Cloud-Managed Wireless Network - Essay Example

A Report on Investigation of Cloud Managed Wireless Network Student Names and Number Lecture Name Date Course Name and Number Institution Affiliation Introduction Today, most people rely on devices that are wireless such as smartphones in the operation of their day to day activities either business related or their personal lives. There is an increase in the demand for internet use, making it hard for the traditional architecture to handle. This has made the usual WLAN controller to create more jam, making the IT experts add more controllers on the network as there is increase in the number of devices and users. To solve this problem, the best way is to use cloud-managed wireless network. The cloud-managed wireless network is more flexible and cost effective offering the best solutions to these problems. It provides a scalable, more secure and reliable networks. In cloud managed wireless network, its control is carried out through the access points (APs) and some virtual controllers that run on the cloud. Since the controllers are located in the cloud, they do away with a hardware controller. Cloud managed networks are scalable that is they can meet the increase in network demand. Cloud managed wireless network helps one offload the management of network from an organization and lets the service providers to manage it. Architecture The figure below shows the structure of a Cloud-managed wireless network from Cisco. Researchers from IBM in China believe that by being able to move signals from the base and moving them to the cloud will cut cost and, make it easier to upgrade the network. It will eventually lead to a wireless network that can change as per user requirements as well as improve coverage. Cloud managed wireless Network (Cisco service provider Wi-Fi: A platform for business innovation and revenue generation, 2015) Benefits of using cloud managed wireless network 1. Reduced cost- just like any other cloud-based service, in cloud managed wireless network one does not need to buy software hence a reduction in cost. There is also the reduction in the cost of hardware since there is no need to buy an appliance server. it is also an advantage because the service provided will also include updates as well as support which will be inclusive in the subscription fee. 2. Business quality management- cloud managed wireless network offers remote check and troubleshooting, central configuration and central management (‘ When is cloud-managed WLAN a good fit? ’, 2015). They also offer compliance records. There is also a streamlined interface that helps in reduction of time used in the management of a network. 3. Scalability- they can support small and large sites. Cloud managed wireless network, can be employed in businesses that are either at a single location or those once that are located in different areas with many Access Points (APs). They can be simply managed from a single login. An organization can also increase the bandwidth as they grow. 4. In these networks, an IT expert from within or outside the company can access and manage the system from a browser. The access points are normally fine-tuned to suit the access point of a particular location. 5. It makes it easier for companies that are located in different geographical areas to have consistent policies that are used across the companies. Disadvantages of cloud managed wireless network Although cloud managed wireless can be of benefits, it is important to consider the disadvantages that come with it. Some of the disadvantages and risks are 1. In a case where the service has expired or not reachable, you lose the ability to make any configuration changes into your network until some service is available. This is because all configuration and management of the network are found in the cloud. 2. The cloud is responsible for the management of the control plane functions. These are functions that handle the balancing, power adjustment, firmware updates among others. 3. To move to cloud managed wireless network requires faith on the service provider because network operations are moved from companies environmental to a different place with someone that you will never meet or visit. It makes company’s success dependency on a third party to ensure that they are safe and secure. 4. In addition, most players in the cloud are small companies who do not have the track record of incumbents. This makes it risky for them to leave the safety of already established network providers companies. 5. In cloud managed wireless network, the cloud normally provides the web user interfaces. When the service is gone, the troubleshooting is restricted. This makes one not to get feedback from the wireless on the issue that you are trying to resolve (McNamee, 2013). Therefore, it is important for any business to consider the following before deciding on which architecture they should consider. a. In a case the controller service is not available will there be full access to the network resources b. The options that one has if the cloud controlled wireless goes away which services are present for the administration of the system. c. They should also consider the troubleshooting options that are available for the system in case the service is not available. Key service providers The main service providers in cloud managed wireless network are Cisco Mereki, who is licensed to supply cloud managed wireless solution. One can experience some benefits such as; they offer seamless firmware and updates on security, their services are scalable, their service enables automatic alert notifications on the network, their network is available even when connection to the cloud is not present. Power cloudy system is a company that offers small and medium enterprises solutions on the implementation and management of their wireless LAN. They normally drop D-link wireless access points in their client's site and then manage them from the cloud remotely (Shuster, 2011). With the use of cloud managed networking, they have been able to monitor their client's network from their offices rather than going there physically. These have enabled them to offer timely assistance to their customer. Among other benefits Characteristics of a Cloud-managed wireless network solution One should consider the following before acquiring a Cloud-managed wireless network The network must be able to maximize flexibility; that is it must ensure that the business achieves their goal on network agility. A service provider must be able to offer flexibility in deployment. The reason behind this is that as an organization grows so does, its network requirements increase. Also, the service provider should not lock all services, and they should give a business an option to move to another service such as on-premises solution. It should ensure that setups are easy, and accessibility is fast. The installation and access of APs should be “zero-touch”, this means that after the installation is done the APs should be used immediately. It will ensure that it is easy to add and replace APs. By doing so, the number of calls asking for services will greatly reduce. There would be reduced cost and the need for limited IT resources. It must ensure that it is tight on network security- security is a major issue in IT field including networking. Therefore, it is important for a service provider to ensure that there is an implementation of different levels of internet users. They should ensure that there are policy controls and different access levels. Conclusion In conclusion, a cloud managed wireless network has a potential in reducing the cost of IT infrastructure for the internet service providers. It also enables them to manage the networks virtually. Although this network mostly operates in areas where there is an availability of network in high densities, it can also be used in areas where the network nodes are not easily accessed. We have also seen the benefits that an organization can gain by using a cloud managed wireless network over the traditional wireless network. As well as the precautions that an the organizations should take before employing cloud managed wireless network. We have seen some of the facts that they use as a checkpoint when selecting a service provider. They should consider the flexibility, accessibility, security among others. It is important for a small or upcoming organization to consider using cloud managed wireless networks, the reason being that Wi-Fi for future lies in the cloud. Instead of using their money on purchasing network infrastructure they can use it in other things that can add value to their businesses. Service providers are not left out; they also have a role to play in this design network. They should ensure that they communicate all the advantages and disadvantages of cloud wireless managed network before an organization commits fully to this type of network. Cloud wireless managed network is where we are heading, and everyone should learn to appreciate it. Reference list ‘‘ When is cloud-managed WLAN a good fit? ’ (2015) Available at: http://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/wp/Lopez_Cloud_WiFi.pdf (Accessed: 14 May 2016). Cisco service provider Wi-Fi: A platform for business innovation and revenue generation (2015) Available at: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/service-provider/service-provider-wi-fi/solution_overview_c22-642482.html (Accessed: 18 May 2016). McNamee, M. (2013) 4 dangers of cloud managed wireless solutions. Available at: http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/4-Dangers-of-Cloud-Managed-Wireless-Solutions (Accessed: 13 May 2016). Shuster, R. (2011) Offering cloud-managed wireless LAN services: One provider’s journey. Available at: http://searchcloudprovider.techtarget.com/feature/Offering-cloud-managed-wireless-LAN-services-One-providers-journey (Accessed: 13 May 2016). Wireless controlled from the cloud (2012) Available at: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/418097/wireless-controlled-from-the-cloud/ (Accessed: 17 May 2016). Wireless network cloud (2013) Available at: http://researcher.ibm.com/researcher/view_group.php?id=4171 (Accessed: 14 May 2016). Read More