Mobility & Wireless

Access Point (AP)

It begins with an access point (AP). Whether indoors or out, APs use radio frequency (RF) signals to deliver high performance connectivity to devices like smartphones, beacons, or IoT sensors. Modern APs built for Wi-Fi 6 boost network performance 4x over those built for the Wi-Fi 5 standard. They rely on AI to optimize RF for superior traffic prioritization while their “always-on” functionality makes patching, management, security and visibility much easier for IT. 

Modern APs are perfect for purpose-built, future-forward, and secure networking. They support Zero Trust policy enforcement at the edge, including VPNs, encryption, packet inspection and dynamic segmentation. They even help reduce energy consumption with smart power management.

Remote Access Point (RAP)

Today, with remote work and learning at an all-time high, remote access points (RAPs) provide a critical lifeline for end-users to continue operating efficiently and securely from their homes. Designed for plug-and-play deployments (which means zero-touch provisioning for IT staff), RAPs support wireless or wired connectivity for equipment like laptops and VoIP phones. They effectively and securely extend the at-work or at-school experience to any remote location with an internet or cellular connection.

Controllers

Controllers, which are offered as hardware or virtual appliances, are the centralized brain of the WLAN, directing APs in how to permit client access, route and optimize traffic. The best systems rely on AI- and ML-driven management software that can automatically identify and heal network and connectivity problems before end users are impacted. Controllers also dramatically simplify AP configuration, deployment, and management for IT. Managed by powerful software designed to maximize uptime, security and visibility, controllers also are the key to extending granular, role-based security policies and enforcement across the enterprise.

Network Access Control & Policy Enforcement

In a wireless enterprise, as in a wired one, access control and policy enforcement mean the difference between security and breach. Network and security managers must always have deep visibility into, and a clear understanding of, which devices are trying to access the network (and from where), the unique details of that device, and the information they are trying to access.

Network access control and management solutions built on Zero Trust frameworks give IT a simple way to provision access and apply security policies for users and devices, regardless of location, need or role. This ability is more important than ever now that it is clear a distributed workforce will continue to be the norm for a very long time. 

Before the pandemic, IT leaders addressed enterprise mobility with a steady drumbeat of effort. Generally, anyone with a legitimate business need who required remote access to corporate apps and resources could have it. But almost overnight, business need crescendoed and IT leaders had to pick up the tempo to provision access to everyone. In many cases, structure, security and user experience were afterthoughts, simply getting everyone connected the priority. 

It is now time to revisit how and to whom access was granted, prioritizing visibility and control for IT and experience for end users, who include not only employees, but customers, partners and suppliers. Fortunately, secure and truly responsive enterprise mobility is possible with today’s APs, controllers and the management software that guides them.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

As a concept, VDI is a platform-agnostic computing model that allows users to access a consistent desktop experience regardless of when, where and how they work. The experience of using VDI is no different from using a local desktop. But with VDI, user programs, applications, processes and data reside on a remote central server that can be seamlessly accessed from anywhere, on any device.

With VDI, IT can mobilize the business, while reducing costs by centralizing control and security of intellectual property. VDI allows IT to deliver full desktops or just the apps to any device through a native experience that is optimized for the type of device, as well as the network.

This solution enables mobile workers to use the latest enterprise software products on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. VDI reduces equipment costs and administrative overhead, allowing for simplified network design increased business agility.

Virtual desktop solutions can also help tap the potential of today’s mobile workforce by allowing workers to use the computing device of their choice in a manner that is consistent and secure. The result is a smarter way to do business that increases agility, lowers costs and reduces risk.

Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS)

DaaS, meanwhile, delivers much of the same functionality as VDI. But, it goes a step farther in off-loading VDI infrastructure management from organizational IT teams to third-party cloud providers. As a cloud service, it can be scaled much more rapidly than traditional VDI and can offer resiliency and redundancy that VDI can’t. 

Still, as with everything in IT, there are dependencies to consider that might make traditional VDI a better choice than DaaS for a particular organization. The decision just boils down to what technology will best serve organizational requirements. 

Talk to your Structured representative today to discuss the best enterprise mobility and wireless solutions for your organization.