[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/zpesystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_5888134731.jpg” alt=”shutterstock_588813473(1)” title_text=”shutterstock_588813473(1)” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A branch network consists of many moving pieces that need to be remotely deployed, managed, and supported. That typically means separate devices for all the key functions like routing, switching, security, etc. However, as data and applications grow more distributed\u2014especially due to the popularity of edge computing\u2014it becomes harder for IT teams to keep up with the growing number of vendors and solutions at the branch. Branch-in-a-box seeks to solve that problem by delivering all your branch networking functions in an all-in-one device.<\/p>\n
Branch-in-a-box consolidates an entire branch networking technology stack into one piece of hardware. A branch-in-a-box solution might include gateway routing, voice and data switching, firewall, Wi-Fi, and other crucial functionalities. Instead of learning, installing, managing, and troubleshooting five different boxes at each branch location, you only have to worry about one core device.<\/p>\n
Next-generation branch-in-a-box solutions typically rely on the following branch networking technologies:<\/p>\n
SD-WAN optimizes traffic to and from the branch, ensuring optimal performance and productivity in all your remote locations. SD-Branch extends your reach into the individual branch LANs to give you more control over network routing and performance. Compute capabilities let you run VMs and containers without deploying additional servers. Finally, OOB ensures you always have access to your branch infrastructure, even during a WAN outage. A branch-in-a-box solution harnesses those technologies to give you control over a consolidated networking stack including routing, switching, firewall, and Wi-Fi capabilities.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s say the typical branch network relies on five boxes\u2014a gateway router, a voice switch, a data switch, a wireless access point (AP), and a firewall. Five devices may not seem like a lot; and using a separate box for each branch networking job means you can, theoretically, choose the best-of-breed solution for each. If you only have one or two branch locations and a large, well-trained IT staff, then supporting multiple branch networking devices probably won\u2019t be a problem.<\/p>\n
But what happens when your business grows, and you need to scale up to 10 branches? And then 100 branches? And then 1,000? Suddenly, five best-of-breed devices turns into 5,000 individual boxes you need to purchase, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot.<\/p>\n
Branch-in-a-box solves this problem by rolling-up all your crucial branch networking devices into one consolidated solution. This helps you save money on equipment, both in terms of the up-front costs and the recurring costs of licensing, software, and support. Device consolidation can also decrease the power consumption at your branches, saving you energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint. Deploying a branch-in-a-box is often faster and easier since you only need to ship and install one box instead of five.<\/p>\n
Plus, an all-in-one branch networking solution<\/a> reduces the overall complexity of your enterprise network by decreasing the number of devices and platforms that your engineers need to learn, manage, and support. That means your IT operations team can work more efficiently, spending less time on individual maintenance tasks and more time optimizing your branch networking. It also reduces the risk of configuration mistakes and other human errors that could potentially bring down your branches.<\/p>\n Of course, when you replace many different boxes with one solution, you run the risk of vendor lock-in. Suppose your branch-in-a-box solution runs in a closed ecosystem. In that case, it\u2019s critical for that one box to truly cover every branch networking capability you need, because you won\u2019t be able to extend its capabilities with third-party tools and devices. Plus, you\u2019ll be forced to follow that vendor\u2019s feature and support roadmap, which may diverge from your organization\u2019s future goals and requirements.<\/p>\n To avoid these issues, it\u2019s crucial to select a vendor-neutral branch-in-a-box that runs on an open platform, like Nodegrid.<\/p>\n Nodegrid<\/a> is a family of open-architecture, vendor-neutral networking solutions for branch, edge, and datacenter. All Nodegrid Services Routers consolidate multiple features and functionalities into one box so you can streamline your network infrastructure and reduce the complexity of your branches. For example, the Hive SR<\/a> is a next-generation branch-in-a-box that can host many essential functions on one compact device, including:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Gateway routing” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#F3BE19″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”21px” admin_label=”Gateway routing” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”SD-WAN with AutoVPN” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#F3BE19″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”21px” admin_label=”SD-WAN with AutoVPN” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Wi-FI Access Point” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#F3BE19″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”21px” admin_label=”Wi-FI Access Point” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”5G\/4G\/LTE” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#F3BE19″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”21px” admin_label=”5G\/4G\/LTE” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Secure out-of-band access” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#F3BE19″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”21px” admin_label=”Secure out-of-band access” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Firewall” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#F3BE19″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”21px” admin_label=”Firewall” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”NetDevOps provisioning” url=”https:\/\/zpesystems.com\/what-is-netdevops-the-definitive-guide-zs\/” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#F3BE19″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”21px” admin_label=”NetDevOps provisioning” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Nodegrid also simplifies branch network management by providing a centralized, vendor-neutral platform from which to monitor, control, and troubleshoot your global network. ZPE Cloud<\/a> gives your team access to all Nodegrid-connected devices from anywhere in the world through a secure, cloud-based web portal. Or you can use the on-premises Nodegrid Manager<\/a> to gain complete control over every aspect of your branch network.<\/p>\n Plus, Nodegrid devices like the Hive SR run on the Linux-based Nodegrid OS. This open architecture supports easy integrations with third-party solutions. That means you can extend the device\u2019s capabilities to include automation, orchestration, SSE, and other functions, allowing Nodegrid to scale with your organization.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”#358AAF” custom_margin=”||||true|false” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Contact ZPE Syst<\/b>e<\/b>ms<\/b> today to view a free demo of Nodegrid branch-in-a-box in action.<\/b><\/p>\nThe challenge of branch-in-a-box<\/h3>\n
Innovative and vendor-neutral branch networking<\/h2>\n
Nodegrid delivers branch-in-a-box solutions through all-in-one hardware, consolidated management, and a completely open and extensible platform that scales on-demand.<\/b><\/h2>\n