Cloud Networking

2020 BUYER’S GUIDE

Why Your Network Serves You Better in the Cloud
 Buyer's Guide

Table of Contents Everything is Moving to the Cloud;

Introduction 2
Your Network is No Exception
Overview 3
State of the Market 3
By now, almost every company, independent of its industry
The Benefits and Features of
and size, uses at least one kind of IT cloud service.
Cloud Networking 4
And that’s not surprising at all, because cloud-computing
Spotting the Common Pitfalls 8
Common Considerations when
services provide huge upsides and workload shifts for
Moving to the Cloud 9 companies: IT departments no longer have to purchase,
Conclusion 11 deploy and maintain computing hardware and software
in-house, cloud services are quick and easy to deploy, they
scale as needed without involvement from IT, and are
automatically updated to the latest release level. In short,
they vastly simplify and reduce the complexity and cost of
IT service delivery—and your wired, wireless, and data center
access networks can now enjoy the very same benefits.

In this guide, we’ll examine the characteristics and benefits

of cloud-managed networks as a subset of cloud IT services,
to help you decide whether cloud networking is right for
your organization. What is Cloud Networking?

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 Overview
What is Cloud Networking?
Cloud networking introduces a new way to deploy and manage networks.
It delivers enterprise-class network management capabilities for Wi-Fi
of organizations are
access points, switches, and routers, via a cloud infrastructure that requires
adopting Cloud Networking
little or no capital investment in additional hardware and software platforms
or in IT resources.

Unlike traditional locally hosted on-premises solutions, cloud networking

simplifies highly complex tasks, enabling organizations to deploy locations
in minutes and providing unprecedented levels of centralized control and
network visibility. It also allows for seamless growth without bottlenecks
caused by products and supports headquarters and remote locations alike,
significantly reducing the need for local intervention and truck rolls.

REPORTING ANALYSIS MANAGEMENT

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Above: Cloud networking allows for centralized control and network visibility of numerous
physical locations at the same time.

State of the Market

The shift of enterprise IT spend—from traditional offerings to new, cloud-
based offerings—is occurring rapidly. Analysts predict the growth in
enterprise IT spend for cloud-based offerings will be faster than the growth
in traditional (non-cloud) IT offerings through 2022 (Source: Gartner Market
Insight: Cloud Shift—2018 to 2022).

To date, most cloud shift has occurred in the application software segment.
For example, cloud spend on Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
software, already exceeds the non-cloud spend.

Moving forward, system infrastructure—which includes networking, server,

and storage equipment—is expected to experience the fastest growth in
cloud shift, with a projected 27.2% CAGR (2017-2022) for cloud versus a
1.8% CAGR for non-cloud.

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 Benefits and Features of Cloud Networking
Cloud networking offers the same high-level benefits as all cloud
services—namely simplicity, reduced cost, and faster time-to-deployment.
Here we’ll examine these, along with the differentiating features of true
cloud networking solutions; while many vendors offer degrees of cloud
networking, an understanding of the following characteristics will help you
identify what to look for in different vendor solutions, and decide if they
are a good fit for your organization.

Simplicity and Efficiency

Arguably the greatest benefit of cloud networking is its simplicity, due
to the ability to centrally manage unified wired and wireless networks.
However, there are additional characteristics that will further enhance cloud
management capabilities and increase operational efficiency.
• Centralized Network Management
During deployment, cloud networking enables centralized configuration
and on-boarding of the policies and devices for all or part of the
network. This greatly simplifies the deployment process—network
devices only need to be plugged in and then each will automatically
discover, download and install the configurations.

Once deployed, network administrators can easily monitor,

troubleshoot, and update the network. Troubleshooting tasks are
especially simplified due to the ability to diagnose and resolve issues
for central and remote locations alike, with tools like historical network
data to diagnose issues quickly and remote SSH to log into a network
device’s console from any location to perform advanced diagnostics
through its CLI. Another example is cloudbased packet capture that
provides cloud storage for large capture files instead of having to store
them locally.

In short, centralized network management greatly reduces the need for

local intervention and truck rolls. And since the management console
is cloud-based, network administrators can access it even when away
from their desk or office.
1 2 3 4

Connect Discover Provision Go!

Above: During deployment, cloud networking enables centralized configuration and

onboarding for all devices on the network.
• Unified Management
Networks use a combination of different device categories to enable
connectivity for clients, namely wireless access points and switches in
the LAN, and routers to access the WAN, offering centrally managed,
secure network access with consistent access policies from HQ to
remote branches and teleworkers.

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 Traditional Networking Cloud networks can manage both LAN and WAN access through
a single-pane-of-glass, from deployment to management and
troubleshooting, thereby eliminating the need to use different
1 management systems

Determine how many new

Access Points and Switches
This is achieved with a unified management platform that offers a
are needed consistent set of tools and features, such as device templates for
• Wireless Coverage Assessment
easy configuration at scale, the ability to push configurations and
• Site Survey updates remotely, and troubleshooting tools that work for all
categories of devices.

2 • Automatic Updates
Cloud networking providers can also manage the process of upgrading
Procure and install new the management functionality and the networking device firmware,
networking devices
meaning customers always have the latest features available, without
• Access Points
having to use in-house resources to perform the upgrades – just like in
• Switches
• Routers a SaaS model. As the market becomes more competitive and vendors
look to differentiate by driving additional value and functionality with
new Wi-Fi, switching, and routing features, managing the upgrade
3 process in a legacy on-premises model can become challenging for IT
departments and delay the availability of new features for your users
Determine need for additional
wireless LAN controllers & and network team.
NMS computing platform
• Tiered Management and Multi-tenancy
• Capacity analysis Large organizations, especially enterprises, often have a need to
• Hardware & Software
effectively manage multiple associated subsidiaries or locations. Cloud
networking presents the ability to separately deploy each of these
4 organizations with its own network, complete with policies, devices,
etc., and then manage them concurrently from one master account,
Procure and deploy new LAN
accessible from anywhere.
controllers & NMS platform
• Installation • Comparative Network Performance Analytics
• Configuration Advanced cloud networking solutions can leverage an anonymous
• Testing
network data pool available in the cloud to let network administrators
compare the performance of their own network with the averaged
5 performance of other deployments. Comparative analytics bring a
variety of benefits, including the ability to proactively troubleshoot
Procure network issues before they become noticeable to end users, and to adjust
management licenses
device configurations or add access points, to mitigate latent capacity
• Device licenses and coverage limitations.
• Support
• Increased Network Intelligence
Management in the cloud with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine
Learning (ML) is a key component driving decision making for IT
6
departments in the future. Utilizing AI and ML in cloud networking
Configure and deploy means networks are increasingly more intelligent and focus on defining
additional networking devices common behaviors, which can decrease workload and increase
• Centralized and/or local performance. For example, admins need only to do the most basic of
configuration and deployment
• Local deployment support and
configurations and then machine learning and artificial intelligence
truck rolls as needed capabilities can self-optimize the network. Even with the complexity of
BYOD and IoT, a network powered by AI and ML will identify a device
based on device fingerprinting and behavior, and assign appropriate
Above: A comparison of the complexities of user profiles or security restrictions. It will also self-heal, mitigating
onboarding a traditional network versus a cloud- problems before they become wide spread.
based network (page 6).

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 Cloud Networking Flexibility
One of the most attractive characteristics of cloud is elasticity – to scale up
or down seamlessly, in line with changing demand. For cloud networking,
1 a singular underlying platform is the key to enabling scalability across
networks of all sizes and into different solution tier­—all while supporting
Determine how many new your initial hardware purchases to avoid expensive refreshes. That’s why
Access Points and Switches
whether you opt for public or private cloud, the right platform is critical as
are needed
you plan, grow and upgrade your cloud network.
• Wireless Coverage Assessment
• Site Survey • Scalability—Up and Out
Networks scale along two dimensions. Firstly, network size, which
allows customers to grow their networks seamlessly by as few or as
2
many devices as needed. Secondly, functionality. Scalable functionality
lets customers add further features and even seamlessly upgrade to
Procure and install new
networking devices a higher solution tier with richer functionality, without impacting the
current network and the existing configurations and policies.
• Access Points
• Switches • Seamless Network Expansion
• Routers The ability to quickly add capacity is a huge benefit with cloud
networking. Instead of IT procuring more networking hardware and/
or software in-house, cloud networking can quickly add more capacity,
3 sometimes within minutes.

Procure cloud Organizations can add capacity in small or large increments, from only
management licenses one or two network devices to bringing up one or more new corporate
locations. Some cloud networking platforms can scale to millions
• Device licenses
• Support of devices so capacity is never an issue. In comparison, traditional
on-premises solutions may be limited to thousands of devices, and
growth beyond this threshold requires adding additional management
instances, which results in having to operate different parts of the
4
network on different instances.
Configure and deploy • Seamless Upgradability
additional networking devices Equally important as network expansion is the ability to seamlessly
• Centralized configuration add new services and management features like authentication or
• Zero-touch deployment API services, without having to worry about the impact on the
underlying infrastructure, like having to purchase new hardware
and software platforms, and having to train personnel on the new
services and applications. In other words, the cloud infrastructure lets
customers scale the network exactly as needed and greatly simplifies
network expansions.
• One Portfolio of Networking Hardware
Another inherent benefit of a single underlying network platform is
that, independent of network size, solution tier or deployment model,
it leverages the same set of network devices—access points, switches
and routers. As the network grows and evolves, customers can continue
to work with the same hardware, and don’t need to worry about being
forced into “rip and replace” upgrades.

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 SINGLE, SCALABLE ARCHITECTURE
• Deployment Choices
Different customers have different organizational needs. While many
customers today opt for public cloud deployments with its many
advantages, other customers choose on-premises deployments due
to organizational or legal requirements. With one underlying cloud
networking platform, the feature set is consistent across all deployment
PUBLIC CL OU D YOUR C LO UD models, and customers can choose the option that works best for them
Simplify deployment Create your own without having to compromise on supported functionality.
and operations centralized platform

Unfortunately, cloud networking solutions with a single underlying

• Centralized management • Private cloud / Local cloud
platform are an exception rather than the norm. While evaluating different
• Flexible cost model • Behind your firewall
solutions, be sure to research if they support seamless network growth
• Automatic updates • CapEx and OpEx flexibility and an upgrade path without requiring you to replace your management
Above: A single platform solution for system and/or your networking hardware. Also ensure that the vendor
flexible deployment. offers the deployment option that you are looking for, that it supports
the management features and the device portfolio you require, and that
the vendor is committed to making new features available on either
deployment option to ensure you are not missing out on functionality down
the line.

Cost Efficiencies
Switching to cloud networking can significantly reduce the cost of
deploying and operating an access network, compared to hosting it in-
house. Organizations will be able to save cost in the following areas:
• Capital expenditures for redundant hardware and software
infrastructure for the network management system and for centralized
hardware controllers.
• Associated personnel-related expenses (salaries, benefits, training) for
ongoing management and potential additional hires when expanding
the network.
• Ongoing operational expenses for local intervention required for
deployment and troubleshooting at remote offices and branches with
truck rolls, due to the benefits of centralized cloud management.

Open Networking APIs and Big Data Analytics

In addition, many organizations benefit from operating in an OpEx cost
environment with cloud networking, with monthly or quarterly fees from
Managed Service Providers as the organization consumes the cloud
service—as opposed to incurring the upfront capital expenditures required
for hosting their network management in-house.

Advanced cloud networking platforms can collect a world of valuable

information about the devices, clients and applications running across the
network’s central or remote locations. This information can be aggregated
into a single data pool that can be accessed through APIs, so that
customers can extend the networking platform’s functionality—developing
their own applications and system integrations to enable new analytics
Above: A comprehensive data platform includes
and insights, create better network-user engagement, and increase
APIs that improve experiences for end users and
IT/Network professionals alike operational efficiencies.

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 An added benefit of some cloud management platforms is the ability
to leverage the anonymized network data from collective network
deployments for Big Data analytics, further enriching the use cases enabled
with APIs (e.g. with comparative network analytics, machine learning and
API applications).

To make customers and developers successful, comprehensive API

platforms need to offer the following features:
• A Portfolio of APIs
Cloud networking data enables applications for a multitude of use
cases. As a result, vendors need to support different categories of APIs
to support a comprehensive range of use cases. These should include
APIs for presence and location analytics, for identity management and
for network configuration.
• An Application Ecosystem
APIs are an ideal starting point for application developers, customers
and channel partners with software development capabilities. For
those with limited development muscle, a suite of reference and 3rd
party applications allows them to leverage the benefits of APIs without
engaging in development themselves.
• A Developer Program
A developer program enables partners to successfully work with
the APIs and shortens time-to-deployment of their applications and
system integrations. A comprehensive developer program includes a
developer portal for access to the APIs, documentation and support.
Reference applications help illustrate sample use cases and shorten
development time.

Spotting the Common Pitfalls

Today, many vendors market cloud networking solutions that look very
similar at face value. But not all clouds are created equal. Here are some of
the most common pitfalls to look out for and to research while evaluating
different solutions:
• Forced upgrades: as your network grows in scale, you may have to
purchase a new network management system once your network
reaches a certain size.
• Lost connectivity or features: with some cloud solutions, if an access
point loses its connection to the cloud, there is a risk of clients losing
connectivity altogether, or of certain features becoming unavailable
until the access point can connect with the cloud again.
• Different feature sets for cloud and on-premises deployment options:
one or more features are only available on one deployment option, not
on both. Depending on your requirements, you may be forced into one
deployment model. You may also risk that new functionality in future
updates will only be made available on one deployment model, which
in turn may make interesting new features unavailable to you.

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 • Availability: With traditional network architectures, Wi-Fi service
can be interrupted if the management goes offline. With true cloud
management, connectivity at customer sites will continue. The same
applies if access to the cloud management is deliberately suspended by
the network vendor, e.g. in case of delayed payments.
• No seamless upgrade path: the vendor’s portfolio includes optional
capabilities and features (e.g. advanced authentication or APIs) that
cannot be supported by all management solutions, and will necessitate
an upgrade of the underlying management platform.
• Unproven: The rapid growth in cloud networking has resulted in the
emergence of new cloud vendors. In your vendor selection process,
examine not only cloud expertise, but networking experience and
services and support capabilities.

Common Considerations When Moving to

the Cloud
Cloud networking is rapidly being adopted by IT groups in organizations of
all sizes, and the starting point for every business should be to determine
their cloud strategy and priorities. However, almost all organizations have
questions about their move to the cloud.

Security and Privacy

Two main considerations exist with regard to security and privacy:
• Perceived loss of control over customer network data
• Dependence on the cloud networking provide

These have a number of potential security and legal implications, related to

infrastructure and identity management, physical and digital access control,
risk management, regulatory and legislative compliance, auditing and
logging, integrity control as well as to provider-dependent risks.

However, cloud networking providers are very conscious of the severity

of these risks, and are taking highly effective measures to address them.
When evaluating cloud networking providers, confirm that measures for
all of the above concerns have been implemented, and that their
effectiveness is reviewed regularly. Examples would be regular penetration
testing of the physical access controls to data centers, and of the digital
network security, for instance with simulated hacking attempts or DDoS
attacks. Reputable cloud networking providers will be able to furnish ample
documentation about their Security and Privacy safeguards to help you
address your concerns.

Availability and Reliability

When moving to the cloud, many customers are concerned about system
availability and reliability, due to a perceived loss of control. However, cloud
networking providers are experts in infrastructure management. They
guarantee the reliability and availability of their services with SLAs, usually
of 99.99% or more. With this, customers can rest assured that their network
will be available continually. Cloud networking providers are also able to
minimize downtime for updating the network, and schedule updates well in
advance so that the business impact to customers’ networks is minimized.

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 Providers must also clearly state their resiliency plans including redundancy
and backup measures to ensure continued availability of networking
services in case of outages and disasters

When evaluating cloud networking vendors, be sure to review their

SLAs, especially regarding guaranteed uptime, the expected number and
duration of planned outages and upgrades. Also research the impact of
cloud service outages: the most advanced cloud networking solutions will
continue to provide connectivity for end users, even if the connection to the
cloud-based management is interrupted.

System Performance
Customers expect their cloud services and applications to be available
at all times, and with the same speed and responsiveness as if they were
hosted on-premises. Again, trusted cloud networking providers will be able
to provide their key performance metrics on service availability to review
ahead of any decision.

While cloud networking platforms are available almost anywhere via

internet access, a globalized cloud infrastructure is a must-have. A global
cloud infrastructure with regional data centers is a prerequisite for ensuring
the best possible system performance, and also offers redundancy.

Compliance

Many organizations have to meet regulatory compliance requirements such

as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) or the PCI
DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), and a host of other
regulatory requirements in Europe and Asia. Cloud networking providers
typically implement compliancy with regionally applicable regulations
and will be transparent in sharing details about their compliance level, the
capability to let customers generate audit reports, and the locations of their
datacenters. Global data center presence therefore not only impacts system
performance, but also offers organizations simplified compliance with
regional data privacy requirements.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

When moving to the cloud, many customers look to advanced capabilities,

such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to enhance network
automation and performance.

The figure to the left illustrates the evolution of cloud. The first generation
t of cloud was focused on cost savings—the ability to move some hardware
en
em
nag out of network locations and provide flexibility in management. The second
Ma
ud generation focused on security, analytics and data gathering, and a push
Clo
to increase resiliency and reliability. The third, and current, generation
• Real-time innnovation focuses on real-time innovation and artificial intelligence and machine
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning learning features.
• Security
• Analytics Real-time innovation means that operations of applications and data
• Resiliency

• Flexibility
services are continuously available without interruption—downtime
• Scalability
• Cost Savings
is unacceptable. Delivery of releases, updates, and patches are fully
automated. A key benefit of third generation cloud technology is the
Above: The evolution of cloud. elasticity that comes with it in the form of IT automation.

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 This ultimately simplifies the planning, deployment, management, and
support of a network allowing IT staff to focus on the places that increase
value and eliminating the stages that appropriate unnecessary resources.

Conclusion
Cloud networking is a powerful solution, and offers a host of advantages
compared to traditional, noncloud-based network management systems.
Due to its flexibility and seamless scalability, cloud networking is a fit for
organizations of all sizes and industries. Even industries or regions that
have traditionally relied on on-premises deployments, due to security and
availability concerns, are increasingly moving to the cloud.

Hopefully you have found this guide useful in determining whether cloud
networking is right for your organization, and to start reviewing potential
solutions to ensure you’ll benefit in the following areas:

Simplicity and Efficiency:

• Centralized network management
• Unified management
• Automated upgrades
• Tiered management of subsidiaries or locations
• Comparative network performance analytics
• More intelligence to decrease admin workload and
increase performance

Flexibility:
• Expanding your network in size
• Seamless upgrade path to new features
• Full support of your deployment choice
• One set of networking hardware as you grow and upgrade
your network

Cost Efficiencies:
• Reduced hardware and software investment
• Reduced resources for system deployment and maintenance
• Options to move to OpEx
• Simplified system maintenance and troubleshooting

Analytics and Insights:

• A portfolio of APIs
• An application ecosystem
• A developer program

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