In The News – MEC Networks Corporation

HPE Aruba Retains Its Position as Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure for 18th Time in a Row

Kait Donieto — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 02:15:44 +0000

HPE Aruba is proud to announce that Gartner®, the world’s leading IT research and advisory firm, has once again positioned them in the report as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure. This marks the 18th consecutive time they have achieved this prestigious recognition. This acknowledgment is a testament to Aruba’s Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute among other vendors. Over the years, Aruba has adapted to significant technological shifts, from the early days of Wi-Fi to the current landscape where wireless connectivity is found everywhere.

HPE Aruba is Leading the Way in Network Innovation

Gartner recognizes HPE Aruba’s commitment to innovation across wired, wireless, and data center networking. Their solutions empower organizations to:

Simplify network management

HPE Aruba Networking Central provides a single point of control for all your network needs, from edge to cloud, streamlining operations and saving valuable IT resources.

Boost network reliability and security

Advanced features like in-service software upgrades (ISSUs) and Layer 7 application control ensure your network runs smoothly and securely.

Leverage the power of AI

HPE Aruba integrates AI throughout their solutions, offering data-driven insights for better network planning, troubleshooting, and optimization.

Exceptional Performance Across Use Cases

HPE Aruba doesn’t just talk innovation, they deliver. In the 5 Use Cases in the companion Gartner® Critical Capabilities Report, HPE Aruba tied for the #1 ranking in Branch Offices and SMBs and achieved a strong #2 position across other key use cases in the 2024 Critical Capabilities for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure. This reflects their dedication to providing solutions that address critical customer needs:

Zero trust security

Built-in support for Cloud NAC, universal policies, and advanced access enforcement safeguards your network. The acquisition of Axis Security further strengthens its security offerings with cloud-native solutions like ZTNA and CASB.

AI-powered management

Their AI solutions leverage a vast data lake to streamline network tasks, reducing installation, management, and troubleshooting times.

Private 5G

With the acquisition of Athonet, HPE Aruba brings Private 5G to the enterprise, enabling broader network coverage and lower latency for demanding applications.

Data center optimization

HPE Aruba Central offers a consistent set of security, AI, and management tools that extend from the network edge to the data center, simplifying operations in hybrid cloud environments.

A Commitment to Customer Success

HPE Aruba’s dedication to customer success is a core principle, and it shows. In the latest Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure, a staggering 97% of HPE Aruba customers would recommend their solutions. This recognition as a Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice further validates their commitment to customer satisfaction.

The networking landscape is constantly evolving, and HPE Aruba remains at the forefront. Their leadership in the Gartner Magic Quadrant and the positive feedback from their customers demonstrate their dedication to continuous innovation and customer success. HPE Aruba is excited to continue helping its customers navigate the ever-changing world of networking.

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H3C Recognized by Gartner as a Cloud Security Representative Vendor for Three Consecutive Years

Kait Donieto — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 06:35:17 +0000

MEC Networks is delighted to share that H3C, a leading provider of digital solutions, has once again been recognized by Gartner as a “Sample Vendor” in its 2023 “Hype Cycle for Cloud Security in China” report. This marks the third consecutive year that H3C has received this distinction, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in this domain.

For those unfamiliar with Gartner, it’s a world-renowned research and consulting firm that provides insights on various technology trends and solutions. Gartner’s Hype Cycle report offers valuable insights into the maturity and adoption rate of various emerging technologies. By being named a Representative Vendor in the Cloud Security Hype Cycle report, H3C is acknowledged as a vendor that offers mature and proven cloud security solutions.

The report highlights 25 promising technologies, including cloud security, which is currently at the “Peak of Inflated Expectations” stage. This shows that it is a rapidly growing field with high expectations due to the increasing need to protect cloud assets as cloud computing becomes more and more prevalent.

H3C has developed a full–stack cloud security capability map to address the complex security needs of businesses moving to the cloud. This includes an integrated architecture that combines cloud and network security, two SaaS security platforms, three core security solutions, four types of digitalized infrastructure, and six typical cloud security scenarios. This comprehensive approach aims to provide multi-dimensional protection for cloud-based services.

What exactly is cloud security, and why is it so important?

In simple terms, it refers to the practices and technologies deployed to protect your data and applications hosted in the cloud environment. As businesses increasingly migrate their operations to the cloud, safeguarding sensitive information becomes paramount. Cloud security encompasses a wide range of measures, including:

Data Encryption

Protecting data at rest and in transit using robust encryption algorithms.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Controlling access to cloud resources and ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive data.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

Continuously monitoring cloud activity for suspicious behavior and potential security threats.

Vulnerability Management

Identifying and patching vulnerabilities in cloud-based systems and applications.

These are just a few of the essential practices to protect your data and storage. With the ever-growing threat landscape, strong solutions addressing it are no longer a luxury; they are a business necessity.

Embrace the cloud with confidence

H3C’s recognition in Gartner’s Hype Cycle report underscores its strong position and innovative solutions in cloud security, especially within the Chinese market. Consequently, this acknowledgment extends their credibility and expertise to the Philippine market, establishing them as a competitive entity in this area and more. This recognition is a testament that the products we distribute from H3C meet the international benchmarks of excellence.

At MEC, we are proud and dedicated to giving you access to the most advanced and effective solutions available. As a trusted distributor of H3C products in our country, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of H3C cloud security solutions that can help your business achieve its security goals and ensure the continued success of your cloud-based initiatives. Contact us today to learn more about how H3C’s solutions can empower your business to embrace the cloud with confidence.

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MEC Golf Invitational: A Jaw-Dropping Hole-in-one

Kait Donieto — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:00:38 +0000

Amidst the serene greenery and the rhythmic sound of clubs striking balls at the Manila Golf & Country Club, a momentous golfing event took place. During the MEC Golf Invitational on March 8, 2024, Arthur “Art” San Gabriel achieved what every golfer dreams of, but few accomplish—a hole-in-one. Art’s remarkable achievement overshadowed the competitive spirit with a unifying round of admiration and applause from participants and spectators alike.

A Glimpse into the MEC Golf Invitational 2024

Held at the Manila Golf & Country Club, MEC Networks hosted its first-ever groundbreaking event, the MEC Golf Invitational. This premier gathering perfectly blended sportsmanship with networking. It brought together key players from the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Aside from being just a day on the green, this event was designed for a day of camaraderie, friendly competition, and celebration of our shared successes.

The Moment of Triumph

For those unfamiliar with the term, a hole-in-one is the ultimate achievement in golf. It is a single stroke that sends the ball directly from the tee into the cup on a par-three hole. It’s a rare and treasured accomplishment that demands precision, skill, and a touch of luck.

Among the standout memories of the day was the astonishing feat achieved by Arthur “Art” San Gabriel—a hole-in-one sponsored by ChargeUPS. In golf, securing a hole-in-one is an extraordinary marvel that demonstrates not only technical skill but also a bit of serendipity. This triumph wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a display of exceptional talent and dedication, sending ripples of admiration and celebration across the course.

Photo Credit: Inquirer Golf

On that memorable day, San Gabriel’s moment of glory unfolded at the 11th hole—a challenging par-three that demands accuracy and finesse. With his Honma Beres 3-wood in hand and a Titleist ProV1 ball teed up, San Gabriel took aim from 155 yards. As his flight mates and witnesses, Art Irasusta, Noli Gusi, and Royce Wong, looked on, San Gabriel executed a flawless swing, sending the ball soaring through the air with precision. Then, guided by fate, the ball found its mark, dropping into the cup with a satisfying thud.

The Enduring Legacy

The MEC Golf Invitational became more than a day of golf and networking, but it also became a historic event marked by Art San Gabriel’s exceptional achievement. Beyond personal glory, Art’s hole-in-one has a lasting impact. It adds unforgettable lore to the MEC Golf Invitational, encouraging more participation and enthusiasm in future events. His success will inspire upcoming golfers and professionals in the ICT industry, nurturing a culture of excellence and celebration.

As we look ahead, Art San Gabriel’s hole-in-one will endure, symbolizing the spirit of the MEC Golf Invitational—a spirit of camaraderie, competition, and shared successes. His victory is a testament to skill, luck, and the pursuit of excellence. It’s a moment we’re proud to have witnessed and one that will be remembered in the story of the MEC Golf Invitational’s history.

Congratulations once more to Art San Gabriel for this awe-inspiring achievement and thank you to ChargeUPS for sponsoring the hole-in-one. Here’s to many more years of success, collaboration, and memorable moments, on and off the golf course.

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MEC Golf Invitational 2024: A Day of Golf, Friendly Competition, and Building New Connections

Kait Donieto — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 04:00:27 +0000

Amidst the lush greens of the Manila Golf & Country Club, MEC Networks proudly hosted its first-ever MEC Golf Invitational on March 8, 2024. This premier event brought together industry leaders, decision-makers, and partners in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for a day of friendly competition, networking, and camaraderie.

The MEC Golf Invitational is not only a showcase of sportsmanship and skill on the green but also serves a broader, more essential purpose. This event is meticulously organized not only as a platform for a friendly match among peers but also as a unique opportunity for attendees to forge new connections, strengthen existing ones, and celebrate shared successes in a relaxed, yet vibrant atmosphere. At MEC Networks, we believe in the power of collaboration and camaraderie, and this event offered the perfect opportunity to unite like-minded individuals who share our ethos of working hard and playing hard.

Details of the MEC Golf Invitational

The MEC Golf Invitational began with the exciting anticipation of participants as they gathered for registration early in the morning and a scrumptious breakfast to fuel up for the game ahead. With high spirits and enthusiasm building, the ceremonial tee-off marked the official start of the tournament, setting the stage for a day filled with fun and competition.

The tournament reached its peak with a lavish lunch, where stories of triumphs and near misses were shared over delicious food and refreshing beverages. Laughter echoed across the dining hall as fellowships were forged and memories were made, embodying the true spirit of the MEC Golf Invitational.

A Celebration of Triumphs

Among the many memorable moments of the MEC Golf Invitational, one stood out above the rest: the remarkable hole-in-one achieved by Mr. Art San Gabriel. This feat was a moment that sent ripples of admiration through the crowd. It served as a reminder of the remarkable talent and dedication within our industry.

As the day drew to a close, participants gathered for the eagerly anticipated awarding ceremony and raffle, where accolades were bestowed upon our sponsors, the deserving victors, and prizes were awarded to lucky winners. Amidst cheers and applause, the true winners of the day were not just those who claimed victory on the golf course, but all who came together to celebrate the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

The MEC Golf Invitational was a testament to the power of partnership, camaraderie, and shared purpose. As we reflect on the day’s events, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to unite with our peers, strengthen existing connections, and forge new relationships that will shape the future of the ICT industry.

At MEC Networks, we are dedicated to nurturing an environment where teamwork, excellence, and enjoyment thrive. We are immensely grateful to everyone who participated in our recent event, making it a truly significant experience. We would like to extend our profound gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support. A special acknowledgment to our Platinum Sponsors: Ruckus Networks, HPE Aruba, Fortinet, and ChargeUPS, whose contributions were invaluable. Our heartfelt appreciation also goes out to our Gold Sponsors: Axis Communications, CHICHA San Chen, Mt. Fuji, Cafe de Margaux, East Ocean Palace, Mighty King, Godel Chocolate, and Royal Salute, for their pivotal role in our success. We are equally thankful to our Silver Sponsors: CommScope, Belden, Hikvision, Mitel, and BDO, for their steadfast support. Lastly, we recognize our Bronze Sponsors: Netscout, Eaton-Huyu, SunStar Mall, The Service Warehouse, Urban Stop, and Pacsports, for their commitment and assistance.

We look forward to many more years of success, collaboration, and friendly competition on and off the golf course. Until next time, let’s continue to work hard, play hard, and celebrate the victories, both big and small, that bring us together as a community.

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Gartner Magic Quadrant Recognizes Fortinet as the SD-WAN Leader for 4 Consecutive Years

Kait Donieto — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:00:41 +0000

MEC Networks is proud to congratulate Fortinet for their remarkable achievement in the world of SD-WAN. They once again secured their place in the coveted Leaders Quadrant of the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant report for SD-WAN. This marks the fourth consecutive year that they have been recognized as a leader in the field and a remarkable distinction of being the sole leader placed highest on Ability to Execute for three consecutive years.

In an era where networks face mounting complexity, heightened threats, and the demands of a hybrid workforce, Fortinet’s recognition is well-deserved. The network attack surface has expanded rapidly, leading to numerous challenges like staffing constraints, complex network architectures, and legacy security solutions. Many organizations have found it challenging to keep pace with these developments.

The Role of SD-WAN in Modern Networks

Modern networks require a strategy that simplifies operations, reduces complexity, and combines networking and security solutions. Secure access, reliable connectivity, and superior user experience are paramount for remote workers accessing widely distributed business applications and corporate resources. While SD-WAN can address these concerns, not all SD-WAN vendors can provide the combination of functionality, security, and support that organizations require.

Experience Success with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN

The Secure SD-WAN solution of Fortinet stands out as the first solution to tackle these challenges. Built on a common OS that ensures consistent functionality and centralized control, this solution seamlessly integrates advanced network connectivity and world-class security. It even offers integrated ZTNA to enable hybrid and multi-cloud connectivity, accelerating your digital-first journey.

Fortinet’s deep integration and flexible deployment allow security policies to follow transactions end-to-end. Unlike most SASE solutions that stop at the network edge, Fortinet’s approach simplifies your network architecture and management overhead, accelerating deployment.

Additionally, their Secure SD-WAN solution enables the transition to 5G wireless WAN while maintaining reliable and secure connectivity, including full inspection of encrypted audio and video transmissions. The CyberRatings.org report further demonstrates the solution’s exceptional performance, even in challenging network conditions.

Beyond SD-WAN, Fortinet’s solution offers advanced capabilities such as AIOps and digital experience monitoring (DEM), seamlessly integrating into existing networking and security environments. This functionality shines in Gartner’s Critical Capabilities for SD-WAN Use Cases, where Fortinet ranks #1 in On-Premises security-sensitive WAN and WAN for small branches for three consecutive years.

More Than Just SD-WAN

Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN is not just about network interconnectivity. It serves as the foundation for broader organizational goals, including SASE and SD-Branch. By integrating these solutions, they empower users and devices to securely access resources and applications with end-to-end visibility and control, regardless of location. This unique approach makes everyone’s job easier and sets Fortinet apart from the competition.

MEC Networks proudly celebrates Fortinet’s consistent leadership in SD-WAN. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Level Up Your Business

Ready for more? Explore here the unparalleled capabilities of Fortinet to empower your organization with cutting-edge technology and stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

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HPE (Aruba) Triumphs as a Six-Time Leader in Gartner’s 2023 Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN

Kait Donieto — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000

MEC Networks is thrilled to extend profound congratulations to HPE (Aruba) for their exceptional achievement in the realm of SD-WAN. They have secured the prestigious position of Leader in the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN for the sixth consecutive year. Their remarkable feat makes them one of only two companies to be named a Leader in the Gartner SD-WAN Magic Quadrant for all six years.

In Gartner’s evaluation, which considers Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute, HPE (Aruba) has consistently proved exceptional prowess. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of each vendor’s Strengths and Cautions.

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN Meets Modern IT Challenges

The challenges of the modern IT landscape demand innovative solutions, and Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN rises to the occasion. This powerful networking platform is designed to optimize cloud-first, connected IoT (Internet of Things), and security requirements across the WAN (Wide Area Networks), enabling enterprise IT organizations to drive digital transformation.

With the advent of sustained hybrid work, the norm now is to provide a consistent quality of experience and security policy enforcement. Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN brings a secure network foundation for Zero Trust and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), encompassing advanced SD-WAN and integrated next-generation firewall functions.

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN simplifies provisioning and operations by delivering a unified SD-WAN fabric across locations of all sizes. This results in significant operational benefits, improved business productivity and agility, reduced business risk, and lower overall WAN costs.

Combining the EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform with HPE Networking SSE creates a unified SASE solution that streamlines networking and security functions. This consolidation eliminates complexities, reduces costs, and enhances cross-functional collaboration, facilitating a single-vendor SASE architecture with Zero Trust built-in.

What Sets Aruba Apart

Aruba’s exceptional offering empowers organizations to:

1. Gain choice and flexibility

The EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform delivers advanced networking capabilities crucial for cloud-first organizations. These include Path Conditioning to overcome dropped packets and poor network conditions, Tunnel Bonding for best application performance, First-packet IQ for intelligent packet routing, Dynamic Path Control for maximum bandwidth use, App Express for optimized user experiences, Multi-cloud Networking to simplify WAN integration with public cloud providers, and WAN Optimization for reduced latency and improved bandwidth efficiency.

2. Leverage Secure SD-WAN capabilities

EdgeConnect SD-WAN offers a comprehensive security service to consolidate branch network and security functions. This ends the need for legacy firewalls and routers in branches. Embedded security features include a next-generation firewall, fine-grained segmentation, rule-based Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDS/IPS), DDoS detection and prevention, and seamless integration with major SSE cloud security providers.

3. Implement a single vendor SASE Solution with Zero Trust

The era of disparate networking and security solutions is propagating. A unified SASE solution from a single vendor simplifies operations, reduces complexity and cost, and improves cross-functional collaboration. Combining the EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform with HPE Networking SSE promotes a unified SASE solution. Aruba Zero Trust, integrated from edge to cloud, enforces role-based traffic segmentation. HPE Aruba Networking SSE provides ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and added cloud security capabilities. This approach allows organizations to deploy a unified SASE architecture at their own pace, ensuring consistent, business-driven security policies for all users, devices, and applications without compromising performance or functionality.

Celebrating Customer Validation

While Gartner’s recognition is a testament to Aruba’s excellence, it is also the voice of the customer that truly counts. HPE Aruba has garnered a remarkable 4.9/5.0 rating on Gartner Peer Insights based on customer reviews. This validates their impact on tech solutions in the real world.

Ultimately, MEC Networks delightedly acknowledges HPE (Aruba) for their consistent leadership in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN. We congratulate them on receiving this well-earned accolade!

Take the Next Step with Aruba

Click here to delve deeper into the world of Aruba and explore the innovative solutions they offer. The future of networking and security awaits—don’t miss the opportunity to be part of it.

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Go Cashless. Stay Safe with MEC Online Payment.

MEC Updates — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 08:26:51 +0000

Waived Interbank Fund Transfer Fee via PhilPASS

As per BSP Memorandum Order No. M – 2020-095, there will be no fees for users of the Philippine Payment and Settlement System (PhilPaSS) until the end of 2021 as part of temporary relief measures to banks during the pandemic.

Waived Interbank Fund Transfer Fee via PESONet and InstaPay

Go Cashless with MEC

Step 1

Deposit or transfer your payment to the accounts below:

Step 2

Email scanned copies or screenshots of your proof of payment to our payment confirmation channel at payment@mec.ph and to your respective MEC Credit and Collection Account Officer for immediate reflection of your payments and to avoid possible late fees charges.

Email subject should be: Payment – and kindly also indicate in your email the invoice number the payment is to be applied.

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Aruba Recognized by Industry Experts Once Again

MEC Digital — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 03:25:55 +0000

“Customer first, customer last” has long been our corporate mission. Everything we do begins and ends with our customers—from creating smart digital experiences to assembling next-generation networks that amaze with simplicity.

The New Year is a time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, and our commitment to empowering our customers and partners with Wi-Fi That Works is validated through two recent recognitions.

First, Aruba was named a winner within the 2019 New Products Awards from Spaces4Learning, a publication focused on the physical learning environments in K12 and better education.

Second, we are extremely gratified to be nominated as a finalist for Company of the Year within the Wi-Fi Awards, with the winner to be announced in February.

Transforming the Educational Experience

Technology has radically transformed the educational experience from kindergarten through university studies. Wi-Fi has been an enormous enabler in new ways to interact with students and transform the learning environment, and we are proud to be an important part of this transformation.

Spaces4Learning recognized the Aruba 500 series access point as a Gold winner in its annual awards, which honor the outstanding development achievements that enhance the learning environment. The Aruba 500 series is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 access point for medium-density environments.

A Vote from the WLAN Trenches

We are eagerly awaiting the people’s final judgment on the Wi-Fi Awards. Nominations are made by a committee of Wi-Fi opinion-leaders and practitioners, then the broader community weighs in to decide on the winners. Winners will be announced at the Wireless LAN Professionals Conference (WLPC).

The Wi-Fi Awards are especially meaningful because the winners are chosen by the community of experts who design, build, deploy and manage networks. they’re within the trenches, and that we are delighted to seek out new ways to simplify their challenges.

The committee recognized Aruba for service on many technology standards bodies and driving standards decisions in key capabilities like Wi-Fi 6, WPA3, Enhanced Open (OWE) and Wi-Fi Easy Connect (DPP). Aruba is additionally actively involved within the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance in driving conversations with the FCC and other global entities in opening up the 6GHz spectrum for unlicensed use by Wi-Fi, as well as playing a leading role to deliver Wi-Fi 6 as an onramp to 5G.

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Fortinet Received Awards for Reshaping the SD-WAN Market

MEC Digital — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 07:33:28 +0000

Traditional SD-WAN Still Leaves Organizations Vulnerable

While SD-WAN solutions address this challenge with a more flexible and dynamic connectivity strategy, early-to-market solutions did not consider the security needs of those connections. The one thing that the standard model had going for it was that all traffic was at least inspected and secured using the total stack of enterprise-grade security solutions deployed at the core. Direct access to cloud and internet services from the branch means protection is no longer available. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of SD-WAN solutions on the market provide little more than a VPN and a stripped-down firewall to safeguard this critical link in today’s distributed networks, which leaves organizations poorly protected and highly vulnerable.

Secure SD-WAN Recognized with Top Industry Awards

The marketplace is taking notice. For instance, Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN just received CRN’s 2019 Tech Innovator award within the Networking – SD-WAN category, as well as CRN’s 2019 Product of the Year within the Security-Network – Technology subcategory. These awards are just a little reflection of the impact that Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN solution is having on transforming the market.

We have also been recognized for our work with MEF, the group accountable for defining SD-WAN certifications and standards. in addition to winning two MEF 3.0 Proof of Concept awards – one for developing security standards for secure connections between separate SD-WAN devices, and the other for ensuring application security for SD-WAN services – we also lead a key Initiative within the MEF Applications Committee on Application Security for SD-WAN Services (MEF88).

Additionally, Fortinet’s secure SD-WAN solution has received two consecutive NSS Labs “Recommended” ratings and showcased rock bottom total cost of ownership (TCO), resilient high availability for better user experience, and high WAN performance for cloud applications.

Secure SD-WAN Protects Innovation Through Security-Driven Networking

With over 21,000 Fortinet Secure SD-WAN customers and counting, organizations are quickly learning that digital transformation without security could be a dead end. Instead, manufacturers and businesses alike ought to take an aggressive security-first approach that ensures that all innovation includes security-driven networking to make sure that flexibility and adaptability don’t leave organizations exposed to today’s increasingly aggressive – and successful – cybercriminals.

Take a security-driven approach to networking to enhance user experience and simplify operations at the WAN edge with Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN solution.

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CommScope Explains What IoT, 5G, and Smart Cities All Have In Common

MEC Digital — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 07:10:32 +0000

CommScope’s Morne Erasmus explains what IoT, 5G and smart cities all have in common.

Read any tech news story today and chances are high that you’ll see something concerning IoT, 5G or smart cities. These are all hot topics, but did you know all of them have CommScope in common?

To make things “smart” and improve overall efficiency, we connect IoT devices through a network to the cloud (and each other).

Thus, anything “smart” requires connectivity, both wired and wireless, at least in most cases. The 5G networks of the future can bring refined connectivity to these edge IoT devices with higher speeds, more machine-to-machine connections, and extremely low latencies – enabling a brand new generation of applications and use cases that we haven’t yet thought of.

Once we connect all the eyes and ears (IoT sensors) of the world to the data center brain, we can begin generating intelligent information to drive new analytics and services. As well, more processing power is shifting to the edge, with the deployment of MEC (Mobile Edge Computing) moving closer to the particular endpoints and users to enable lower-latency applications.

All of these IoT edge devices and MECs need a home near to the users, that is why we are seeing city streetlights morphing into smart poles.

Streetlights are uniquely spaced throughout the city; they provide power and altitude and are prepared for remodeling with LED replacements. Today, cities are eyeing 2 kinds of smart poles for replacing legacy streetlights:

IoT streetlight pole – A streetlight pole can support public Wi-Fi deployments, environmental sensors, gunfire detection and LED lighting control upgrades. Adding IoT edge devices transforms humble streetlight poles into smart IoT poles.
Telco pole – These are the typical small cell poles deployed by carriers or neutral hosts to support cellular connectivity in dense areas. These poles are designed for connectivity and will play a crucial role in 5G mmWave deployments. By adding IoT devices, simple telco poles become smart telco poles. With telco poles, the connectivity backbone delivering a path between the edge and also the cloud is already established, thereby enabling quicker deployments. Thanks to the larger type factor of small cell equipment, physical constraints should be an early and primary guideline for aesthetic concealment in cities.

It should be noted that smart poles are a part of a smart ecosystem and no single company can go at this alone. We are constantly asked if CommScope has any plans to create IoT sensors, software, apps or services for smart poles and our answer is “no, we need an ecosystem.” put simply, these interconnected products and services require multiple players to work harmonical to offer complex services.

This is why the industry must support an open ecosystem that enables customers to decide on their own edge devices, software, and cloud providers. This is notably important because of the long lifecycle (decades) of public projects compared to typical enterprise (years) engagements. Additionally, regulatory guidelines should also be considered.

At CommScope, we offer the physical layer for smart poles and do that exceptionally well. This starts with the fiber and copper solutions connecting all the racks inside a data center. From there, we offer outside fiber solutions to connect these data centers to the central offices (head ends) for the carriers and to the business/home or macro/metro cell tower. At these endpoints, we usually see the conversion from wireline to licensed or unlicensed spectrum wireless.

These wireless networks also are experiencing constant changes where licensed (4G/5G) and unlicensed (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, etc.) are commencing to converge. For instance, smart buildings are expected to produce reliable cellular coverage within the building along with ubiquitous Wi-Fi and support for IoT wireless networks. Add the upcoming CBRS private networking play and we shortly realize we are building multiple networks under one roof – all delivering ones and zeros to endpoints. How can all these networks converge in the future?

By providing the connectivity piece in this advanced puzzle, CommScope adds tremendous value to the client. we will still build out our ecosystem so we can provide complete solutions with our partners. So, the next time you read something regarding IoT, 5G or smart city projects, know that we at CommScope are providing the wired and wireless connectivity to make the world even smarter with our #smartcityconnectivity

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