Enterprises are shifting their network infrastructure as wireless technology, especially 5G, outpaces traditional wireline solutions, according to GlobalData.
The data and analytics firm said in a statement that with the widespread availability of 5G and advancements in application programming interfaces and security capabilities, businesses are now prioritising a mobile-first approach.
This transformative journey is set to redefine corporate connectivity, providing unparalleled flexibility in an increasingly mobile-centric world, the firm said.
Wireless technology has traditionally played second fiddle to wireline in enterprise networking, operating primarily as a backup option.
However, the gradual deployment of standalone 5G provides a leap forward in the bandwidth and programmability available from wireless access networks.
GlobalData said network operators and industry groups were innovating to make the wireless option even more appealing to enterprises and developers.
The Research Director for Enterprise Technology and Services at GlobalData, Gary Barton, said, “Wires-free is a message that has had a strong appeal to enterprises for a long time.
“WiFi has long since overtaken Ethernet LAN. We are now beginning to see signs that wireless technology could take over in the WAN space, but security is one of the key barriers to adoption.”
He said securing data accessed through mobile devices was a challenge for all businesses.
The research explained that the human factor remains the biggest source of cyber security breaches and increasing the ability to access data outside corporate environments increases the threat.
However, technologies are now being launched that make the mobile device a way to increase security, he added.
Barton stated, “We have seen T-Mobile strengthen its ‘mobile first’ message with SSE services that use the mobile device and SIM to verify identity and deliver secure connectivity.
“Running technologies such as SASE, SSE, and SD-WAN over mobile connections validates the theory that wireless can begin to replace wireline as the requirements of corporate networks evolve.
Barton concluded, “We now have mobile-first generations in the workplace, and a working population whose day-to-day lives are centered on their mobile devices.
Embracing mobile devices creates many opportunities to increase productivity and to provide the working experience that employees wish to have.
“Verizon’s newly announced partnership with Vonage shows that there is more to come from wireless technology and APIs,” he said.
