wireless – 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 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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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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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.

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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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Fortinet Honored as a Visionary by Gartner (Magic Quadrant 2021)

MEC Updates — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 04:51:05 +0000

In the networking industry, wired and wireless local area network (LAN) infrastructure technologies have been around for quite some time now, and they have definitely stood the test of time.

However, Fortinet believes that there is always room for innovation. With that in mind, their vision for wired and wireless networking leverages Fortinet’s ground-breaking Security-Driven Networking approach and AIOps, which expand their LAN Edge solution beyond usual market offerings.

Fortinet particularly maximizes extensive, deployment-wide data for better outcomes. They break down technology silos for intelligent networking to diminish complexity, decrease costs, guarantee consistent user experiences, and strengthen security.

In Security-Driven Networking, unified cybersecurity and control of the network edge are necessary. These get rid of security gaps and offer uncomplicated management. This method compels Fortinet to give built-in, base network access control (NAC) features at no extra cost. And with FortiAIOps, they can leverage the Security Fabric’s extensive data collection to offer exceptional artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities to lighten the weight on network operations teams.

Fortinet believes that this continuous motivation to build upon their Security-Driven Networking vision has given them the opportunity to be recognized as a Visionary in the 2021 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure for two years in a row.

Source: Gartner 2021

You can freely access the full Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure report for further information.

Fortinet Networking Accomplishes Unique Services

Fortinet Security-Driven Networking is achieved through a platform approach, empowering Fortinet to present simplified operations with one interface and operating system (FortiOS). This provides centralized management, automation, and orchestration of not only the wired and wireless LAN edge.

The decrease in complexity is not confined to technology. Fortinet’s wired and wireless LAN solution goes against the popular trend of authorizing core features (and even operating systems) by offering fewer licenses with more function for clear-cut value.

Fortinet has a unique take on the LAN edge. They start by leveraging their FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) as a network controller. This integration is enabled through FortiLink, a protocol that combines Fortinet’s secure Ethernet and secure wireless access products and the Fortinet Security Fabric. FortiLink enables the FortiGate to immediately control, configure, and manage FortiAPs and FortiSwitches as if they were part of it. These Ethernet switches and Wi-Fi access points are intentionally engineered and designed to be part of the Fortinet Security Fabric.

Fortinet’s High-level of Expertise Goes Beyond the LAN

Building upon Security-Driven Networking and integrating solutions across Fortinet’s expansive portfolio offers a simplified, better-performing solution that goes beyond the LAN edge. For example, they leveraged critical centralized data to develop FortiAIOps. FortiAIOps leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to allow IT administrators to lessen, if not eliminate, the more routine daily tasks. This also enables quicker identification and resolution of network operations problems.

Fortinet Takes Pride in Being a Visionary Once Again

Fortinet is excited to be recognized as a Visionary in the 2021 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure. Fortinet continues to invest, develop, and improve, following its clear vision to be different in a mature market.

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Aruba Once Again Earns Prestigious Honors from Gartner (Magic Quadrant 2021)

MEC Updates — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 02:42:42 +0000

Aruba has successfully earned two prestigious honors in the latest reports from Gartner.

Aruba once again received the honor of being identified as a Leader in the 2021 Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure report conducted by Gartner. Alongside this, Aruba takes the top spot as the only vendor to achieve 3 out of 5 use cases in the Critical Capabilities report.

Figure 1. Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure

Source: Gartner, Inc.

For 16 years, Aruba has merited a place in the Leaders Quadrant. What could be the secret to maintaining this desirable position? In a statement, David Hughes, the chief product and technology officer at Aruba, points out that their philosophy—customer first, customer last—plays a crucial role in what they do concerning innovating with Aruba ESP and embracing everything as-a-Service initiatives.

Let us now get a glimpse into what Aruba has accomplished with its customer-centric mindset and how the two reports reflect this.

The Magic Quadrant Report

The vendors considered were those who supply wired and wireless networking hardware and the related network software. Their products should gear towards enabling devices and end-users to connect to the enterprise wired LAN or Wi-Fi network.

The following criteria, the ability to execute and the completeness of vision, determined each position on the quadrant. Gartner affirms that Aruba deploys network infrastructure that gathers wireless telemetry data used for analytics and resolving customer issues. The capacity to carry this out warrants them a spot in the Leaders Quadrant.

With this designation, Aruba has demonstrated three abilities described by Gartner. First, they have an ability to fulfill a broad variety of customer requirements through the breadth of its access layer product family. Second, they exhibit the ability to shape the market and provide complete and differentiating access layer applications, as well as global service and support. And lastly, they can maintain strong relationships with their channels and customers.

The Critical Capabilities Report

This research is the companion to Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure. The goal is to provide I&O (infrastructure and operations) leaders with the necessary knowledge to move forward in finding the appropriate solutions that more closely meet their specific use cases.

Out of 14 vendors, Aruba was the only one to score 3 out of 5 use cases. The use cases concentrated on: Unified Wired and WLAN Access, Hands-Off NetOps, Remote Branch Office with Corporate HQ, Wired-Only Refresh/New Build, and WLAN-Only Refresh/New Build. Gartner recommends that enterprises should evaluate Aruba globally for all wired and wireless LAN opportunities.

The Significance of these Accomplishments for Aruba

Why do these matter? Since Aruba is committed to bringing secure edge-to-cloud solutions, these honors showcase how Aruba capably fulfills its promises to its customers.

Gartner concerns itself with network technologies or approaches that deliver on the future technology needs of end-users. It is no surprise that Aruba enables your network to face the present challenges. But more importantly, the position of Aruba in the industry proves that it can pave the way to a network that is ready for whatever the future holds.

You can freely access the reports of the Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure and the Critical Capabilities for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure for further information.

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