10 Factors to Consider When Upgrading Your Business’s Network Infrastructure

In industries like manufacturing, logistics and large-scale production, network inefficiencies are more than just an IT issue. Downtime, slow data transfers and security vulnerabilities can delay automation, hinder supply chain coordination and put sensitive information at risk, directly threatening operational success.

Upgrading network infrastructure ensures businesses run at peak efficiency and remain competitive in the digital marketplace. Here’s what to consider.

1. Short- and Long-Term Needs

Before implementing any network upgrades, businesses must thoroughly assess their current infrastructure and anticipate future requirements. This evaluation should consider immediate operational demands and long-term strategic objectives.

This includes an analysis of current network performance, including bandwidth utilization, latency issues and bottlenecks, that may be hindering productivity. Network administrators should also factor in projected growth, examining how increased data traffic, additional users and new applications might impact network requirements over the next three to five years. This forward-thinking approach helps ensure upgrades remain relevant and cost-effective in the long term.

2. Security Considerations

Network security should be at the forefront of any infrastructure upgrade decision. Modern threats continue to become more sophisticated, with businesses being the most lucrative targets for cybercriminals. Implementing robust security measures that protect sensitive data and maintain continuity is nonnegotiable. In this regard, businesses should consider:

• Next-generation firewalls and intrusion detection systems that provide advanced threat protection and real-time monitoring capabilities.
• Network segmentation strategies that isolate critical systems and limit the potential impact of security breaches.
• Enhanced authentication protocols and access control mechanisms to ensure only authorized users can see sensitive resources.
• Regular security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities before exploitation.
• AI-driven security solutions that provide automated threat detection and response capabilities.

3. Compatibility With Existing Systems

Integration with existing hardware and software systems is required for maintaining smooth operations. Businesses should carefully evaluate how new network components will interact with current infrastructure, including:

Legacy Systems

Many manufacturing environments rely on specialized equipment or software that may require specific network configurations or protocols. Upgraded plans must account for these requirements to ensure continued functionality.

Future Technologies

While maintaining compatibility with existing systems is important, businesses should consider how their upgraded infrastructure will support emerging technologies such as IoT devices, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications. Preparing for computing advancements supports adopting next-generation networking solutions ahead of the curve.

4. Performance and Scalability

High-performance networking is essential for modern manufacturing operations and other industrial applications. Organizations should consider current workloads and future expansion plans when evaluating performance requirements. This begins with choosing between different types of network cabling.

For instance, while copper cables conduct electrons for data transfer at relatively slow speeds, fiber optic cables conduct photons traveling at the speed of light, allowing for significantly faster data transmission. This fundamental difference in technology substantially impacts network performance and future scalability. Additionally, companies should explore the benefits of software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) to improve network flexibility, automation and efficiency.

5. Reliability and Redundancy

Network downtime can result in substantial financial losses and a damaged reputation. Companies should implement redundant systems and failover capabilities to ensure business continuity in case of network failures.

• Implementing redundant data paths and load balancing can minimize the risk of service interruptions.
• Leveraging cloud-based disaster recovery solutions can provide additional protection against unexpected outages.
• Monitoring and predictive analytics tools can help IT teams proactively identify and address potential issues before they cause downtime.

6. Regulatory Compliance

Industries face increasingly complex regulatory requirements regarding data protection and network security. Organizations must ensure network upgrades align with relevant compliance standards, including industry-specific regulations and data protection laws.

Companies handling sensitive customer or business information must comply with GDPR, HIPAA and other regulatory frameworks. Encryption and data privacy measures should be incorporated into network upgrades to maintain compliance with evolving cybersecurity standards.

7. Balancing Wired and Wireless Networks

While wired networks are preferred for stability and low latency in industrial settings, wireless networks provide flexibility and mobility. A hybrid approach could streamline:

• Reliable wired connections for mission-critical systems such as production machinery and data centers.
• Secure wireless networks to support mobile employees, IoT devices and real-time communication tools.

For instance, manufacturers upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 experience improved connectivity in large facilities, enhancing mobile device performance and minimizing signal interference. Wi-Fi 6 also improves network efficiency in high-density environments by allowing more devices to connect simultaneously without performance degradation.

8. Cost Considerations and ROI

Financial planning for network upgrades requires careful consideration of both immediate costs and long-term return on investment.

• Direct costs: Hardware acquisition, installation expenses and licensing fees represent the most visible costs of network upgrades. However, these immediate expenses should be weighed against the potential benefits of improved efficiency and reduced maintenance costs over time.
• Indirect costs: Enterprises must also consider less obvious expenses such as staff training, potential downtime during implementation and ongoing maintenance requirements. These factors can significantly impact the total cost of ownership for new network infrastructure.

For instance, electric vehicle (EV) companies should be aware of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to take advantage of its offerings. To reach the goal of at least 50% of EV sales by 2030, businesses can access funding from the act’s $7.5 billion kitty to reinforce EV infrastructure programs, such as building more charging stations across the U.S., even in rural areas.

9. Maintenance and Support

Long-term maintenance requirements and support availability inadvertently influence upgrade decisions.

Vendor Support

The availability of reliable vendor support for new network components is nonnegotiable. Organizations should evaluate company track records and support capabilities before making significant investments. Service level agreements (SLAs) should be carefully reviewed to ensure adequate response times and technical assistance.

Internal Resources

Companies must assess whether their IT staff has the necessary expertise to maintain new network infrastructure or if additional training or outsourcing will be required. Investing in network monitoring tools and automated management solutions can enhance the efficiency of in-house IT teams in combating potential attacks.

10. Implementation Strategy

Businesses should develop a well-planned implementation strategy that details project timelines, identifies potential risks and specifies clear communication channels with stakeholders. This planning should cover the following:

Change Management

Effective change management procedures help minimize disruption during the upgrade process. Companies should develop detailed rollback plans in case unexpected issues arise during implementation. Conducting pilot tests before full deployment can help identify potential compatibility issues and reduce implementation risks.

User Training

Staff training requirements should be assessed early in the planning process. Adequate training ensures employees utilize new network capabilities effectively and follow updated security protocols. Hands-on training sessions and documentation should be provided to IT staff and end-users to facilitate a smooth transition.

Secure Networks for the Future

Upgrading network infrastructure is a significant investment that requires careful planning and consideration of multiple factors. By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, companies can make informed decisions that support their current operations while positioning them for future growth and technological advancement.

Staying adaptable to emerging networking trends and technologies can help businesses future-proof their infrastructure and maintain a robust digital foundation for years.