What is enterprise networking?

Enterprise networking is like creating a custom “connectivity ecosystem” that supports a big, bustling workspace. More than connecting a few home devices, it’s built for multiple locations, high data loads, and secure, reliable access across departments. Ideal for powering operations, remote access, and all the moving parts of a growing business.

Diving into enterprise networking, we'll discuss:

• When it’s time to upgrade to an enterprise network
• The many different types of enterprise networks
• The benefits of enterprise networking solutions
• Trends and innovation surrounding enterprise networking
• Practical advice for enterprise network management
• Enterprise networking made easy by Meter

How to know when it’s time to upgrade to an enterprise network

It’s not always obvious when a business has outgrown its current network. Here are some clear signals that it’s time to consider an enterprise networking upgrade:

• Slowdowns during peak times show that your network may struggle to keep up.
• Basic security measures aren’t enough to protect sensitive business data from modern threats.
• Adding new locations means you need a network that can support and manage multiple sites effortlessly.
• Increasing device connections add strain that standard networks can’t handle effectively.
• With remote and hybrid work, a network that provides secure, fast connections beyond the office becomes essential.

When these scenarios sound familiar, it’s time to look at enterprise network solutions designed to scale with your business.

Types of enterprise networks and their unique strengths

Enterprise networks aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s a breakdown of the main types, each serving a specific purpose based on how your organization operates.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A Local Area Network, or LAN, is great for keeping things zipping along in a single space, like an office or building. It’s the go-to setup when you need high-speed data sharing, whether for sending files, accessing shared printers, or keeping everyone on the same page. If your team relies on quick, local connections to get things done, a LAN is basically the workhorse of your network.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is perfect for when your business stretches across cities—or even continents. It’s the network that pulls everything together, letting remote offices work as if they’re just down the hall.

WANs make it simple to centralize data access so everyone, from New York to Tokyo, works off the same “playbook” without missing a beat. Exceptional for businesses that need everyone on the same page, no matter where they are.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a LAN that’s finally cut loose from cables, giving your network the freedom to roam. It’s ideal for places that value flexibility, such as modern office spaces, campuses, or any environment buzzing with mobile devices.

WLAN keeps everyone connected without the tangle, making it easier to rearrange workspaces, add new devices, or just avoid tripping over cords. For organizations that need adaptable and mobile-friendly connectivity, WLAN is a reliable choice.

Cloud enterprise network

A cloud enterprise network is like having your whole network in a digital “sky” that adapts to your needs. Instead of managing hardware on-site, this setup uses cloud resources, which means less equipment to maintain and more flexibility to grow as your business does.

Ideal for remote work, it gives your team access from anywhere with an Internet connection, making it perfect for today’s on-the-go and hybrid work environments—no bulky hardware and no fuss, just secure, flexible connectivity.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A Metropolitan Area Network, or MAN, is like the local network’s big-city cousin, built to connect multiple LANs across a city or large campus. Ideal for universities or companies with multiple sites, a MAN keeps everyone in the loop by making sure data flows freely, and resources stay accessible across all locations.

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Storage Area Network (SAN)

A Storage Area Network gives businesses with big data needs a supercharged, dedicated network just for storage. Built for speed, it keeps up with data-heavy tasks, from running virtualized applications to managing large databases. It’s the setup you want when regular networks just can’t handle the data load—think of it as the power tool of storage solutions.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A Personal Area Network (PAN) connects devices over short distances, like syncing your phone and laptop. While useful for personal needs, it’s not designed for the demands of an enterprise.

Enterprise private network

An enterprise private network gives a business its own private setup, offering full control over who gets in and out. It’s built for organizations that won’t settle for anything less than total security and customization. If keeping data close and managing every detail of your network sounds like your style, then this setup is right up your alley.

Why a tailored solution matters

A tailored enterprise network brings much more than just device connections. With an enterprise network, data moves fast, keeping up with business demands and cutting out delays. Secure data transfers also prevent the risks of data loss or mishaps, keeping everything on track. Plus, when systems and applications are integrated, productivity jumps since it leaves less room for manual work.

Will you have growing pains? Not so much with an enterprise network, which flexes as your organization expands, easily adding users or devices without missing a beat. Resources adjust when demand spikes, handling traffic easily. And it’s designed to handle new tech without a massive overhaul—a future-ready perk that saves time and costs.

On top of it all, enterprise networks come equipped with solid security measures to fend off cyber threats. Built-in encryption shields your data, keeping unauthorized access at bay. Firewalls protect against unwanted traffic, while intrusion detection systems monitor for anything suspicious, giving IT teams the heads-up before small issues turn big.

Trends in enterprise networking

Enterprise networking constantly evolves to meet changing business needs and technology advances. The following are key trends shaping the future of enterprise networks.

Cloud integration is here to stay

The shift to cloud enterprise networks is changing the way businesses operate, helping them grow, support remote work, and manage resources flexibly. You can forget about heavy-duty hardware setups. Cloud infrastructure lets companies access resources online, simplifying scalability. Many businesses are already moving to cloud-first setups.

Cybersecurity that stays one step ahead

Basic firewalls don’t cut it anymore. With more advanced cyber threats out there, companies are turning to AI-driven security to detect and stop potential risks before they cause problems. Real-time protection is integral for keeping data safe, and companies are investing heavily in it.

Zero-trust network keeps security airtight

The zero-trust model shifts network security by assuming no user or device is trusted by default. Each connection must authenticate and validate before accessing resources, limiting potential threats.

Unlike traditional security models, zero trust restricts access to only necessary areas based on strict permissions. This reduces risks associated with:

• Internal threats
• Remote work vulnerabilities
• Unauthorized access

Many companies adopt zero trust to create a more resilient, adaptive security strategy.

AI and machine learning keep networks in top shape

AI and machine learning don’t just predict network hiccups—they prevent them. By analyzing how your network’s used, AI can optimize performance, flagging potential problems before they become real issues. It’s like a digital handyman, keeping everything running without you lifting a finger.

IoT integration demands smarter networks

With IoT devices everywhere, from warehouses to offices, networks need more bandwidth and better security. Businesses are upgrading networks to handle the data these devices generate, creating a smoother experience and making insights available for smarter decision-making. Here’s why IoT needs smarter networks.

5G adoption opens new possibilities

5G networks bring faster speeds and quicker responses. This in turn helps enterprise networks manage real-time data with ease. Mobile and IoT devices connect faster, so remote work feels smoother, and cloud access speeds up too. It’s like giving every device a boost to keep up with your business.

Edge computing reduces latency

Edge computing keeps data processing near the source, so there’s less travel time. It helps speed things up, as data doesn’t have to go far to be useful. Imagine moving a storage closet from the basement to right by your desk—it’s faster and way more convenient.

With tons of data coming from IoT and mobile devices, edge computing helps businesses manage the flow without overwhelming central servers. It keeps networks quick, handling big data loads with less wait time.

Quantum computing promises new levels of processing power

Quantum computing is getting closer to reality, but it's nowhere near mainstream yet. When it does go big, the benefits could be massive for enterprise networks.

Imagine data processing speeds that make today’s computers look like dial-up! Faster encryption, advanced analytics, and ultra-secure data could all be possible, giving businesses a whole new edge. It’s a tech leap that could change everything.

Network as a Service (NaaS) simplifies the setup

Network as a Service (NaaS) makes managing networks easier by letting experts handle the setup and support. It’s a smart choice when you want to grow your network and need features without managing everything yourself.

Best practices for managing an enterprise network

Keeping an enterprise network in top shape takes regular check-ins, some planning, and smart tools. Here’s a set of best practices to keep things steady, minimize issues, and keep everyone connected without interruptions.

Continuous monitoring keeps you in the know.

Keeping an eye on network performance is a must. Tools like Meter’s Dashboard give you a live view of network health. Setting alerts for unusual activity keeps you ahead of problems so that you can catch issues early. Regular traffic reviews also help spot patterns, slowdowns, or sudden spikes that could cause trouble if ignored.

Scheduled maintenance prevents surprises.

Routine maintenance stops small issues from becoming big problems. Regular updates for software, security patches, and firmware act like a checkup to keep your network strong. Hardware checks help you replace old parts before they break. Testing the hardware helps to find any weak spots that need fixing.

Employee training to cut down on simple errors.

A well-trained team helps prevent network problems. Regular training keeps employees familiar with network policies and aware of security risks. Easy-access guides and resources give them answers on the spot. Phishing simulations improve their ability to spot suspicious emails. Together, these steps add an extra layer of defense.

Plan with growth in mind.

Growth is exciting, but planning keeps your network ready. Modular design lets you expand without needing a full overhaul. Be consistent in checking network capacity to help you prepare for future demands. Add backups and failover options so your network stays strong, even at busy times.

Prioritize security with layered protections.

Good security needs several layers working together. Start by setting up role-based access controls (RBACs) so users can only reach what they need. Add strong protection against unauthorized access by:

• Using encryption protocols like AES for data at rest and TLS for data in transit
• Scheduling regular security audits, including vulnerability scans and penetration testing
• Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add another layer of security for logins and remote access

These layered protections help keep your network safe and resilient against evolving threats.

Document everything to simplify troubleshooting.

Good documentation saves time when things go wrong. System logs make it easier to spot patterns and find issues fast. A network map shows the layout, so everyone on your team knows what’s where. Keeping track of software updates and changes helps pinpoint problems effortlessly.

Remote access for flexibility.

Remote access speeds up troubleshooting and keeps your IT team ready to jump in from anywhere. With remote tools, IT staff can handle issues on the go, cutting down response times. If a tricky fix pops up, third-party vendors can get limited access to help without disrupting everything else.

Why Meter’s enterprise network solutions are built for your business

Enterprise networking calls for more than a one-size-fits-all fix. Meter’s solutions include custom-designed hardware, network tools, and everything in between to make managing your network simpler.

With Meter’s NaaS, we handle the complex parts of network management, freeing up your IT team to focus on higher priorities. Our approach covers everything from setup to ongoing support, making it easy to scale and secure your network without adding to your team’s workload.

What you can expect from Meter’s NaaS solution:

• Integrated hardware and software: Our setup combines tailored hardware—switches, routers, and access points—and software that work without needing multiple vendors.
• End-to-end support: From installation to ongoing support, we’re with you every step, so your team can stay focused on bigger goals.
• Flexible infrastructure: Meter’s network designs adapt as your business grows, supporting remote work, IoT, and more.
• Advanced security: With built-in protections like encryption, firewalls, and DNS security, we help shield your data against new threats.
• Real-time network management: The Meter dashboard gives you instant insights into performance, helping you stay proactive.

Want to see how Meter can level up your network? Schedule a demo today, and let’s design a network that grows with you.