Introduction to Network Migration: The What and How

27 Oct 2023

As technology advances and business needs evolve, mission critical companies often face the challenge of migrating their existing networks to more advanced and efficient infrastructure. In this article, we will explore the concept of network migration, the associated challenges, the reasons behind companies migrating networks, and the best practices to ensure a seamless transition.

What is network migration?

Network migration is a complex process involving various changes in infrastructure. It can consist on migrating the entire network to a new infrastructure, redesigning the entire network, replacing legacy equipment, upgrading hardware, software or adopting new protocols. This transformation can be particularly significant in large-scale infrastructures with millions of devices.

The goal of network migration is to improve network performance, security, scalability, and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of an organization.

Why do companies migrate their networks?

Companies migrate their networks to take advantage of new technologies, boost performance, enhance security, save costs, and adapt to business growth and changing industry rules.

Hardware Upgrades

Upgrading network hardware involves replacing older devices like routers, switches, firewalls, and access points with newer and more advanced models. New hardware often offers improved performance, security and enhanced features that align with modern networking requirements.

Software Updates

Network migration may involve updating the software running on network devices, such as firmware upgrades on switches and routers or updating the operating system on servers. These updates ensure the network components are running the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes.

Protocol Changes

Migrating the network might require transitioning to newer or more efficient network protocols. For instance, moving from an older TDM protocol (SDH and PDH) to the newer one MPLS-TP may be necessary to improve the performance and address limitations of the previous protocol.

Network Redesign

In some cases, network migration may require redesigning the entire network architecture. This can involve redefining subnets, segmenting networks for improved security, or optimizing the network topology for better traffic flow.

Virtualization and Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Network migration may involve adopting virtualization technologies or SDN approaches. Virtualization allows multiple virtual network instances to run on a single physical device, optimizing resource utilization and increasing network flexibility. SDN separates the network control plane from the data plane, enabling centralized management and configuration of network devices.

What are some challenges typically encountered during network migration?

  • Data Migration. Moving data and configurations from the old to the new network requires careful planning to prevent data loss and maintain service continuity.
  • Compatibility. Ensuring that the new network components are compatible with existing infrastructure and systems is crucial. Incompatibilities may lead to connectivity issues and service disruptions.
  • Resource Allocation. Adequate budget, skilled personnel, and time are indispensable factors for the successful completion of the migration process.
  • Risk of Service Disruptions. The risk of service disruptions or performance issues during migration is ever-present. Strategies for fault tolerance and failover mechanisms are essential to mitigate this challenge.
  • Legacy System Decommissioning. Decommissioning outdated systems and hardware can be complex, as it involves data migration, archival, and potential data retention legalities.
  • Security Concerns. Migrating networks may expose vulnerabilities, making them potential targets for cyber-attacks. Implementing robust security measures is crucial to safeguard data and network assets.
  • Testing and Validation. Rigorous testing is essential to verify that the new network performs as expected and meets the required specifications.

Some of best practices for Network Migration

To ensure a successful network migration, companies should consider the following best practices:

  • Planning: Develop a detailed migration plan that includes a clear timeline, resource allocation, risk assessment, and contingency measures.
  • Data Backup and Security: Implement robust data backup procedures and security measures to protect critical information throughout the migration process.
  • Rollback Plan: Develop a well-defined rollback plan that allows reverting to the previous network configuration in case the migration encounters significant challenges.
  • Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of configurations, settings, and changes made during migration to aid troubleshooting and future reference.
  • Post-Migration Review: Conduct a post-migration review with all stakeholders to evaluate the success of the migration, identify lessons learned, and plan for future improvements.

How does SGRwin can support you with services for network migration?

When it comes to network migration, SGRwin stands as a reliable provider of network solutions and services. With over 30 years of expertise in managing critical network infrastructures, we offer comprehensive support to companies seeking to replace their network management and monitoring systems.

We also can assist you with:

  • Assessing Current Network: Conducting a thorough assessment of your existing network infrastructure to identify areas for improvement and recommend suitable migration strategies.
  • Planning and Strategy: Developing a customized migration plan tailored to your organization’s specific needs, ensuring a smooth transition while minimizing downtime and disruption.
  • Vendor Selection and Integration: Assisting in the selection of appropriate vendors and technologies for the new network infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration.

Contact our expert team for network migration advice and the best options tailored to your needs. Let’s make your network migration plans a success!

Have a question or want to book a demo?

Our friendly team of experts are on hand to help.

Contact us