Wireless – MEC Networks Corporation

H3C WA7539: Ushering in the Era of Wi-Fi 7 for Businesses in the Philippines

Kait Donieto — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:30:48 +0000

In today’s digital age, businesses of all sizes in the Philippines rely on robust and reliable wireless connectivity to thrive. As more and more devices connect to the internet, and applications demand ever-increasing bandwidth, traditional Wi-Fi solutions are starting to show their limitations. This is where the revolutionary H3C WA7539 Wi-Fi 7 Access Point comes in.

Developed by H3C, a leading provider of digital solutions, the WA7539 is built to empower businesses with next-generation Wi-Fi 7 technology. This powerful access point delivers unparalleled speed, capacity, and reliability, ensuring a superior wireless experience for users and propelling businesses towards digital transformation.

Key Features of Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)

Wi-Fi 7 marks a significant leap forward in wireless technology, offering a multitude of advancements over its predecessor, Wi-Fi 6. Here’s a glimpse of what Wi-Fi 7 brings to the table:

Tri-Radio 12 Streams

Wi-Fi 7 comes equipped with tri-radio 12 streams, including 4×4 configurations across the 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz bands. This allows for speeds up to 18.67 Gbps, catering to the demands of high-end enterprise offices and dense wireless access environments.

Enhanced Bandwidth

Supporting a 320MHz bandwidth, Wi-Fi 7 doubles the peak theoretical rate compared to the 160MHz bandwidth of Wi-Fi 6/6E. This results in higher speed, wider coverage, and improved multi-user processing capabilities.

4096-QAM Technology

The 4096-QAM technology in Wi-Fi 7 increases the transmission speed by 20% over the 1024-QAM technology in Wi-Fi 6/6E, leading to better bandwidth utilization and a more stable transmission rate.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO)

MLO allows the establishment of multiple links to enhance network performance, providing higher throughput, lower latency, and better connection quality.

Preamble Puncturing

This feature utilizes discontinuous spectrum for data transmission, improving spectrum utilization efficiency.

The Power of H3C WA7539

The H3C WA7539 delivers blazing-fast wireless speeds of up to 18.67 Gbps, a significant leap forward compared to Wi-Fi 6. This translates to smoother streaming, faster downloads and uploads, and lag-free video conferencing—perfect for bandwidth-intensive applications like cloud computing, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR).

Moreover, the H3C WA7539 can effortlessly handle a multitude of devices simultaneously. Whether you have a large office with numerous employees or a high-density environment like a hotel or convention center, the WA7539 ensures seamless connectivity for everyone without compromising on performance.

Designed with business continuity in mind, the H3C WA7539 features redundant power supplies and internet connections to minimize downtime and ensure your critical business operations remain uninterrupted. This eliminates the worry of network outages disrupting your workflow or causing inconvenience to your customers.

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount. The H3C WA7539 incorporates advanced security features to safeguard your business-critical data and user privacy. It supports the latest WPA-3 Wi-Fi security protocols, providing robust encryption and access control mechanisms to protect your network from unauthorized access and potential security threats.

Investing in the Future of Connectivity

The H3C WA7539 Wi-Fi 7 access point is a future-proof investment for businesses in our country. With its unparalleled speed, capacity, reliability, and security, it empowers businesses to embrace the full potential of emerging technologies and applications. Whether you’re looking to support a growing remote workforce, enhance customer experience in public Wi-Fi zones, or simply stay ahead of the curve, the H3C WA7539 is the ideal solution.

Your Trusted Partner for H3C Solutions in the Philippines

MEC Networks is a trusted distributor of H3C products and solutions in the Philippines, offering a comprehensive range of networking solutions to businesses of all sizes. We understand the evolving needs of businesses in the region and are committed to providing innovative solutions like the H3C WA7539. Contact us today to learn more about the H3C WA7539 and unlock the full potential of Wi-Fi 7 for your business!

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Aruba Instant On

Kait Donieto — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:30:01 +0000

In today’s hyper-connected world, having a reliable and fast Wi-Fi network is crucial for the success of any small business. This kind of Wi-Fi not only enhances the productivity of employees but also improves customer experience. Aruba Instant On recognizes this and offers ultramodern Wi-Fi solutions that are tailor-made to meet the unique needs of small and medium-sized enterprises.

We get it—running a small business is no easy task. From managing operations to engaging with customers, every moment is a juggling act. With everything going on, what you need is a speedy and reliable Wi-Fi network. Aruba Instant On has it in consideration and designed its solutions to address the specific challenges faced by small businesses.

Business Wi-Fi Made Incredibly Simple

One of the features of Aruba Instant On is its easy setup and management. Traditional enterprise-grade Wi-Fi solutions often require complex installation processes and large equipment spaces. However, Aruba Instant On is compact and easy to install. With its simple setup process, small business owners can quickly get their networks up and running without the need for specialized IT expertise. This means more time spent growing the business, and less time worrying about network configuration.

Despite its small size, Aruba Instant On packs a big punch when it comes to performance. It offers automatic data routing to keep your information flowing at top speed. Automatic software updates ensure your Wi-Fi is always operating at peak performance and if an error is detected, your network heals itself. Whether you’re running a coffee shop, a retail store, or a small office, Aruba Instant On delivers a seamless online experience for everyone within your business network.

Security is another critical aspect of any business network. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated each day, protecting your data and customer information is paramount. Aruba Instant On provides easy separation of business and employee traffic from customer traffic. You can set hours for network availability and block specific sites and app categories to ward off malicious activity. With built-in firewalls and encryption capabilities, you can rest easy knowing your Wi-Fi network is secure.

In addition to its technical capabilities, Aruba Instant On also offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily manage and monitor your network. With a simple management portal accessible from your mobile device or your preferred browser, you have full control to run your business on your terms. Even without extensive tech experience, small business owners can efficiently oversee their Wi-Fi network.

A Game-changer Business Wi-Fi

Aruba Instant On is a game-changer for SMBs. With its compact size, easy installation, and powerful Wi-Fi capabilities, it’s revolutionizing the way small businesses connect and operate. By providing enterprise-grade security, performance, and a user-friendly interface, Aruba Instant On ensures the business network is always up to speed, empowering you to focus on what matters most—growing your business.

For SMEs in need of a reliable and high-performing Wi-Fi solution, Aruba Instant On is the definitive choice. As a trusted distributor of HPE Aruba’s products and solutions, we’ve got your business network covered. Contact us and experience the small size and big impact of Aruba Instant On today.

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How Smart Cities Use IoT to Enhance Emergency Systems

Kait Donieto — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 02:15:51 +0000

In the face of growing urban challenges, cities worldwide are turning to innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiencies and improve the well-being of their residents. As a premier ICT distributor in the Philippines and proud partner of Robustel, we delve into the transformative impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on emergency management in smart cities.

The surge in population has put tremendous pressure on city infrastructures, resulting in challenges like increased commute times and traffic congestion. Smart cities are the answer, utilizing IoT to not only address these issues but also elevate public safety through advanced emergency alert systems. While IoT can’t prevent emergencies, it plays a pivotal role in early detection, rapid response, and effective recovery.

The Technology Behind Smart Cities' Safety

At the heart of the smart city ecosystem lies a seamlessly connected network of devices and technologies. This dynamic network operates in real-time, enabling cities to make informed decisions that prioritize safety and well-being. Here’s a glimpse into the technologies shaping the future of smart city emergency management:

Streetlights

Surveillance capabilities through sensors, cameras, and audio recorders provide comprehensive coverage. Additionally, smart lighting systems can autonomously adjust brightness, enhancing visibility as needed.

Traffic Lights

Smart traffic lights analyze traffic patterns and congestion, dynamically adjusting timings to optimize traffic flow. In emergencies, these lights can swiftly clear a path for first responders, ensuring a rapid and efficient response.

Emergency Vehicles

Gathering real-time data from the field, emergency vehicles offer a live view of the situation to aid other responders. This data also serves as valuable insights for training purposes, enhancing overall emergency preparedness.

Smart Buildings

Smart building networks employ automation to monitor access and internal conditions, contributing to a safer urban environment.

Sensors

Deploying sensors at scale, smart cities constantly monitor air quality, fire risks, and weather conditions. This extensive sensor network serves as a proactive measure against potential threats.

How Smart Cities Respond to an Emergency

Smart cities are using these technologies in innovative ways to create smart, connected urban hubs that help keep their citizens safe. Let’s look at some of the ways these technologies are being used in case of an emergency.

Risk Management

Smart cities employ security systems equipped with sensors and CCTV to swiftly detect potential threats or hazards. This real-time response is crucial in bustling urban centers, where countless individuals navigate the city daily. By recording subtle changes in buildings, the environment, or public spaces, smart city technology transmits data to a centralized dashboard. Authorities receive instant alerts, enabling them to prepare proactive responses and implement risk management strategies.

Smarter Emergency Response

In emergencies ranging from rapid-spreading fires to escalating crimes, response time is pivotal. Smart city infrastructure, interwoven and interconnected, enhances efficiency throughout the emergency response process. Sensors and video surveillance optimize traffic routes for emergency vehicles, adjusting traffic lights and identifying less congested paths. Smart city sensors continue their invaluable role on-site, providing real-time information to first responders and offering a comprehensive view of the unfolding emergency. Autonomous drones and vehicles further aid in reaching challenging terrains swiftly, contributing to quicker and more effective interventions.

Smart Healthcare

IoT in smart cities extends its impact beyond the emergency zone to healthcare facilities, fostering improved remote treatments, faster diagnostics, and global collaboration among specialists. In public health, IoT helps respond to major disease outbreaks. For instance, IoT devices monitor environmental factors to trace the source of water-borne viruses. Drones equipped with IoT technologies identify risks such as standing pools of water or infected insects, contributing to proactive disease prevention.

Public Safety

Preventing emergencies before they escalate is a key focus for smart cities, and IoT plays a pivotal role in managing crowds, environmental conditions, and road safety. Smart digital signage informs drivers about risky road conditions, while sensors and video surveillance monitor crowd levels, providing real-time alerts as early warnings. This proactive approach enables emergency response teams to act swiftly, averting potential threats before they spread.

Empower Your IoT Connectivity

A reliable connection is at the core of ensuring urban safety. Embracing IoT devices allows city managers to seamlessly monitor real-time data, enhancing responsiveness, regardless of where an event unfolds. Robustel’s resilient outdoor routers offer an ideal solution deployed in diverse environments, from challenging terrains to intricate public transport networks.

Elevate your IoT connectivity with our solutions. Contact us today to bring safety and efficiency to your networks.

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Navigating the 5G Landscape: An In-Depth Guide

Kait Donieto — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 06:00:03 +0000

The wireless technology landscape has evolved, ushering us into the era of 5G. This new generation of connectivity is faster than 4G, more stable than 3G, and more reliable than 2G.

The fifth generation technology is being hailed as the future of wireless connectivity. The global market for these services is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 59.4% from 2023 to 2030. 5G outers are instrumental in harnessing their power. These devices enable connectivity with fifth generation-enabled devices. As we transition into this new era, these routers will become increasingly important.

But what does this mean for you, whether you’re a consumer or a business owner? What exactly is a 5G router, and how can it benefit you? This guide aims to demystify fifth generation routers, discussing their functionality, benefits, and why they should be considered.

Understanding 5G Routers

Routers are devices that connect multiple packet-switched networks or subnetworks, routing data packets to IP addresses and allowing multiple devices to share an internet connection. A fifth generation router is a device that connects your devices to the internet using this new generation of wireless technology, similar to how 4G routers operate.

One of the key advantages of 5G technology is that it eliminates the need for a physical landline connection. Instead, a SIM card, like those found in mobile phones, is used to provide unrestricted data usage, voice calls, and text messaging. The SIM card within the router enables internet connectivity via fifth generation technology.

The Benefits of 5G Routers

The fifth generation is poised to transform our internet usage as the next-generation wireless standard. The advent of the new generation will result in faster connections and reduced congestion for mobile devices, benefiting both businesses and consumers.

For businesses, these routers equipped with Cellular Intelligence (CI) offer scalability and flexibility to meet growing business needs and provide advanced active management capabilities. CI enhances your network’s intelligence, security, and efficiency.

For consumers, fifth generation promises faster speeds and lower latency, enhancing the user experience for online services such as streaming video or music, online gaming, social media, and e-commerce platforms.

5G vs 4G: A Speed Comparison

The 5G technology significantly outperforms 4G in terms of speed. Estimates suggest that fifth generation networks could potentially offer download speeds of up to 20 Gbps, a substantial increase compared to the 1 Gbps rates provided by existing 4G networks. This speed increase is primarily due to the effective use of higher frequency bands and reduced latency times (less than 5 ms).

Another key difference is the infrastructure required for signal transmission. While 4G technology relies on cellular towers for signal transmission, the new generation networks utilize small cell technology, driven by its enhanced speed capabilities and the use of mmWave frequency bands. Telecommunication carriers are expected to implement high band fifth generation networks through the deployment of small cells, compact structures resembling pizza boxes, across various locations. Cell towers will continue to be used by the new generation technology for its lower frequency spectrums.

The usage of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) for data encoding is another significant difference. This technique enhances download rates in 4G and 5G networks by distributing distinct signal channels to each network, as opposed to a common channel. The fourth generation of wireless communication technology uses channels with a bandwidth of 20 MHz. In contrast, the fifth generation will employ channels with a significantly wider bandwidth ranging from 100 MHz to 800 MHz. Moreover, fifth generation networks are being designed to support a greater density of cells, resulting in increased capacity and connectivity.

Why Your Next Industrial Router Should be a 5G Router?

The new generation wireless routers represent the next generation of industrial-grade wireless routers, set to provide an enhanced level of connectivity for businesses. A fifth generation router can accommodate various cellular connections through two modems and the ability to support up to four distinct carrier SIM cards, offering more flexibility.

One feature that sets this new generation apart is the use of Cellular Intelligence to enhance wireless connections and use cellular characteristics within the context of SD-WAN. Also, advanced security features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) are included in new generation technology, enhancing the feasibility of establishing a secure network infrastructure. This is achieved without compromising the user-friendly administration systems commonly associated with conventional 4G/LTE routers.

Conclusion

The implementation of fifth generation technology promises to improve operational efficiency and address the unresolved limitations of its predecessor.

Need help in finding the right router solution for your business? Click here to see the perfect Robustel router for your organization.

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Unlock the Future of Education with RUCKUS R770: Wi-Fi 7 and 6 GHz

Kait Donieto — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:00:50 +0000

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, reliable, faster, and secure wireless connectivity is non-negotiable. RUCKUS R770 is the answer! Not only does it address today’s connectivity challenges, but it also propels institutions towards embracing innovative technology, meeting the ever-evolving demands of both students and educators in this digital age.

In the realm of academia, where knowledge knows no bounds, an innovation thrives—Wi-Fi. This is a journey of a digital revolution, where higher education campuses are transformed into bustling hubs of knowledge exchange. Wi-Fi stands as the lifeblood, ensuring the seamless flow of education, where a shaky connection is a sin more heinous than any scholarly transgression. Welcome to the future of learning.

Elevating Connectivity: Launching the RUCKUS R770

It’s momentous at RUCKUS Networks as they usher in a new era of connectivity. Recently, they proudly introduced the RUCKUS R770—the world’s first AI-powered, enterprise-grade, tri-band Wi-Fi 7 Access Point from a leading US technology giant. Wi-Fi 7′s lightning-fast speeds, minimal latency, and enhanced reliability are set to redefine user experiences and empower a whole new generation of advanced connected devices with demanding applications.

The Benefits of Wi-Fi 7 and 6 GHz for Higher Education

In the sphere of higher education, the transformative power of Wi-Fi 7 and 6 GHz is no secret. Here, RUCKUS presents the five advantages that stand as beacons of innovation:

Fostering unparalleled learning experiences for students through digital-first approach.
Protecting students and their academic journey.
Uniting smart campuses and smart dorms for a home-away-from-home, comfort-laden experience.
Highly efficient networks with systematized IT operations.
Enabling seamless recreational activities of students with rapid, dependable, and low-latency Wi-Fi connectivity.

These are merely the beginning, as the potential for Wi-Fi 7 and 6 GHz knows no bounds in the world of higher education.

The Fusion of Wi-Fi 7 and RUCKUS Technologies

Now, the provocative question: What sets the RUCKUS R770 apart in delivering these exceptional benefits?

The RUCKUS R770 merges the potent capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 with RUCKUS’ proprietary Radio Frequency (RF) technologies, like Beamflex+ and time-tested RUCKUS AI (Artificial Intelligence). This powerful combination brings forth a premium experience for the world of higher education. Setting it apart from other Wi-Fi 7 offerings, the RUCKUS R770 boasts five key differentiators:

Exceptional throughput and capability
Adaptive resilience
Minimized latency
Streamlined advanced security
Built-in modern IoT (Internet of Things) stack

The RUCKUS R770, a tri-band concurrent indoor Access Point, unleashes 8 spatial streams (2×2:2 in 2.4GHz, 4×4:4 in 5GHz, 2×2:2 in 6GHz) and supports Wi-Fi 7’s groundbreaking features such as Multi-Link-Operation, Preamble Puncturing, 4K QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) Modulation, and 320MHz channels. It powers industry-leading performance environments with a remarkable combined data rate of 12.22 Gbps. Plus, the RUCKUS R770 ensures a bottleneck-free backhaul with a 10Gbps Ethernet port, maximizing the full potential of your Wi-Fi capabilities.

Empowering Higher Education with Exceptional Network Support

There’s an imperative need for robust support that transcends ordinary boundaries for higher education institutions whether it’s fueling AR/VR applications, data-intensive 4K/8K video streaming, or the demands of latency-sensitive voice and data applications.

Let’s not overlook the reality that college and university campuses brim with a multitude of Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The cleaner 6 GHz frequency paves the way for improved indoor coverage and capacity, catering to large lecture halls, libraries, and dormitories. It ensures that students enjoy unwavering Wi-Fi connectivity across campus.

With the RUCKUS R770’s remarkable capabilities and throughput, it efficiently handles an increased load of concurrent connections, keeping up with the rising demand for connectivity on campus. Coupled with the low-latency attributes of Wi-Fi 7 and RUCKUS R770, the concept of real-time streaming IP audio for extensive lecture halls becomes a distinct possibility.

Harnessing the power of RUCKUS Networks’ patented Beamflex+ technology, the RUCKUS R770 can help higher education institutions to amplify their capacity, extend their coverage, and elevate throughput even further when working in 6 GHz low-power mode.

Improving Network Efficiency with AI

As higher education networks evolve in complexity, IT teams are on a relentless quest for enhanced operational efficiency. RUCKUS AI deploys a host of features like AI-driven network assurance, Hybrid Federated Machine Learning, Graph AI, AI-driven probe suppression, AI-driven radio resource management, and AI-driven Wi-Fi 7 resiliency. This not only heightens the reliability of higher education networks but also allows the RUCKUS R770 to deliver a premium connectivity experience while streamlining IT operations.

The RUCKUS R770 takes an assertive step towards future-proofing higher education networks. It bridges the divide between siloed networks, unifying Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi wireless technologies into a single, cohesive network. How? By incorporating built-in BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or Zigbee radios and extending compatibility with future wireless technologies through the onboard USB (Universal Serial Bus) port.

Aside from that, there are two built-in supports that guarantee seamless interoperability among many IoT solutions. First is “Matter”, a protocol that allows your phone to communicate with other devices. Second is “Thread” which is also a protocol that makes Matter perform better. For higher education institutions, this translates into unraveled deployment of improved student safety measures and precedes for a smart campus experience, bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity to students’ home-away-from-home.

Fortified Security at Every Level

The RUCKUS R770 proudly upholds a multi-layer security framework, encompassing secure boot, TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0, and the exclusive DPSK3, among others. RUCKUS’ very own DPSK3 harnesses the strength of DPSK (Dynamic Pre-Shared Key) within WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3), seamlessly merging advanced security with the adaptability and user-friendliness of dynamic passphrases to fortify network access security. Secure boot and TPM 2.0 extend unwavering hardware-level protection, standing guard against malware and sophisticated cyber threats, guaranteeing that only trusted software runs on the AP. In the context of higher education, these safeguards are indispensable as data security and privacy compliance take center stage for it.

RUCKUS R770: A Quantum Leap in Higher Education Connectivity

To put it simply, the RUCKUS R770 brings a brighter future to higher education institutions by offering swifter, more dependable, and ultra-secure wireless connectivity. It not only tackles the present connectivity requirements but also propels these institutions to embrace forthcoming technologies and cater to the changing needs of students and educators in this digital era.

Transform Your Connectivity

Embrace the future with RUCKUS R770! Bring your higher education experience to the next level with faster, more reliable, and ultra-secure wireless connectivity. Explore it today and take the new step towards a seamlessly connected future for your institution.

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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.

The post Gartner Magic Quadrant Recognizes Fortinet as the SD-WAN Leader for 4 Consecutive Years appeared first on MEC Networks Corporation.

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.

The post HPE (Aruba) Triumphs as a Six-Time Leader in Gartner’s 2023 Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN appeared first on MEC Networks Corporation.

Aruba: 5 Insights into the Future of Networks

MEC Updates — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 08:14:10 +0000

As we start 2022, we still see numerous of the identical challenges surrounding networking that we managed head-on in 2021. The ongoing pandemic has turned into our new normal. That means people will remain to work and learn from anywhere. Businesses will have to permit secure connectivity to company applications, regardless of where people are connecting from. We’ll continue to see an expansion of the network edge, be it run by users looking for further continual ways to enter applications or security enterprises linked with the multiplication of IoT devices. With this context, these are Aruba’s top 2022 networking forecasts.

1. Devices connected to a network will continue to outnumber people.

Digital transformation is pushing an increase of IoT devices, and Machine to Machine (M2M) communications are growing swiftly. Now, devices connected to a network outnumber people 5:1. Over the ensuing three years, there will be 10x additional connected devices compared to people. This makes automated and secure connectivity of IoT of ultimate significance. Without an automated avenue to onboard, provision, and secure these devices, institutions will be left vulnerable to security breaches, which are constantly growing in complexity.

2. Two clear paths to SASE arise.

As SASE (secure access service edge) deployments escalate, the market will see a clear divide in approaches. Small and medium-sized businesses will be attracted to the each-by-one SASE offerings, where simplicity is prioritized over higher capabilities. On the other hand, great companies will stay unable to gamble on security, reliability, or the quality of user experience. They will search for a dual-seller approach, pairing a best-in-class SD-WAN partner for on-prem security and WAN facing capabilities. This setup also includes a completely-fledged cloud-delivered security partner providing secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), Zero-Trust network access (ZTNA) services, and more.

3. The transition to the Wi-Fi 6E network will accelerate.

While significant attention has been given to 5G cellular for the campus and within companies, we are on the brink of a rapid transition to Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 6E delivers great capacities with a further 1200 MHz of a new range while retaining backward compatibility. An influential market intelligence establishment, 650 Group, expects over 200 percent unit growth of Wi-Fi 6E enterprise APs in 2022. This denotes that business associations see the possibility of 6E. This is evident especially with the persisting reliance on bandwidth-intensive activities such as videoconferencing, telemedicine, and remote education.

4. Hybrid working will impact the growth of network “microbranches” powered by AI automation.

Work from home is here to stay. This new normal will drive the emergence of the microbranch or “branch of one.” In the early days of the pandemic, organizations rushed to extend VPNs and position remote access points (RAPs) to connect their locked-down staff and disseminate pop-up testing kiosks. In 2022, we will find enormous growth for purpose-built microbranch offerings that fuse enterprise-class Wi-Fi access with sophisticated multi-path WAN connectivity and advanced AIOps. These contribute to their goals that focus on dependability and unfluctuating user experience. These microbranch offerings will securely stretch the business to the “branch of one.”

5. There will be a higher demand for consumption-based services like NaaS.

Organizations are less engrossed on devices and capex and more attentive to the business aftermaths of their technology investments. Organizations demand greater fiscal flexibility and cost predictability while being capable of compounding IT effectiveness and keeping pace with innovation. An adaptable infrastructure consumption model, which NaaS provides, allows for all of this. And for those institutions that are not completely ready to take the plunge, flexible consumption models give the chance to “try before purchasing,” so that businesses can borrow the new model — or not — at their own pace. This will result in a substantial increase in demand for consumption-based services like NaaS in 2022.

Connect with us today for more information on wireless solutions from Aruba.

The post Aruba: 5 Insights into the Future of Networks appeared first on MEC Networks Corporation.

Ekahau: Planning Your Ideal Wi-Fi Network Capacity

MEC Updates — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 03:15:16 +0000

Phones, tablets, laptops, and more! Wi-Fi capacity, like business, frequently develops and transforms. New devices are being added to wireless networks every day. This amplifies not only density but overall traffic on the network. According to a recent Cisco report, the number of devices connected to IP networks will be more than 3X the global population by 2023.

With the rapid-fire increase in the number of devices coming on to networks, a well-designed, dependable network planned for capacity and growth is critical.

Defining Wireless Network Capacity

Wireless network capacity is a computation of the number of devices that can be backed simultaneously on a wireless network grounded on the bandwidth being consumed and the number of Wi-Fi radios accessible on the network. Along with coverage and channel utilization, understanding network capacity needs is a substantial demand when designing a wireless network.

Additional APs Doesn’t Always Equate to Additional Wi-Fi Capacity

One of the biggest misconceptions or responses when designing for capacity is to add a lot of access points (APs) to your network to accommodate the added devices. Whether designing for a new network or upgrading a subsisting network, you need to design with the capacity conditions to meet your business’s requirements.

Understanding Your Capacity Wireless Requirement

Wrong planning will affect traffic and lead to poor performance on your network. Wi-Fi is a contention grounded medium, meaning devices are contending for time to communicate on the network. When numerous devices are fighting for a spot, data rates drop. Devices hold out for an opening with an available radio and reattempt the connection. Dropped data rates mean low quality, buffering, latency, and frustratingly slow application use. It also involves increasing help desk tickets for IT or the network proprietor.

This is the first thing you need to do, whether making changes to a subsisting network or designing for a greenfield network. Pinpoint your capacity demand based on the devices and the applications on your network. This is called your capacity utilization network requirement, and it is critical in your design process.

Now let us get into the specific factors for an ideal Wi-Fi network capacity.

6 Factors for Getting Your Ideal Wi-Fi Network Capacity

Devices on the network. Would there be phones, laptops, handheld scanners, or printers, and how many of each would connect to the network?
Applications running on the network. How will those devices be used? Will they demand voice, HD video streaming, etc.?
Throughput for each piece of equipment. How substantial is the data transferred on the network?
Network topology or network configuration. What approach will be used for physical and logical topology? What will be the blueprint of the network’s nodes, switches, and APs?
Accessible capacity and bandwidth. What is the condition for the application, and how consequential is the bandwidth required? Grounded on the other conditions, is there room in your network design, or will you need to make further adjustments?
Future growth/needs. However, will your network be qualified to accommodate that growth with little or no changes if your conditions change?

So how do you design a network that can accommodate the projected growth of multiple devices? We have a tool for that. Ekahau Pro has a built-in planner that will allow you to design a network for present capacity conditions while also accommodating coming growth.

Ekahau Pro simplifies the capacity utilization formula to minimal simple device and usage profile inputs. It also lets you task multiple capacity zones to consider for networks with a wide variance in capacity conditions for distinct parts of the floorplan.

Once you have determined your requirements, you can begin constructing your predictive design and deploying your network. But capacity planning doesn’t stop once you have deployed your design. The optimization phase of the Wi-Fi lifecycle is the continuous monitoring and maintenance required for a high-performing dependable wireless network.

You should be consistently gathering data on your network to guarantee your design is meeting the capacity needs. Identify trends on your network like peak traffic times, packet loss, or throughput performance and work optimizations into your ongoing network maintenance. The most significant thing to remember is that network demands can alter over time, and you need to ensure your network is up to the task.

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5 Benefits of Aruba Instant On for Your Business

MEC Updates — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 01:03:40 +0000

Our current circumstances have caused a rapid-fire step towards remote workforces, digital workflows, optimized business operations, and ingenuity to meet unpredictable conditions. Remote work fast-tracked the shift to cloud apps and services for enterprises of all sizes, but definitely more so for small businesses that are required to stay fast and nimble.

With amplified dependence on technology, it’s more important than ever to give your clients simpler, smarter networking.

Aruba Instant On, at its core, is a smart and simple cloud-managed network solution. You can set up your clients’ networks in minutes, and they’ll experience fast speeds inside or outside their location. Instant On wireless and wired networking is cost-effective and steers you away from headaches too.

Aruba values serving small businesses exclusively through their specialized channel partners. The company desires to make the Instant On experience simpler and smarter for the clients and worthwhile for the partners as well.

Here are the top 5 Instant On benefits that partners can focus on when delivering this networking solution to clients:

1. You can effortlessly set up networks at client locations.

Quicker installations mean quicker time to revenue—and more business value to your clients. Partners can use the Aruba Instant On mobile app to set up wireless and wired networks in no time at the new locations. You simply have to follow the steps recommended by Instant On’s intuitive installation wizard. Then the Instant On mobile app shows a list of the sites associated with your account. You can efficiently choose a site, establish a remote access session, and handle the consumer’s network from a distance. Multiple clients can be supported in this way, too. You will find that every site is logically distinguishable, each with its own configuration, statistics, guest portal, and usage privileges.

2. You can smoothly visualize your clients’ network topologies.

You need to know how the networks of your clients are performing anytime. But the fact is unexpected downtime, limited resources, and network performance problems can bring down day-to-day business processes. With the cloud-managed Aruba Instant On solution, problems can be recognized and fixed quickly. Instant On will find the bottlenecks before your clients see them.

With the Topology View, Instant On delivers a sufficient map of all access points and switches. This allows your support team to pinpoint and troubleshoot network problems more efficiently. This view quickly gives the rundown of the network topology, condition of network devices, the amount of connected clients, and status of links between network devices. A graphical topology map in the app exhibits what’s connected to what, and an easy tap provides thorough data on a device’s MAC address, model, and location. Clicking on a “Locate” button displays an LED on the Instant On device in case you need to determine a particular device.

3. You can be informed through instantaneous notifications.

Cloud management and automated trouble notifications permit solution partners to diagnose and even fix network problems as soon as possible. But just obtaining alerts is inadequate. Without a visual illustration of the network’s topology, it’s challenging to rapidly diagnose the cause and resolve the problem.

Aruba Instant On can automatically dispatch email and text alerts to notify your team about connection or device issues. You will also have valuable insight into when the device capacity is beyond the limit and when software updates can be acquired. You and your clients can receive Email Notifications, Push Notifications—or both—to alert where there is a problem.

4. You can oversee your clients' network from a single pane of glass.

Managing from anywhere is even more crucial in an era of pandemic-safe procedures. With Aruba Instant On, you can handle your clients’ networks no matter the location and from the device of your preference. There’s no need to physically go to clients’ areas, saving you time and money, and diminishing the need for professional IT staff at client locations. The whole network can be controlled from one central spot.

You can painlessly toggle back and forth from the Instant On cloud-based web portal to the mobile app at no extra cost and gain complete visibility into your clients’ access points, switches, and network status, including traffic type and volume.

5. You can protect your clients’ networks with cutting-edge security.

Size does not shield small enterprises from the barrage of cyberattacks. With Aruba Instant On, you can provide sophisticated security with a tap of a finger through:

Application Control: Instant On actively protects your clients’ networks from viruses, malware, and other cyber threats. Through secure browsing, Instant On helps intercept known malicious and dangerous sites and applications, keeping your clients’ staff and guests free from phishing, fraud, and ransomware.
Client Blocking: If you catch a device that shouldn’t be on your client’s network, you can keep it from connecting to the internet by barring it from the connected device list. Blocked devices will now appear in a “Blocked Clients” list that occupies the side of the “Connected Clients” tab. You can tap on any device on this list to release it from the block list, which will re-enable network access.
Bandwidth Control: Instant On has consistently enabled you to select bandwidth limits for individual clients on a wireless network to deter bandwidth hogging. The outcome is a more satisfactory Wi-Fi experience for people on company conference calls while preventing streaming videos from consuming immense amounts of bandwidth. Instant On’s most recent option permits you and your clients to configure a bandwidth limit per AP on the network, rather than restricting usage for each client.

Aruba Instant On is enterprise networking made remarkably simple. Aruba is committed to providing a dependable, great network experience and offering you and your clients more value.

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