Modern enterprise networks are built on a suite of services that includes Private 5G, SD-WAN, SASE/SSE, LAN & WLAN, and Data Centre. These technologies are increasingly delivered as a managed service to sustain, secure, and scale operations.

10. How do I find the right next-generation connectivity solution for my business?

To find the right next-generation connectivity solution, you need partners who adopt a customer-centric approach. You want a solution that's tailored to your business goals, not just a one-size-fits-all deployment.

Look for providers who offer flexibility, scalability, and built-in security, without locking you into rigid licensing or hardware models. Logicalis and Extreme Networks deliver this exactly. Logicalis focuses on aligning network design with your operational priorities, while Extreme provides a unified platform that integrates networking, security, and AI.

Together, they help businesses scale at their own pace, simplify management, and embrace emerging technologies without disruption. If your organisation is aiming to accelerate innovation, improve visibility, and stay secure, this partnership offers a proven path forward.

Ready to go deeper? Download our e-Book: The Next Generation of Networking, discover how Logicalis and Extreme Networks are helping organisations build agile, secure, and sustainable networks for the future.

 

Related Insights