Juniper Networks CIO Archana Deskus believes the increasing complexity of modern networks requires businesses to focus on three key pillars: simplification, automation and security. Deskus advocates a more simplified infrastructure that’s easier to manage, troubleshoot and scale. Automation will be critical in delivering a more responsive and agile network, with provision configuration and management of network components heavily reliant on automation. As networks become more interconnected, Deskus believes security needs to be ground-up, proactive and targeted, with a focus on threat detection and response. She also highlights that software is becoming key to network infrastructure, with software-defined wide area networks, such as SD-WAN gaining prominence.
Juniper Networks CIO Discusses Future of Network Infrastructure
The Current State of Network Infrastructure
The increasing complexity of modern networks requires a new approach to network infrastructure. For CIOs, this means adopting new technologies and design principles that can enable faster and more agile network performance.
According to Juniper Networks CIO Archana “Archie” Deskus, the current infrastructure is at a crossroads. “We are at a point where the choices we make now will have a significant impact on the future. We need to be thinking about how we can build a network that is simple, flexible, and resilient.”
The Future of Network Infrastructure
Deskus believes that the future of network infrastructure will be built on three key pillars:
1. Simplification: The complexity of networks is one of the biggest challenges facing CIOs today. To address this issue, Deskus advocates for a simplified infrastructure that is easier to manage, troubleshoot, and scale.
2. Automation: Automation is key to delivering a more agile and responsive network. Deskus believes that the future of network infrastructure will rely heavily on automation to reduce the time and effort required to provision, configure, and manage network components.
3. Security: As networks become more complex and interconnected, security becomes increasingly important. Deskus believes that security needs to be baked into the design of the network from the ground up, with a focus on proactive threat detection and response.
The Role of Software in Network Infrastructure
Software is becoming increasingly important in network infrastructure, and Deskus believes that this trend will only continue. “Software is the glue that holds everything together in modern networks,” she says. “It allows us to automate tasks, improve performance, and enable new capabilities.”
One example of the importance of software in network infrastructure is SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network). SD-WAN is a software-based solution that allows companies to optimize their network configuration for different types of traffic. Deskus believes that SD-WAN is just the beginning, and that we will see more software-based solutions in the future.
The Impact of Cloud Computing on Network Infrastructure
Cloud computing has had a significant impact on network infrastructure, and Deskus believes that this trend will only accelerate. “Cloud computing is changing the way we think about networks,” she says. “It’s forcing us to be more agile, more flexible, and more responsive to the needs of our users.”
One of the biggest challenges facing CIOs in the era of cloud computing is optimizing network performance for cloud-based applications. Deskus believes that this requires a new approach to network design, with a focus on multi-cloud connectivity, policy-based management, and intelligent routing.
FAQs
Q: What is network infrastructure?
A: Network infrastructure refers to the hardware, software, and protocols that make up a computer network. This includes routers, switches, servers, and other devices that enable data communication and exchange.
Q: Why is network infrastructure important?
A: Network infrastructure is important because it enables businesses to communicate, share data, and collaborate more effectively. A well-designed network infrastructure can improve productivity, reduce costs, and facilitate innovation.
Q: What are some of the challenges facing CIOs in network infrastructure?
A: Some of the challenges facing CIOs in network infrastructure include the increasing complexity of modern networks, the need to optimize network performance for cloud-based applications, and the growing importance of security in network design.
Q: What is SD-WAN?
A: SD-WAN is a software-defined wide area network. It allows companies to optimize their network configuration for different types of traffic, such as voice, video, or data. SD-WAN is becoming increasingly popular because of its ability to improve network performance and reduce costs.
