Unlocking the digital workplace with next-gen wireless networks

By Tom Chan, Director of Network Solutions and Security

The modern workplace is now unrecognisable from the office environment we remember from only a decade ago. Gone are the days where employees clock in at the same desk and tethered PC each day. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-safe workspaces, employees are now expected to conduct their work in interactive and dynamic locations.

As employees move from space to space, connecting devices and applications to meeting room screens, cameras, and conferencing systems, how do we create seamless and intuitive technology environments without adding extra complexity?

To meet the new demands of the smart digital workplace, wireless networks must contend with several new workplace trends.

Roam where you want to

Many modern workplaces have adopted mobiles as essential workforce devices. Now that we’re expected to work from anywhere (WFA), mobile devices allow us to quickly find the information we need in any location and efficiently use our time.

Yet onboarding this new environment of mobile devices requires intuitive network solutions that streamline network policies and configurations across a range of devices and operating systems. It also requires a wireless network that can cope with new bandwidth requirements in every nook and cranny of your current office environment.

Can you hear me?

Meetings using MS Teams or Zoom has become the staple interaction for many people over the last 12 months, and that genie is unlikely to go back into the bottle anytime soon.

Now that we’re all accustomed to virtual face-to-face meetings in any location, our wireless networks need to facilitate these interactions by enabling any device to send high-quality audio and video from any device.

We all know how frustrating it can be to experience poor network performance during the crucial stage of our presentation, or when we’re patiently listening to one of our new clients. With communication and collaboration now the lifeblood of business innovation, your wireless network has become the arteries for keeping your workforce pumping.

Keep your data safe

As we increasingly rely on mobile collaboration to drive engagement and productivity across our workforce, we must also balance the need to keep our users, applications and data secure. The constant movement of devices and users in and out of wireless networks requires more dynamic security solutions based on the principles of zero trust security – in which every connection is a potential threat until proven otherwise.

Staying ahead of the new mobile connectivity and security needs demands a new approach to wireless network infrastructure and management. Network administrators and IT teams need tools to deliver seamless workplace experiences without adding additional complexity and risk to their already complex roles.

At Optus, we deploy wireless networks designed to meet the demands of a more mobile and connected workforce. As an Aruba partner, we bring our expertise to creating the ideal network solution for driving engagement and productivity.

If you want to discuss the wireless network goals for achieving your digital transformation, please contact your Optus Account Manager or call the Optus Enterprise & Business hotline on 1300 764 258.