Enterprise connectivity trends for 2025
This year the pressure is on to build and maintain high-performing networks which are agile and scalable. 2025’s connectivity trends will be shaped by shifting demands, technological advancements, and the increasing need for robust security. Businesses that are forward-thinking and innovation-led will leverage these trends to elevate how they connect, collaborate, and secure their operations over the next 12 months.
In short, boosting network capacity and speed is the name of the game this year, and the connectivity trends we expect to see lead the charge will disrupt the way we use the Internet at an enterprise level and change the landscape for the better.
The connectivity trends shaping enterprise networks in 2025
1. Increase in Network as a Service in response to budget uncertainty
Tight IT budgets and rising security threats mean enterprises will be looking for flexible, scalable, and resilient network services, leading to an uptick in Network as a Service (NaaS) models.
Forecasts for IT budgets for the year tell a varied story. Some reports suggest that around 40% of IT leaders anticipate modest budget increases of 5–10%. However, other segments of the industry—particularly internal IT support teams —are seeing budgets slashed, with some expecting cuts of up to 50%.
By adopting a subscription-based model, businesses can avoid the hefty capital expenditures associated with traditional network infrastructure while benefiting from scalable, on-demand services.
NaaS providers offer managed solutions that include robust security measures, such as built-in firewalls, threat detection, and automated updates. According to IDC, 49% of IT leaders are planning or considering a NaaS transformation for their organization.
2. The rise of next-gen Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6 & 7)
Unsurprisingly, the demand for faster, more reliable wireless connectivity is fueling the adoption of next-generation Wi-Fi standards. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 promise better speed, reduced latency, and enhanced capacity to support increase in connected devices we expect in enterprises.
Aside from the upgrade to multi-user, multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO) and the impact this will have on speed, Wi-Fi 6’s Orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) and Target wake time (TWT)mean improved efficiency and battery life for IoT devices.
However, Wi-Fi 7 is set to push boundaries with multi-link operations (MLO) and 320 MHz channel bandwidth, enabling data rates of up to 46 Gbps. Deploying these technologies, means gaining a significant edge in supporting real-time applications such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) and 4K video streaming.
3. Increases in SD-WAN adoption due to improved integration and lower costs
Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solutions are becoming more popular as enterprises find legacy networks cannot support data applications across distributed sites in a cloud-centric world. The technology’s ability to provide dynamic path selection, centralized management, and robust security measures is particularly appealing for organizations transitioning to hybrid work models.
Cost considerations are emerging as an deciding factor in SD-WAN’s favor this year. This solution lowers operational costs by up to 40% and improves efficiency while ensuring security. Additionally, IDC researched the bottom-line impact of SD-WAN and found that organizations saw a 402% ROI over five years as well as 39% lower total cost of operations and 38% more efficient network management.
4. LEO satellite connectivity solutions
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are an increasingly viable option for businesses looking to connect remote sites or ensure business continuity in urban locations. With more Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Managed Service Provides offering the solution, LEO satellites will be incorporated into more network strategies for multi-national enterprises. 2025 will see this method of high-speed Internet connectivity reach maturity.
5. Intelligent networking and AIOps
As networks grow more complex, the demand for intelligent networking solutions is surging. We will see a rise in “Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps)” that leverages machine learning and big data analytics to:
- Enhance network performance.
- Automate repetitive tasks.
- Predict potential issues.
Intelligent networking powered by AIOps can drastically reduce downtime and improve user experiences. For example, AIOps tools can analyze vast amounts of network data to identify patterns and proactively optimize traffic flows.
6. Network visibility is more crucial than ever
We all know that today, data drives decision-making. This means that network visibility into performance is no longer optional. IT teams need visibility into their entire network estate down to site level in a single-pane-of-glass view.
This allows IT teams to detect anomalies, enforce policies, and plan capacity with greater precision, ensuring the enterprise can stay online and operational with simplified and rapid troubleshooting.
Ready to elevate your network strategy this year?
The connectivity trends of 2025 reveal a clear trajectory: enterprises are moving toward smarter, more secure, and flexible networking solutions. Whether it’s through adopting NaaS, leveraging AIOps, or enhancing network visibility, the focus remains on enabling seamless connectivity that drives business growth.
But what about your network? How can you leverage the right mix of connectivity solutions and innovations to drive operational efficiency, growth and success this year?
Get in touch with Expereo to discuss how we can design, build and run a network that’s fit for purpose now and for the future.