What are managed network solutions, and why do you need them?

Digital transformation is no longer optional. Applications are increasingly moving to the cloud, hybrid work has become a permanent fixture, and attackers are targeting companies of all sizes and in all industries.

In a landscape where even large corporations struggle to update their network, how can smaller organizations be expected to keep pace? Through managed network solutions. Working with an established provider allows you to outsource network operations, creating and maintaining a network that is more reliable, secure, efficient, and cost-effective.

Instead of tackling complex management on your own, you can have an expert take care of network visibility, network security, and a great deal more.

What a managed network service is

Traditional arrangements require you to manage network operations internally. A managed service instead sees you working with an established provider, and through that expertise your network gains greater reliability, improved security, and enhanced efficiency. With a provider supporting you, it also becomes easier to troubleshoot issues, ensuring consistent remote access and a reliable connection for employees.

Components of a managed network

Managed network solutions typically feature a combination of hardware and software: routers, switches, firewalls, and network operating systems. Because these resources are managed by a third party, you free up internal resources to focus on core operations while leveraging advanced technologies like network automation and analytics without needing in-house expertise.

Management and monitoring

Providers typically monitor incoming and outgoing traffic 24x7x365, allowing them to identify and troubleshoot issues before they impact operations, with real-time awareness of network status and performance.

Network security

Most managed solutions have security built in at the foundation, protecting against unauthorized access, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of sensitive data. Other functions include firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, antivirus, and encryption, plus regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.

Optimization

Monitoring traffic, identifying bottlenecks, and optimizing configuration through analytics improves performance. Continuous analysis and fine-tuning also ensures operations continue without interruptions or slowdowns.

Scalability and flexibility

A managed network must handle both fluctuations in traffic and long-term growth, and accommodate different device types and applications, from connected devices to mobile.

Cloud compatibility

Cloud compatibility is non-negotiable. Managed offerings must be compatible with leading cloud providers, cloud-agnostic, and able to integrate across both multi-cloud and hybrid environments.

Network infrastructure

The physical and logical components that make up the network, including routers, switches, servers, and the cables and wireless connections that link them. A robust infrastructure is the backbone of the business, ensuring seamless communication and data transfer.

Design and layout

The strategic configuration and organization of a network: device placement, cable routing, and protocol configuration. A well-designed network improves performance, reduces downtime, minimizes bottlenecks, and supports the scalability needed to adapt to future demand.

The benefits

• Controlling costs. Working with a provider keeps costs predictable while lowering overhead through better utilization.
• Maintaining competitive advantage. Beyond outsourcing management, you can leverage emerging technologies to better support customers and staff.
• Increasing security. A provider offers a range of solutions to keep sensitive data safe without requiring additional in-house expertise.
• Flexibility and scalability. From wireless networking to intelligent traffic routing, providers offer solutions that keep operations both flexible and scalable.
• Increasing productivity. Leaving network management to the experts allows you to focus attention on other projects.
• Supporting remote work. A reliable connection helps avoid workflow interruptions while enabling secure remote access for employees working offsite.
• Enhancing reliability. Expertise combined with automation streamlines monitoring and management.
• High availability. A managed provider operates under a service level agreement that guarantees uptime, and analytics help identify and resolve potential issues before they cause disruption.

How Momentum can help

Momentum offers a complete range of managed network solutions, part of a portfolio trusted across tens of thousands of locations globally. A few of the ways we can help:

• Dynamic, flexible, high-performance network infrastructure.
• Deploying a high-performance wireless network.
• Intelligent, global network traffic routing.
• Network automation backed by our own operations expertise.
• Architecture design and monitoring to ensure optimal performance and security.