In an effort to keep pace with new demands on network infrastructure, Edge Computing will take precedence. Edge Computing relocates data closer to the point where it is needed to speed up transfers and communication. Public cloud spending will shift to edge computing spending--bringing data closer to home. 

Prepare for massive improvements in cellphone technology as 5G coverage is scheduled to reach the whole nation by the end of 2021. T-Mobile is in the lead on the 5G race with AT&T and Verizon close behind.

The connection of devices, endpoints and assets that haven't been able to communicate with a network are considered the Internet of Things. COVID-19 introduced a myriad of reasons to utilize multiple devices in a seamless business operation. From curbside service to self-checkout kiosks to working remotely, a new connectivity is in demand. 

SD-WAN (software-defined networking in a wide area network) is a software-based approach to building and managing networks that connect geographically dispersed offices. 

SASE (secure access service edge) simplifies wide-area networking and security by delivering both as a cloud service directly to the source of connection rather than the enterprise data center.

As more and more business operations move to the digital realm, security will be paramount in protecting customers and employees, and reducing business liability. SASE brings a much-needed security element to previously used networks.