Even in demanding, high-density environments, Wi-Fi 7 delivers speed, efficiency, and rock-solid reliability. At the crux of this breakthrough in wireless connectivity is the Multiple Resource Unit (MRU) feature and the way that Wi-Fi 7 integrates MRU to augment the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) framework.

Originally introduced in Wi-Fi 6, OFDMA enables dynamic allocation and independent modulation of subcarriers across frequency resources, facilitating concurrent transmissions to multiple client devices. In this blog, we illustrate how MRU advances this methodology by implementing refined interference suppression mechanisms and optimizing multi-user scheduling.

How does Multiple Resource Unit (MRU) impact efficiency in wireless connectivity?

By selectively excising interfered spectral segments, MRU ensures that transmissions are confined to interference-free subchannels, thereby maximizing effective throughput and link reliability in congested radio frequency (RF) environments. One way to visualize this is to imagine a busy freeway where each vehicle represents a data packet. OFDMA, as introduced in Wi-Fi 6, is like redesigning the highway with multiple lanes that allow many cars to travel side by side, each heading to its own destination. Now, with MRU in Wi-Fi 7, it’s as if the highway can intelligently guide vehicles into express lanes to further reduce congestion and ensure a smooth journey for all—even in heavy traffic.

This optimization is accomplished through punctured resource units (RUs), which are structured aggregations of 78.125 kHz-wide subcarriers. These individual RUs are assigned to different stations, allowing wireless access points to serve each of them simultaneously during uplink and downlink transmissions. MRU is in effect when many RUs are assigned to a single user. This allows for the aggregation of RUs of varying sizes to better match data transmission needs.

MRU configurations are classified into small (< 242) and large (> 242). Small MRU configurations include 52+26-tone and 106+26-tone groupings, wherein “tone” denotes the subcarrier or small frequency segment into which the available spectrum is divided. Large MRU configurations comprise combinations such as 484+242-tone, 996+484-tone, 996+484+242-tone, 2×996+484-tone, 3×996-tone, and 2×996+484-tone.

This results in more efficient user allocation and bandwidth utilization. For instance, in 11ax with a 20 MHz channel (totaling 242 tones), when two clients each use 106 tones, the total utilization is (106×2)/242 = ~88%. In contrast with Wi-Fi 7, if one client is assigned RU106 and another is allocated MRU106+26, the total utilization increases to (106×2+26)/242 = ~98%.

Evaluating Wi-Fi 7’s MRU feature

To conduct this evaluation, we used a Cisco Wireless 9178I Access Point connected to a Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) running firmware version 17.15.2. The 9800 Series provides centralized control and greater visibility over traffic segmentation, user access, and security. The test environment consists of 4x Wi-Fi 7 and 4x Wi-Fi 5 stations (STAs). This diverse mix allows us to assess how different wireless standards handle congestion and latency.

To put MRU to the test, we simulate a high-traffic scenario on each bandwidth.

We generate user datagram protocol (UDP) full buffer traffic, creating network congestion by continuously pushing data to the access point on Wi-Fi 5 STAs. This replicates a real-world environment where multiple devices compete for bandwidth, allowing us to analyze the impact of MRU on latency. We then generate 750 Kbps real-time transport protocol (RTP) downlink and uplink traffic streams, mimicking real-time applications like voice and video streaming.

Measuring latency: OFDMA vs. OFDMA+MRU performance

To quantify performance improvements, we measure latency in milliseconds (ms) across three different configurations or combinations of channel bandwidth:

• Non-OFDMA mode: Traditional Wi-Fi scheduling without frequency partitioning
• Wi-Fi 6 OFDMA: Optimizes resource allocation
• Wi-Fi 7 OFDMA+MRU: Allows flexible frequency allocation

Even with just four MRU-capable STAs, we consistently observe lower latency in both downlink and uplink directions. The improvements reach approximately 55% in downlink and 48% in uplink when using a 320 MHz channel.

Enhancing connectivity and eliminating blind spots with MRU

MRU revolutionizes next-generation wireless connectivity by boosting efficiency, increasing speed, and ensuring enhanced reliability—even in high-density environments such as offices, airports, and stadiums, as well as IoT networks with cameras and sensors. By complementing 5G, it strengthens indoor wireless connectivity where 5G signals may be weaker. Additionally, MRU unlocks seamless experiences for applications requiring ultra-low latency, including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and cloud gaming.

All Cisco Wi-Fi 7 access points, including CW9178I and CW9176I, along with Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers, fully support multi-RU functionality starting with the IOS XE 17.15.2 release—and provide centralized control for greater visibility, faster troubleshooting, and ease of management.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Aug. 14, 2025 – DNSFilter released new research today that showcases how bad actors are taking advantage of fake CAPTCHA pages to attempt to scam unsuspecting individuals.

One of DNSFilter’s managed service provider (MSP) customers discovered what first appeared to be an ordinary CAPTCHA prompt, but it turned out to be an attempt to deliver fileless malware known as Lumma Stealer. DNSFilter’s content filtering was able to stop it in its tracks, but researchers took a deeper look at the attempt to glean more detail.

Researchers discovered that:

• This particular fake CAPTCHA was interacted with 23 times on the DNSFilter network over a three-day period.

• 17% of people who encountered the fake CAPTCHA completed the steps on the screen to copy and paste it, resulting in an attempted malware payload delivery.

• The fake CAPTCHA was first observed on a Greek banking site. Two other domains were associated with the malicious CAPTCHA: a brand-new Cloudflare Pages site (Human-verify-7u.pages.dev) that loads with an error message after clicking “I’m not a robot,” and Recaptcha-manual.shop, which loads outside of the browser after following the prompted commands.

When users encountered the fake CAPTCHAs, this is the prompt that popped up.

As bad actors continue to evolve their tactics, users need to remember that if something seems fishy, they shouldn’t click it. However, not all threats are obvious. Organizations need to ensure they’re providing solid cyber hygiene training for employees regularly, but they also need to have a strong strategy in place for blocking suspicious domains and using content filtering to help avoid potential malware and phishing attempts.

Read more about how DNSFilter helped an MSP stop fake CAPTCHAs from luring their customers into inadvertent security scams in this case study.

Will Strafach, Senior Director, Security Intelligence & Solutions, DNSFilter, said: “It’s important for users to think and look carefully before they click on anything or take an action on an untrusted site, but human error is inevitable. That’s why modern enterprises need protective DNS. DNSFilter identifies emergent and newly malicious sites, providing cybersecurity teams with detailed visibility and tighter control of their network, no matter where their end users happen to be.”

About the company:

DNSFilter is a cybersecurity company that protects every click, leveraging AI-driven content filtering and threat protection to block threats 10 days earlier than competitors. DNSFilter’s solution secures workers anywhere they are, helping to boost productivity, minimize compliance risk, and protect corporate brands on public Wi-Fi networks. Unlike traditional filtering solutions, DNSFilter deploys in minutes instead of days and is trusted by more than 43,000 organizations worldwide. Learn more about how DNSFilter is the first and last line of defense for corporate and hybrid networks at dnsfilter.com.

Washington, D.C. – August 6, 2025 – Wi‑Fi Alliance® congratulates FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on his appointment to the White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. This key step underscores the FCC’s essential role in meeting the unprecedented connectivity needs of LA28.

“Wi‑Fi® will be essential to the success of LA28,” said Kevin Robinson, President and CEO of Wi‑Fi Alliance. “Robust, reliable Wi‑Fi is core component of connectivity infrastructure, from high-density venues and credentialing zones to athlete readiness centers and global media hubs.”

Wi‑Fi Alliance is committed to empowering Chairman Carr and the federal Task Force with technical expertise to support spectrum planning, network resilience, and seamless user experience. The industry stands ready to collaborate across government, venue operators, and local organizers to help deliver world-class Olympic Games.

About Wi-Fi Alliance®  |  www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 80,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the Internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.

Fans expect fast, reliable Wi-Fi^® in stadiums to enhance their in-seat experience—whether streaming live replays, sharing moments on social media, or ordering food and merchandise from their seats. Delivering this level of connectivity in high-density environments requires strategic planning and innovative network design to meet rising expectations.

Wi-Fi Connectivity Challenges in High-Density Environments

1. High User Density

Stadiums must support tens of thousands of devices connecting simultaneously, requiring robust networks that can handle unpredictable spikes in demand without sacrificing performance.

2. Interference and Congestion

Interference is a major challenge in stadium Wi-Fi due to thousands of devices and competing signals from broadcasting, communication systems, and cellular networks.

3. Physical Constraints

Stadium architecture—large open spaces, thick walls, and dense crowds—creates challenges for Wi-Fi deployment, often causing signal dead zones and uneven coverage. Unlike predictable office layouts, stadiums require customized AP placement to overcome structural and human-related signal interference.

4. Capacity and Bandwidth Management

High-speed internet demand in stadiums is surging due to streaming, media sharing, and interactive experiences. To prevent bottlenecks, networks need intelligent load balancing, QoS policies, and advanced traffic management to prioritize critical services and deliver a seamless fan experience.

Wi-Fi 7: A Game-Changer for Large Venues

Wi-Fi 7 technology marks the beginning of a new era of possibilities. With groundbreaking advancements in speed, capacity, latency, and reliability, it is set to transform the way we connect and engage with the digital world. Many industries can benefit greatly from Wi-Fi 7’s low latency and high reliability, but large public venues and sports arenas, in particular, stand to gain the most from its unprecedented advancements in speed and capacity.

Key benefits of Wi-Fi 7 for large venues include:

• Massive Speed and Bandwidth: Wi-Fi 7 introduces 320 MHz channels, 4K QAM modulation, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO), enabling multi-gigabit speeds and superior performance in ultra-high-density environments.
• Reduced Latency and Faster Response Times: Fans will experience near-instantaneous access to interactive applications, live video streaming, and AR/VR experiences, enhancing their engagement during events.
• Higher Device Density Support: The efficiency of Wi-Fi 7 allows thousands of devices to seamlessly connect, providing stable and fast internet for attendees, venue staff, and media professionals.
• More Reliable and Resilient Connectivity: Advanced interference mitigation and adaptive networking features improve signal reliability, even in the most crowded stadiums.

Solutions: Multi-Faceted Deployment Approaches

To address Wi-Fi connectivity challenges in high-density environments, stadium IT teams implement a mix of access point (AP) placement strategies. Each approach has its own advantages, and in large venues, a combination of these methods is used for optimal coverage and performance.

Overhead APs with Wide-Angle Directional Antennas

Wide-angle directional antennas are used to provide broad coverage across stadium seating areas, concourses, and open spaces. These antennas are ideal for covering large sections of a venue with minimal AP deployments, making them a cost-effective solution for general connectivity. By strategically placing APs with wide-angle antennas overhead, stadiums can ensure a balanced distribution of Wi-Fi coverage while reducing the number of devices competing for the same signal.

Overhead APs with Narrow-Angle Directional Antennas

Narrow-angle directional antennas are used in high-density zones where a more focused signal is needed. These antennas help concentrate Wi-Fi coverage in areas with heavy user traffic, such as premium seating sections, media areas, and fan experience zones. By narrowing the coverage area, interference is minimized, and the network can deliver higher data rates to targeted users. This method enhances network performance and ensures reliable connectivity even in the busiest parts of the stadium.

Under-Seat Access Points

Another effective method for high-density deployments in sport arenas is placing APs under the seats. This approach provides several benefits:

• Shorter Signal Path: Since devices are closer to the APs, there is less interference and better signal quality. Placing APs under the seats ensures that signals do not have to travel through dense crowds, reducing attenuation and improving reliability.
• Directional Control: The seating structure naturally helps confine the Wi-Fi signal, reducing cross-channel interference. This is particularly useful in tiered seating arrangements where overlapping signals from overhead APs could cause interference.
• Scalability: Additional APs can be installed as needed to support growing capacity demands. This modular approach allows for incremental upgrades, allowing networks to adapt to increasing user expectations and technological advancements.
• Minimized Aesthetic Impact: Under-seat APs are hidden from view, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the venue while delivering high-performance connectivity.

The RUCKUS^® AI-Driven Outdoor Wi-Fi 7 Solution: T670 and T670sn APs

RUCKUS is the first and only vendor as of April 2025 to offer a complete Wi-Fi 7 solution for large venues that includes under-seat deployment, overhead narrow-angle APs, and overhead wide-angle APs. This comprehensive approach ensures that stadiums, arenas, and other high-density environments receive the best possible wireless performance, maximizing speed, capacity, and reliability for attendees and venue operations.

RUCKUS T670sn: A Unique Programmable Sector Antenna Enables Software-Defined Coverage

The RUCKUS T670sn is a high-end Wi-Fi 7, tri-band outdoor AP with a unique programmable directional antenna array that is software-configurable for either narrow-angle or wide-angle coverage.

                                   T670sn Programmable Software Defined Coverage

This dynamic control minimizes interference while maximizing signal strength and data rates, leading to better connectivity and performance in targeted areas. Additionally, the ability to modify coverage patterns remotely eliminates the need for physical adjustments, making it ideal for scenarios with changing network demands, such as seasonal events or infrastructure expansions.

Key benefits include:

• Deployment Flexibility: Software-defined sector coverage allows easy adaptation to changing network needs.
• Optimized Performance & Signal Control: Reduces interference and enhances connectivity in high-demand areas.
• Simplified Network Planning: Eliminates the need for multiple AP types, reducing costs.
• Dynamic Adaptation: Antenna patterns can be remotely adjusted to suit different crowd conditions.
• Enhanced Spectral Efficiency: Improves spectrum utilization, reducing co-channel interference.
• Cost-Effective and Scalable: Enables fewer AP deployments with optimal coverage and performance.

RUCKUS T670 Under-Seat Mounting Solution

RUCKUS Stadium Under-seat Mounting solution is purposely designed with stadiums and arenas in mind, enabling the deployment of the RUCKUS Wi-Fi 7 T670 Outdoor Access Point neatly under the stadium seating, on a riser or thread, keeping the access point and cables secure from access and from the elements, without impeding foot space. The mount is comprised of a heavy-duty cast aluminum bottom and durable reinforced polycarbonate top cover with a protective gasket for indoor /outdoor under-seat installation.

The solution is purposely designed to be transparent to RF signals and protects from liquid/water projected from pressure washer jets/hoses. It can be floor or wall-mounted with a 10° tilt, enabling cable pass-through for daisy-chaining access points. A second mounting bracket is available for flat mounting (0°tilt). The enclosure does not impede the thermal performance of the enclosed AP.

Benefits:

• Expands Wi-Fi deployment options for stadiums.
• Enables higher AP density for better fan connectivity.
• Reduces the cost of stadium Wi-Fi coverage.
• Enhances durability with weather-resistant and pressure-wash-proof enclosures.
• Simplifies installation and maintenance.

RUCKUS One^® AI-Driven Management and Assurance Platform

While advanced access point (AP) technology and optimal AP placement are essential for providing reliable connectivity in large sports arenas, the management and assurance platform Under-Seat 10-degree Tilt Mounting Bracket Under-Seat 0-degree Flush Mounting Bracket is critical to delivering a complete, high-performing solution. Deploying RUCKUS One and RUCKUS AI solutions offer key benefits, including:

1. Efficient Network Management: RUCKUS One platform provides centralized control and real-time monitoring, streamlining network operations.
2. AI-Driven Performance Optimization: RUCKUS AI solution uses machine learning to predict network demand and automatically adjust to dynamic conditions, providing consistent high-speed connectivity, even during peak moments.
3. Scalability: The solution easily scales to meet growing demands as more devices connect.
4. Improved User Experience: AI-driven traffic prioritization provides seamless Wi-Fi for streaming, social media, and mobile services by minimizing congestion.
5. Proactive Issue Resolution: AI insights identify potential issues before they affect performance, allowing for dynamic adjustments and reducing downtime.
6. Lower Operational Costs: Proactive AI-driven optimization reduces maintenance and manual interventions, saving time and resources.

By leveraging both the T670 under-seat APs and T670sn programmable overhead APs, stadiums can achieve the most flexible, high-performance Wi-Fi network possible. Together with the RUCKUS One platform, these solutions enable stadiums to provide reliable, high-performance connectivity while improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Shifting Customer Expectations

What customers want today is speed, consistency, and reliability bundled into a seamless and friction-free customer experience (CX). Successful businesses understand this reality. On-demand access to services is not a good-to-have but a necessity.

From the customer’s standpoint, these are perfectly justifiable. A promise of speed and reliable quality is about respecting people’s time and mental energy in a dynamic world. Businesses that don’t adapt to this reality risk losing their customers. Competitors who adapt to deliver faster and smoother experiences are going to get ahead.

For businesses, user-validated CX is the competitive advantage that will drive greater user adoption, deliver customer satisfaction, and ensure success.

Network Connectivity On-demand

The customer-driven demand for speed, consistency, and availability at all times has reshaped entire industries. Nowhere is this more obvious than in network connectivity space—the backbone powering our connected existence.

IT and IT-enabled solutions underscore modern life. Work, smart homes, communications, entertainment, and our personal lives are all possible through technology-enabled tools, applications, IoT devices, streaming platforms, and cloud services.

But it is the underlying connectivity infrastructure that ensures the operations.

Networking solutions enable the smooth working of this always-on world that businesses and consumers have now come to take for granted. As our dependence on digital ecosystems deepens, networks have become more than infrastructure—they’re the lifeline keeping our interconnected world functioning.

Spiraling Demand for Zero-Touch, Friction-free Experiences

The zero-touch concept has emerged from increasing customer demand for seamless experiences. “Zero-touch” means things work automatically and are prioritized through sophisticated machine learning capabilities. Advanced technologies operate quietly and unobtrusively in the background providing customers access to friction-free experiences unhindered by the need for any form of user intervention in set-up, configuration, maintenance, management, or servicing.

What is Zero-Touch Connectivity?

Zero-touch connectivity is a concept where networks automatically configure, stabilize, and optimize themselves. These AI and analytics-guided intelligent systems continuously monitor, diagnose, and take autonomous remedial actions in real-time. Advanced systems are intuitive, and self-healing, further elevating the end-user’s quality of experience.

The Business Impact of Zero-Touch Connectivity

Zero-touch connectivity has transitioned from innovation to absolute necessity with trained AI systems anticipating events and needs and responding without manual intervention, to deliver the proactive, predictive, and personalized performance which customers value.

In a world of dynamic demand, Zero-touch builds the foundation for autonomous, experience-first connectivity. With its seamless orchestration, provisioning, and management, investing in zero-touch technologies is a strategic investment in performance and sustained growth.

Zero -Touch and Operational Efficiency

Zero-touch connectivity boosts growth by transforming operational efficiency. When issues are detected and resolved automatically, complaints decrease, technician visits (truck rolls) reduce, and support costs come down. Zero-touch networks scale better with dynamic, personalized services, such as boosting bandwidth for remote workers during meetings, or instantly activating a secure guest network for a visitor to the office. The outcome of adopting zero-touch technology is smarter, leaner operations that deliver more value with fewer resources.

Zero-Touch Connectivity is the Hidden Driver of Great CX

No dead zones, no frozen videos, no buffering streams, and no onboarding delays. Zero-touch solutions monitor, detect, and correct performance dips in real time. Customers enjoy uninterrupted, high-quality service, without ever knowing what was avoided, making zero-touch the ultimate driver of customer experience.

Leading with Proactive CX

The best customer experiences often go unnoticed, because nothing goes wrong. Flipping the old model where support meant fixing an issue after it emerged, zero-touch technology seeks to monitor, identify, and preemptively rebalance processes to fix issues, even before users notice. Trained AI and machine learning algorithms detect anomalies and restore performance in real-time. This shift from a reactive to a proactive approach builds trust and enduring customer relationships.

Meeting at the Edge for Speed and Security

In services such as gaming, augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) , or telehealth, latency can break the experience. Zero-touch at the edge ensures ultra-responsive performance with fast, localized decision-making. It’s not just faster networks—it’s smarter, adaptive infrastructure that reacts immediately to conditions and demands, right where they happen.

Edge computing satisfies the need for real-time speed demands by moving intelligence closer to the user. Processing at the edge also promises a higher level of security by reducing the need to transfer sensitive information over networks. The localized approach ensures critical data stays within the user’s immediate environment, minimizing exposure to cyber threats.

Zero-Touch Experience as a Competitive Moat

In banking, streaming, or logistics, network quality is mission critical. Zero-touch technology becomes the differentiator that bolsters trust and loyalty. When users face minimal disruptions or incidents, they stay. Dependability creates an unbreachable moat around customer experience.

Qualtrics and ServiceNow research revealed that 80% of customers surveyed switched brands because of poor customer experience.^[1] Zero-touch limits that risk by turning reliability into a competitive edge that directly impacts revenue and retention.

The Inevitable Supremacy of Zero-Touch Customer Experience

Zero-touch is destined to be the future of customer experience as more businesses move toward effortless, automated interactions that deliver instant value. While there may be some barriers to adoption, they are negligible compared to the clear benefits for both customers and companies, making widespread adoption inevitable.

How to Overcome Barriers to Zero-Touch

Legacy systems, siloed operations, and fragmented data often obfuscate the deployment of zero-touch automation. However, a mindset change aimed at embracing agility, cross-functional integration, and a culture of continuous improvement, can help overcome these hindrances to benefit from the full potential of zero-touch automation.

Addressing Fears through Trust, Transparency, and Control

Despite the ease of use and quality of experience, for some users the lack of visibility into behind-the-scenes processes can create a sense of lost control. The solution here is simple. Customer-facing dashboards, real-time analytics, and service transparency build trust and offer control. Balancing autonomy with assurance promises users peace of mind while letting the system work silently in their favor.

Future Forward: What’s Next for Zero-Touch and CX?

Agile, on-demand connectivity will become the industry standard. AI will orchestrate everything from capacity management to user experience in real time. This will lead to autonomous, anticipatory ecosystems that are even more context-aware, emotionally intelligent, and hyper-personalized. Capable of predicting needs before they’re expressed, zero-touch, AI-driven systems will be the norm.

Through edge intelligence and frictionless integration, these self-healing networks will achieve true zero friction, where technology becomes invisible yet indispensable, transforming from reactive tools into proactive, trusted digital collaborators that elevate connectivity into a genuine business enabler.

Aprecomm offers zero-touch, intuitive, self-healing network optimization solutions that are designed to deliver exceptional customer experience (CX) at all times, validated through a proprietary industry-first benchmarking framework of Quality of Experience (QoE) indicators. Curious to know more? Get in touch with us at [email protected]

Businesses today rely on robust, secure, and agile network infrastructures to power their operations and maintain a competitive edge. For global food and beverage leader Nestlé, addressing the limitations of legacy systems was critical to achieving these goals. By overhauling its network infrastructure with Cisco SD-WAN, Nestlé unlocked improved resiliency, agility, operational efficiency, and centralized control across 1700 offices, factories, and warehouses in 185 countries.

A recent Cisco webinar featuring special guest speaker Giovanni di Marzio, Senior Solution Architect, WAN – Connectivity, ITP C&V for Nestlé, explored the challenges Nestlé faced, the Cisco SD-WAN solution it adopted, and the transformative outcomes that enabled the company to future-proof its network and enhance its overall operational performance.

Click here to watch the on-demand webinar featuring Nestlé.

Navigating legacy network roadblocks

Nestlé’s IT team is tasked with managing a vast and complex global network that spans branch offices, manufacturing facilities, data centers, and cloud environments. However, several key obstacles have hindered their ability to scale, optimize performance, and deliver a seamless digital experience, including:

• High costs of MPLS links
  Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) links were integral to Nestlé’s legacy network infrastructure. However, they came with significant operational costs that made scalability difficult and modern network optimization nearly impossible.
• Fragmented and inefficient tools
  The complexity of managing a fragmented network infrastructure with disparate tools created many inefficiencies. They not only reduced operational agility but also complicated troubleshooting and day-to-day network management.
• Limited visibility into network performance
  A lack of visibility into multiple cloud and internet providers made it challenging to troubleshoot issues and ensure optimal performance for cloud applications.
• Security and compliance challenges
  In certain regions, security and compliance requirements added another layer of complexity. Policy-based routing and centralized compliance controls were necessary to address these challenges effectively.

Faced with these hurdles, Nestlé recognized that a modern approach was essential to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and meet the needs of a digitally driven enterprise.

The solution: An innovative suite of networking technologies from Cisco

Nestlé adopted Cisco SD-WAN paired with Cisco ThousandEyes and Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers that together are designed to enhance connectivity, digital experience, security, and automation. This strategic move enabled the company to manage its global network with greater efficiency and resilience.

The technologies that transformed Nestlé’s network include:

• Cisco SD-WAN
  Cisco SD-WAN provides a cost-effective and simplified solution that features a multi-region fabric (MRF) and a software-defined approach to managing WAN traffic. With this technology, Nestlé gained performance optimization, resilience, and efficiency across its WAN.
• Cisco ThousandEyes
  Cisco ThousandEyes offers a holistic view of digital experiences across Nestlé’s entire service delivery chain. This provides Nestlé with real-time visibility into internet paths and the performance of cloud and data center connections, enabling faster troubleshooting and optimization.
• Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers
  Packed with next-generation security capabilities, Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers feature AI-powered automation, post-quantum cryptography, and seamless cloud management. These routers have helped future-proof Nestlé’s WAN, ensuring it can adapt to evolving security and connectivity needs.

Transforming and unifying network operations

The adoption of Cisco SD-WAN with Cisco ThousandEyes has yielded remarkable results for Nestlé, driving significant improvements in both network performance and manageability.

Key outcomes for Nestlé include:

• Centralized and simplified control
  With Cisco SD-WAN, Nestlé IT gained the ability to manage branch offices, data centers, and cloud environments through a single dashboard. This eliminates the need for multiple point tools and has reduced the complexity of network management.
• Enhanced cost efficiencies
  By replacing expensive MPLS links with a centrally managed SD-WAN and network-as-a-service model, Nestlé significantly reduced leased line and operational costs. This shift to a more cost-effective infrastructure supports scalability and long-term savings.
• End-to-end network visibility
  Cisco ThousandEyes empowers Nestlé with real-time views into internet paths and network performance. This allows the IT team to proactively address issues, optimize cloud app performance, and ensure a seamless digital experience.
• High availability and performance improvements
  Automated failover and redundancy mechanisms have improved network reliability, ensuring 99.97% availability. Additionally, Nestlé now enjoys a lower incidence of latency, reduced disruptions, and overall enhanced performance across its global network.

A unified vision for the future

Nestlé’s transformation journey highlights how modern, transformative network technologies drive agility, efficiency, and resilience. By adopting Cisco SD-WAN, Cisco ThousandEyes, and secure routers, the company has not only addressed its immediate challenges but also positioned itself for future success in a connected world.

When describing the impact of the company’s network transformation, di Marzio said,

“Cisco SD-WAN provides internet connectivity without any limitations. And instead of looking at every log for two thousand routers, we have a single dashboard to manage the network and a centralized platform for orchestrating configurations across all Nestlé sites.”

This centralized approach has empowered Nestlé to streamline its operations, optimize costs, and deliver a seamless digital experience to its global workforce and customers.

A blueprint for modern enterprises

Nestlé’s network transformation serves as a blueprint for other enterprises grappling with the limitations of legacy systems. The company’s decision to embrace Cisco SD-WAN demonstrates how modern technologies can simplify network management, reduce costs, and enhance performance—all while ensuring security and compliance.

For organizations looking to future-proof their network infrastructure, Nestlé’s journey underscores the importance of embracing innovation and partnering with trusted technology providers like Cisco. By doing so, businesses can unlock the full potential of their network and thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Ultimately, Nestlé’s story is about more than just technology—it’s about aligning IT strategy with business goals to achieve operational excellence. Nestlé’s success is a testament to the power of innovation and a forward-looking vision for operational excellence.