Digital transformation: Network edge

In previous articles, we have already shown how network operators are supporting their customers in the digital transformation through network expansion, network-as-a-service functions and self-service portals. In this final article, we look at the

Edge in the customer network

The network edge is one or more boundaries within a network that determine who controls the underlying components for the network infrastructure. Typically, however, networks also include a WAN for connecting remote offices as well as connectivity to the public Internet and public cloud resources. WAN connectivity includes technologies such as MPLS or Metro Ethernet as well as Internet access. The point that forms the interface between the enterprise’s own network and a third-party network is referred to as the network edge.

Edge capacities

Digital transformation, analytics, AI-powered customer experiences and autonomous vehicles require more and more edge capacity to function correctly as there are physical limits to bandwidth and latency. There is a lot of innovation in this area to make these experiences faster, more efficient and more cost-effective. What is not so obvious is the fact that fiber network providers play an important role in edge solutions. Because without connectivity, the edge doesn’t work, and fiber is the connection that brings massive bandwidth and minimal latency to the edge.

As we have noted in previous articles, network operators will expand their connections, manage networks more themselves and offer customers programmatic, streamlined and simplified access. All of this will support innovation at the edge. But providers will also drive innovation at the edge of the network with specialized capabilities.

SD-WAN and SASE

Realizing the full potential of SD-WAN at the edge is an important foundation for distributed IT, leading to improvements in performance, resiliency and cost. As network providers continue to expand their SD-WAN capabilities and extend them to the edge, they should also focus on security. Vendors that develop and deploy SASE-like innovations in their networks will have an advantage over those that do not.

Edge stations

All too often, devices at the edge of the network capture so much data that it cannot be transmitted over wireless networks to edge nodes or core data centers. As a result, there are increasing efforts to bring fiber closer to the edge. End devices – whether drones, autonomous vehicles or others – will have an alternative connection to transmit the huge amounts of data they generate.

To summarize, a lot of innovation will take place at the edge of the network in 2023 and network providers will play their part. As you can see from investments in SD-WAN and Edge Managed Services, Savecall’s partners are doing their part and striving to deliver the capabilities customers need as quickly as possible.

We hope this series has been informative and has given you an idea of where the market is heading. We will continue to provide insights and perspectives to help you make informed decisions, discover opportunities and improve your business.

Technical contributions from Savecall experts –> September 26, 2025 Rethinking multi-cloud security: six critical challenges and how to solve them Why security in the multi-cloud needs to be rethought Many companies are currently facing the same challenge: integrating network… learn more –> September 18, 2025 Does your corporate network meet your business ambitions? It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and excitement surrounding new technologies. Some of the promised… learn more –> September 12, 2025 Benefits of colocation for enterprises Today, data centers have become a critical component of the digital IT infrastructure of many global enterprises. The demand for data center services is… learn more More… I look forward to your questions!

Frank Frommknecht

Key Account Consultant