This paper examines the current challenges with branch networking architectures due to changing business requirements and recommends ways to understand those requirements and architect a new branch network around them.

Organizations can take several paths forward to update a current branch network architecture. It is not a single straight line to go from the current design to a future end-state. Depending on each branch location’s needs and resources, several paths may be chosen to progress from the current state to the eventual goal.

Enterprise network management teams would benefit from evaluating modern branch solutions, such as Cisco’s latest branch platform, the 4461 Integrated Services Router (ISR 4461). Known colloquially as a “branch in a box,” the ISR 4461 extends the latest intent-based networking features, such as digital-ready infrastructure, policy-based automation, as well as analytics and assurance capabilities to the branch.