2012-2013 Branch Router Buyer's Guide

In this buying guide Aerohive Networks discusses the important factors to consider when purchasing branch routers. It covers issues with legacy branch network models, such as more local users, more and smaller branches, and more devices that must be supported, including bring your own device (BYOD). Today, more than ever, employee owned devices cannot be ignored. As employees become increasingly remote, some requirements must remain the same. The network these employees use must still perform as if they are on the corporate LAN, since many of today's heavyweight applications, such as VOIP, depend upon this level of performance in order to function.

Cost considerations are taken into account, where consumer level gear can be cost effective but is not enterprise class, but where enterprise-class equipment can be too costly. Many enterprises will naturally consider that, based on the size of deployment, consumer networking gear may be acceptable. Even if the amount of people working in a branch office is small, the information that these users must access is normally the same material accessed in a head office. This means that the same applications being used over the corporate LAN must be usable in the branch office and must maintain the same performance levels. Since the network deployed at a remote location must be flexible and have the capability to handle BYOD similar to the corporate headquarters network, a consumer device is far too limiting.

This guide also covers key architectural considerations and 10 things that a branch solution must do, including deployment, installation and maintenance, cost, security, and corporate features.

Download this guide below to read more.