Local area networks are experiencing a metamorphosis of shapes and sizes. Devices that never were part of the network, such as manufacturing equipment, are now being brought online via low-speed connections. At the same time, the rise of edge computing literally is reshaping the network, as it becomes more distributed. These changing patterns of network layout and connectivity are driving the adoption of new approaches and new technologies to manage the network’s physical infrastructure. The articles in this guide look at this evolution from the perspectives of industry standards, business objectives, and choices for technology implementation.
