Best Branch Office for enterprise networks | Guide

Selecting The Best Branch Office Routers For Your Enterprise Network

 

Are you an IT leader in the enterprise navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology? As technology advances and workforces become more distributed, the heartbeat of your organization lies within a robust and efficient IT infrastructure.

A multi-site strategy is not just a choice, but a tool! It can help businesses to differentiate their multiple brands, enter new markets, increase market share, and develop a competitive advantage.

But how can you ensure that multi-site IT infrastructure stays connected, secure, and efficient? The answer lies in choosing the best branch office router that suits your organization’s needs perfectly. These routers enhance network performance and security and pave the way for innovative network management strategies like SD-WAN routing and edge computing.

By making the right choice, you’re gaining a strategic advantage that propels your enterprise forward in the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology.

In this guide, we will present the top 5 branch office routers ready to supercharge your network and empower your business to thrive in today’s dynamic environment.

 

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Branch Office Routers

Choosing the best branch office router can significantly impact the performance and security of your multi-site IT infrastructure. To ensure you make an informed choice, consider the following key factors:

 

Performance and Throughput

Prioritize routers with high data transfer rates and low latency for seamless communication between offices and data centers.

 

Security Features

Safeguard data with a strong firewall, VPN support, intrusion prevention, and encryption capabilities to prevent cyber threats.

 

Scalability

Choose a router that grows with your business, accommodating new sites, users, and devices without compromising performance.

 

Reliability and Redundancy

Opt for routers with dual power supplies and support for redundant links to ensure network stability and minimize downtime risks.

 

Management and Monitoring

Pick a user-friendly router with remote management options for efficient distributed network oversight.

 

Support and Warranty

Ensure comprehensive technical support and a suitable warranty period for timely assistance and maintenance.

 

Price and Total Cost of Ownership

Balance router features against costs, considering maintenance, support, and power usage for a cost-effective decision.

 

Reviews and Reputation

Validate router reliability by checking user reviews and the manufacturer’s reputation, gaining insights from real-world experiences.

 

Top 5 Exceptional Branch Office Routers Redefining Multi-Site Connectivity

Are you ready to explore the top 5 branch office routers that are setting new standards in multi-site connectivity? Here’s a brief comparison of all the 5 best routers to help you choose the best one:

 

Router	Benefits	Drawbacks	Use Case
Cisco 4000 ISR	Simplified management through Cisco DNA Center Comprehensive security and threat protection High availability with dual-integrated power supplies	Limited onboard ports as standard Complex setup and configuration	Ideal for businesses needing secure and agile multi-site connectivity
Meraki MX Series	Seamless integration with cloud environments Simplified communication across locations Robust security measures	Meraki support staff visibility into networks, affecting privacy and security Bit pricey	Well-suited for organizations requiring user-friendly management and strong security
Juniper MX Series	Support for L2/L2.5/L3 VPN services Modular platforms for diverse networking needs Add-on solutions for enhanced capabilities	Potential areas for improvement in support and interface agility	Perfect for companies seeking comprehensive and automated network management
FortiGate 200E Series	AI-powered security with machine learning Access to robust FortiOS software	Scalability optimization for larger enterprises Occasional delays in customer service response times	Excellent choice for organizations prioritizing advanced security and network control
VyOS	Versatile compatibility with different hardware solutions Extensive customization options	Complexity in initial setup and configuration Potential need for additional development	Suited for tech-savvy businesses requiring tailored multi-site networking solutions

From cutting-edge features to robust security capabilities, these exceptional routers are poised to revolutionize the way businesses manage their IT infrastructure.

Let’s Dive in!

 

Cisco 4000 Integrated Services Routers

Cisco, a renowned leader in network hardware, offers an incredible combination of branch office security, routing, and connectivity tools with its Cisco 4000 Integrated Services routers. These routers provide access to routing, hosting, switching, security, and application visibility, all within a trustworthy and fast platform.

Some of the key features of the Cisco 4000 series include:

• Dynamic traffic routing through advanced SD-WAN technology, ensuring seamless and efficient data transmission across your multi-site network.
• Network function virtualization, open APIs, and cloud management capabilities, providing enhanced flexibility and adaptability to meet your organization’s evolving networking needs.
• Concurrent software services operating at blazing speeds of up to 2 Gbps, guaranteeing optimal performance and responsiveness for all your critical applications and services.
• Distributed multicore architecture featuring the industry’s first internal services plan and boosts overall network efficiency, enabling smoother data flow and improved resource allocation.
• IRS-AX application experience software, which brings advanced routing and monitoring services to the forefront, ensuring an unparalleled user experience for your team and customers.

 

But wait..
It’s essential to consider some factors when choosing this router. For instance, it may not come with sufficient onboard ports as standard. The configuration and setup process is cumbersome, leading to time-consuming builds and specifications.

However, Cisco 4000 Integrated Services Routers use case includes streamlining branch office networking by combining routing, switching, and security functionalities. These routers ensure seamless connectivity and application visibility while offering simplified management through Cisco DNA Center. With integrated threat protection and dual-power supply support, they ensure secure and reliable operations for uninterrupted business continuity.

 

Juniper MX Series Universal Routing Platforms

The Juniper MX Series Universal Routing Platforms is a well-known and reputable choice in the enterprise networking arena, offering numerous phenomenal router solutions to cater to business leaders.The MX Series routers support an extensive array of L2/L2.5/L3 VPN services To ensure reliable and consistent networking performance.

The Juniper MX Series’ real-world use case blends strong networking capabilities with flexibility. The Modular MX Series platforms – including the MX960, MX480, and MX240 – serve as exclusive gateways, connecting you to cable, mobile, and data center networks. This exclusive access gives agile companies a competitive edge, enabling seamless and direct network connections for unhindered growth.

Below are its key features worth knowing:

• An extensive range of multiservice edge connection and timing features, enabling businesses to manage various services and applications at the network edge efficiently.
• Extensive automation capabilities designed to empower service providers and network administrators, providing streamlined operations, heightened efficiency, and enhanced control over the network environment.
• Full-service suites that integrate advanced firewalls and security features, ensuring comprehensive protection against cyber threats and safeguarding critical data and sensitive information from potential breaches.
• Juniper’s virtual universal routing platforms, which deliver cutting-edge edge routing capabilities.

 

Overall, the Juniper MX Series Universal Routing Platforms are commendable for organizations seeking reliable and powerful networking solutions.

It provides access to various add-on solutions to complement their routers, including managed DDoS protection in collaboration with Corero. However, some users have pointed out potential areas for improvement like improving technical support and introducing a graphical interface for enhanced agility.

 

FortiGate 200E Series

The sought-after FortiGate 200E series stands out as an ideal branch office router for modern businesses. Its seamless AI-powered security and machine learning integration ensures top-notch router control and threat protection.

The FortiOS use case highlights its robust software that enables business leaders to oversee and control their networks from anywhere effortlessly. But that’s not all – FortiOS takes it a step further. It provides a comprehensive solution with added perks like web security, migration aid, and device security for remote teams. The presence of SOC-as-a-service, featuring top-tier hunting and automation, underlines its commitment to exceptional customer support.

Some of the key features of the FortiGate 200E Series include:

• Cutting-edge security services encompassing web filtering, content inspection, and device protection. This comprehensive security suite ensures that your network is safeguarded against modern threats, providing a secure environment for your critical assets and data.
• Specialist security processing units, tailor-made to handle end-to-end and edge security requirements. These purpose-built units deliver optimized and efficient security operations, enabling seamless protection for your network from the core to the edge.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), providing a secure and user-centric approach to application access.

 

While the system’s scalability could be further optimized for larger enterprise companies, it still offers substantial value to businesses seeking robust networking solutions. Additionally, it’s worth noting that while customer service support is generally responsive, occasional delays in response times may occur.

 

Meraki MX Series

The Meraki MX Series, a part of the Cisco sub-brand, offers a versatile range of powerful routing tools. In the realm of networking evolution, the use case of the Meraki MX Series shines brilliantly. These routers effortlessly unite private and public clouds, data centers, and beyond into a unified ecosystem.

From robust on-premises to cloud-based security measures, data protection remains paramount. With the prowess of SD-WAN support, cellular and wired WAN, switching, and Wi-Fi converge seamlessly for effortless multi-location communication.

However, some users may find that Meraki support staff have more visibility into their network than desired, requiring careful consideration of security and privacy requirements.

 

Its features include:

• Comprehensive monitoring capabilities, allowing you to track web applications across the LAN, WAN, and application server.
• Machine-learned smart application thresholds, empowering network management with intelligent anomaly detection.
• Detects layer 2 and 3 outages, enabling smart connection monitoring.
• Granular and Automatically Updated Content Filtering, ensuring a safe and secure browsing experience for your users with minimal effort.
• VPN setup with Automatic VPN Route Generations using IKE/IKEv2/IPSec, streamlining your network configuration and enhancing efficiency and connectivity.
• Next-gen Layer 7 Firewalls, enabling the implementation of identity-based security policies that fortify your infrastructure against emerging threats.

 

Despite being pricey, it remains a top choice for businesses seeking robust multi-site connectivity solutions with advanced security features and efficient management tools.

 

VyOS

VyOS adopts a unique approach to branch network routing, setting it apart from other options on this list. This versatile virtual router operating system is adaptable across various hardware solutions, from robust servers to compact office routers and virtual machines.

The versatile use case of VyOS meets the demands of forward-thinking business leaders. This unique offering provides access to cutting-edge features and elevates networking capabilities through top-tier enhancements. What sets VyOS apart is its comprehensive approach, delivering a range of hardware solutions that provide unparalleled accessibility and control.

The Key Offerings of VyOS include:

• Robust full-level routing, supporting protocols like RIP, RIPing, BGP, and OSPF, empowering companies with diverse networking needs.
• Comprehensive VPN support, including IPSEC, VXLAN, VIT, L2TPv3, and other models, ensuring secure and seamless data transmission.
• Access to firewall and NAT capabilities and essential network services such as DHCP, DHCPv6, DNS forwarding, and PPPoE access.
• Open and extensively customizable operating system, providing unparalleled control.
• Exceptional full-level routing to accommodate diverse use cases.

 

Two notable aspects of being mindful of VyOS are its initial setup and configuration complexity and the potential requirement for additional development due to its open-source nature.

 

Future With The Right Routers

Traditional branch office routers once sufficed for basic connectivity, but modern networking demands call for more sophisticated solutions. The evolving landscape necessitates routers that cater to robust connectivity and embrace emerging trends. Following are the key trends shaping Branch Office Connectivity:

 

SD-WAN Revolution

Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) is revolutionizing branch office networking by addressing performance and management challenges across multiple locations. In an era of remote work and cloud applications, SD-WAN-enabled routers are becoming the new norm, offering agility in adapting to changing network requirements.

 

Security at the Forefront

Modern branch office routers incorporate advanced security features like intrusion detection and prevention systems, encryption, and secure VPN connections. As the threat landscape evolves, these routers will ensure these routers meet evolving security threats.

 

5G Integration

The advent of 5G technology is set to transform branch office networking by providing lightning-fast connectivity and ultra-low latency. Future routers will seamlessly integrate with 5G networks, enabling real-time communication, rapid data transfers, and support for IoT devices.

Cloud-Centric Connectivity

Cloud services have become the backbone of modern business operations. As branch offices rely more on cloud applications, routers are evolving to ensure optimized and direct connectivity to cloud platforms, reducing latency and enhancing user experience, especially for remote workers accessing cloud resources.

 

AI-Driven Network Management

Managing distributed networks demands intelligent solutions. AI-driven network management tools are finding their way into branch office routers, offering predictive analytics, automated troubleshooting, and network optimization. These capabilities enhance network efficiency by minimizing manual intervention.

 

Install An Ideal Office Branch Router Today

Selecting and installing the ideal branch office router for your business can be daunting. Even with many options from leading vendors in the market, configuring and implementing the technology may require expert assistance.

At All I.T., we are a premier IT Field Services provider, offering a comprehensive range of solutions from server integration and network upgrades to hardware procurement tailored for multi-site companies. Our brand portfolio includes top-rated router technologies that cater to your specific needs.

Connect with us today to explore how we can assist you in choosing and implementing the perfect branch office routing solution for your company. Let our expertise ensure your network performs at its best.