Tag: #network

Vodafone reveals record-breaking connectivity trends in 2025

Ireland’s appetite for connectivity continues to soar, with Vodafone Ireland’s latest network insights revealing record-breaking data usage, festive surges, and a clear shift in how the nation communicates.
Mobile data usage rose by 19.24% year-on-year, climbing from 445,133 TB in 2024 to 530,794 TB in 2025. The busiest day for data was Tuesday, 9th December, when 1,660 TB was consumed nationwide as Storm Bram swept across Ireland. Evenings remain Ireland’s prime time for digital activity, with 10 PM emerging as the busiest hour for online engagement.
While data demand continues to rise, overall voice traffic fell by 7.83% compared to 2024, reflecting a growing preference for messaging, video calls, and social platforms over traditional voice communication. Yet, calls still matter when it counts. The busiest day for calls in 2025 was Wednesday, 26th March, with 502,273 Erlangs – equivalent to approximately 10 million calls, assuming an average 3-minute duration.

Christmas and New Year’s Day saw millions reconnect. Christmas Day recorded almost 3.4 million calls, while New Year’s Day soared past 4.5 million. Together, that’s over 8 million calls during the festive period, proof that when it matters most, Ireland still picks up the phone.

Beyond everyday patterns, 2025 was marked by extraordinary peaks in data usage during Ireland’s major events. During the Ireland vs South Africa rugby match, Vodafone’s network handled over 15,000 calls. Across last year’s Autumn International home matches, Vodafone Ireland’s network managed over 220 TB of data, the equivalent of streaming 73 million songs. Summer’s biggest music moments drove massive connectivity spikes, with Vodafone’s network handling over 5 TB of mobile data across the Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey concerts at Aviva Stadium – powered by thousands of photos, live streams, and social sharing.
These insights underscore the importance of staying connected in today’s world. As demand for data continues to rise, Vodafone Ireland is currently in the midst of a €500 million five-year investment cycle to enhance network performance across the country.
This ongoing investment and network upgrades have ensured an increasingly fast, reliable service for customers, and saw that Vodafone Ireland was recognised by independent benchmarking organisation, umlaut, as “Best in Test” for the tenth consecutive year in 2025.
Technology now touches every part of life – from accessing government services and our ways of working to planning journeys on public transport and staying in touch with loved ones. Ireland is more connected than ever before, and 2026 will bring new opportunities and challenges for our networks as our digital evolution continues.

Essential IT Infrastructure for Businesses Expanding Across Kent

Expanding a business across Kent is an exciting step. It often means new customers, new locations, and new opportunities. At the same time, growth can expose weak spots in your technology if the right foundations are not in place. Many businesses discover this the hard way, usually during a system outage, a cyber incident, or a frustrating delay that slows teams down.

From my own experience working with growing organisations in the South East, I have seen how strong IT planning can make expansion feel smooth and confident, while poor planning can turn growth into stress. This article explores what really matters when building essential IT infrastructure for businesses expanding across Kent, using clear language, practical insights, and real-world lessons.

Essential IT Infrastructure for Businesses Expanding Across Kent

When a business expands, IT infrastructure stops being a background function and becomes a core driver of success. Whether you are opening a new office in Canterbury, adding a warehouse near Maidstone, or supporting remote teams across the county, your systems must scale without breaking.

In the early stages, many companies rely on basic setups that worked well for a single site. Expansion changes the rules. This is where reliable IT support in Kent becomes more than a convenience. It becomes a strategic asset that helps protect productivity, security, and customer trust.

From my perspective, the most successful expansions start with one simple question. Can our IT systems support twice the workload without doubling the problems?

Why Kent-Based Expansion Brings Unique IT Challenges

Kent offers a diverse business landscape. There are rural areas with limited connectivity, busy commuter towns with high expectations for uptime, and growing business hubs linked closely to London. Each setting brings different technical pressures.

I have worked with companies that assumed broadband quality would be the same everywhere, only to find new sites struggling with speed and reliability. Others underestimated the need for secure remote access when teams began travelling more often between locations.

This is why many expanding firms turn to specialists such as Ingenio Technologies, who understand both the technical side and the local environment. Knowing how Kent businesses operate day to day helps shape infrastructure that fits reality, not just theory.

Network Connectivity That Grows With You

A strong network is the backbone of every modern business. Without it, even the best software and hardware fall apart.

Key network considerations for expansion

  • Reliable business-grade broadband or leased lines
  • Secure connections between multiple sites
  • Scalable Wi-Fi that supports more users and devices
  • Built-in redundancy to reduce downtime

In one expansion project I supported, a company doubled its staff but kept the same network design. Within weeks, slow speeds and dropped connections became daily complaints. Once the network was redesigned with growth in mind, productivity bounced back almost immediately.

Planning for future capacity from the start saves time, money, and frustration later.

Cloud Infrastructure for Flexibility and Speed

Cloud services have transformed how businesses scale. Instead of buying servers for every new location, companies can use cloud platforms to share systems securely across sites.

Benefits of cloud-based infrastructure

  • Faster setup for new offices
  • Easier collaboration between teams
  • Improved data backup and disaster recovery
  • Lower upfront hardware costs

That said, cloud adoption must be done carefully. I have seen businesses move too quickly without proper security controls, creating risks they did not fully understand. A balanced approach, combining cloud flexibility with strong governance, usually delivers the best results.

Cyber Security as a Growth Enabler

As businesses expand, they become more visible targets. More users, more devices, and more locations increase the attack surface for cyber threats.

Cyber security should not be seen as a barrier to growth. When done well, it enables expansion by protecting systems and building trust with customers and partners.

Essential cyber security measures

  • Multi-factor authentication for all users
  • Endpoint protection across devices
  • Regular patching and updates
  • Staff awareness training

The UK National Cyber Security Centre provides clear guidance for growing organisations, which can be found at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk. Their advice reinforces what many IT professionals already know. Human behaviour is often the weakest link, so training matters just as much as technology.

Data Management and Compliance

Expanding across Kent may involve handling more customer data, employee records, and operational information. With this comes responsibility.

UK data protection laws require businesses to manage data carefully, especially when systems are shared across locations. Poor data handling can result in fines and reputational damage.

Good data practices include

  • Clear data access controls
  • Regular backups stored securely
  • Documented data handling policies
  • Ongoing compliance checks

In my experience, businesses that treat data governance as part of everyday operations find compliance far less stressful than those who treat it as an afterthought.

Supporting a Mobile and Remote Workforce

Expansion often leads to more flexible working patterns. Staff may split time between offices, work from home, or travel across Kent.

IT infrastructure must support this mobility without compromising security or performance.

Tools that support flexible working

  • Secure virtual private networks
  • Cloud-based collaboration platforms
  • Centralised device management
  • Clear remote working policies

I once supported a company that expanded rapidly but failed to standardise remote access. Different teams used different tools, creating confusion and security gaps. Once systems were unified, collaboration improved and support requests dropped noticeably.

Hardware and Device Strategy

Growth often triggers a rush to buy new laptops, phones, and printers. Without a clear plan, this can lead to inconsistency and higher support costs.

A smart hardware strategy focuses on

  • Standard device models where possible
  • Centralised procurement
  • Lifecycle planning and replacement schedules
  • Secure disposal of old equipment

Consistency makes troubleshooting easier and keeps staff productive. It also simplifies training and reduces long-term costs.

The Role of Proactive IT Support

Reactive IT support fixes problems after they occur. Proactive support works to prevent them in the first place. For expanding businesses, the difference is significant.

Proactive support typically includes

  • System monitoring and alerts
  • Regular health checks
  • Capacity planning
  • Strategic IT advice

From what I have seen, companies that invest in proactive support experience fewer disruptions during expansion. They also gain clearer visibility into future needs, which helps leadership make informed decisions.

Planning for the Unexpected

No expansion plan is complete without considering what could go wrong. Power outages, cyber incidents, and hardware failures can happen at any time.

A basic business continuity plan ensures that critical operations can continue even during disruption.

Key elements of continuity planning

  • Defined recovery priorities
  • Tested backup and restore processes
  • Clear communication plans
  • Regular reviews and updates

Testing these plans may feel uncomfortable, but it is far better to discover weaknesses during a drill than during a real crisis.

Final Thoughts on Expanding Confidently Across Kent

Expanding across Kent is a positive step that reflects ambition and success. With the right IT infrastructure, growth becomes manageable rather than chaotic.

Based on first-hand experience, the businesses that succeed are those that view IT as a long-term partner in growth, not just a technical necessity. They invest early, plan carefully, and seek advice from people who understand both technology and the local business landscape.

By focusing on connectivity, security, data management, and proactive support, organisations can expand with confidence, knowing their systems are ready for what comes next.

Ireland, world champion of mobile navigation in 2025!

According to the latest nPerf analysis, Ireland secures the world’s top position in mobile Internet browsing performance. The country ranks ahead of four other European nations, confirming the continent’s strong momentum in network performance.

“The countries that deployed 5G first are not necessarily the ones offering the fastest browsing experience” observes Renaud Keradec, CEO of nPerf.

Top 5 best mobile browsing performances in 2025.

Five European countries lead the global ranking

The study compares the loading time of the five most visited websites in each country. The results place Europe firmly at the top of the global leaderboard.

Ireland ranks first with a score of 79.13%, followed by the Netherlands at 78.61% and Slovakia at 78.01%. Slovenia records 76.99%, and Belgium 76.49%. A score of 100% corresponds to an instant webpage load, while 0% indicates that the page could not be loaded.

United States: Early 5G leadership does not guarantee the best experience

Notably, despite an early deployment of 5G as early as 2018, that is two years before most European countries, the United States does not appear in the top 5.

This gap can largely be attributed to the scale and heterogeneity of the territory: covering several million square kilometers is a significantly more complex challenge than upgrading a smaller country such as Ireland or Belgium. This disparity directly influences the quality and consistency of the mobile browsing experience.

Top 20 best mobile browsing performances in 2025.

A reliable snapshot of the user experience

nPerf data provides an accurate snapshot of real mobile browsing performance, measured using a consistent and uniform methodology. This study is based on tests conducted through the nPerf applications, relying exclusively on test volumes that ensure statistical reliability. The results highlight significant disparities between countries, at a time when global traffic continues to shift increasingly toward mobile.

 

 

Residential Proxy Authentication Methods

Residential proxies continue to grow in popularity among businesses, researchers, and developers who want to conceal their geographic locations, harvest geographical content digitally, and collect data from websites without detection. However, using a residential proxy involves more than simply utilizing an IP address that conceals your true IP address.

Most importantly, authentication ensures that only authorized users have access to proxy networks. Misconfigured authentication may result in exposure of login credentials, blocked IP addresses, or use of your proxy by unauthorized parties. In this article, we discuss several major methods of authenticating residential proxies, compare the various approaches, and provide guidance on best practices for implementing them.

Why Authentication Matters

Many times, shared or rented infrastructure underpins residential proxies. Without stringent authentication systems:

 

➔ Unapproved users may access the proxy pool, which might result in abuse or exploitation, including spam, scraping, and suspect traffic.

 

➔ Credentials might expose your proxy identity to other people, thereby risking blocks or banishment.

 

➔ Overuse or abuse of intellectual properties can harm their reputation and lower the success rates for all consumers.

 

Appropriate authentication guarantees only authorized clients’ access, thereby preserving IP integrity and steady, dependable performance for genuine users.

The Main Methods at a Glance

Most modern residential proxy providers support two primary authentication methods:

 

➔ Username/Password Authentication

➔ IP Allowlisting (also called IP Whitelisting or IP Authorization)

 

These methods differ in flexibility, security, and suitability depending on your working environment.

Username/Password Authentication

Basically, what this means is that you have to enter your credentials every time you connect using the proxy. When connecting to an HTTP(S) Proxy, HTTP Basic Authentication is typically sent over the HTTP headers every time you connect to the proxy. Authentication for SOCKS5 proxy occurs as part of the initial connection setup, known as the handshake.

 

A common format looks like:

http://username:password@proxy.host:port

Pros And Cons

Pros:

➔ Works from any network or dynamic IP.

➔ Easy to integrate into scripts, applications, and browsers.

Cons:

➔ Credentials must be stored securely.

➔ Logs, URLs, or debugging tools can expose usernames or passwords if not handled properly.

IP Allowlisting

IP allowlisting allows your authentication through verification of the public IP address that was created when you set up your proxy. As long as all requests are coming from an Approved IP address, authentication occurs automatically without the need for a username/password.

To create this approval, simply log into your proxy provider and add your home/office/server’s IP address. Once this is completed, any request from the Approved IP will be recognized by the provider as legitimate.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

➔ No credentials to control or leak

➔ Requests are cleaner because no authentication headers are required.

➔ Ideal for static IP settings that are stable.

Cons:

➔ Not ideal for mobile, hotel, or dynamic IPs.

➔ Any modification to your IP requires you to refresh the allowlist so as to connect.

Choosing the Right Method

Your work processes and the network environment in which you work will dictate the most effective authentication method. If you work in a location that does not change (a home server, an office network, or hosting in a data center) and use static IP addresses, then IP allowlisting is a very simple and secure way to authenticate users.

However, if you are constantly on different networks or are traveling or using a dynamic IP address, then using a combination of username/password is a much more flexible way to authenticate users. How you will determine which one of these methods is best for your system will depend on:

 

➔ Your network’s reliability

➔ How you use your system

➔ How much risk are you willing to take on

 

In addition to that, some providers allow you to switch between auth types as your project grows. To decide which authentication method suits your setup best, it’s ideal to contact a reliable and trusted service provider. If you are not familiar with a service provider, you can start by visiting here.

Implementation Snippets

Here are a few simple examples illustrating how both authentication methods work in practice.

Username/Password (HTTP Proxy via cURL):

curl -x http://username:password@proxy.host:port https://api.ipify.org

IP Allowlisted Proxy (No Credentials Needed):

curl -x http://proxy.host:port https://api.ipify.org

SOCKS5 With Username/Password:

curl –socks5 username:password@proxy.host:port https://api.ipify.org

SOCKS5 With IP Allowlisting:

curl –socks5 proxy.host: port https://api.ipify.org

 Always verify your configuration by querying an IP-check service. If the response matches the proxy’s IP, your authentication is properly configured and working.

Conclusion

To maintain both security and reliability, residential proxies must support authentication. Depending on the configuration of your network, your decision on which type of authentication to use (username/password or IP allowlisting) will depend solely on your specifications. Once configured correctly, residential proxies will operate securely and with maximum efficiency.

 

 

TP-Link Omada launches updated software suite, revolutionising network planning, management and deployment

Omada, TP-Link Systems Inc.’s exclusive business solution brand, announces an elevated suite, including powerful upgrades to Omada Network 6.0, Omada App 5.0, Wi-Fi Navi App V1.5 and an all-new Omada Design Hub. These upgrades deliver a smarter, more integrated experience for MSPs, System Integrators, Installers, and everyday users. With end-to-end tools for planning, deployment, and management, Omada empowers businesses to build high performance networks with greater speed, precision, and reliability.

 Omada Network 6.0: New Intuitive Experience for Faster Troubleshooting and Precision Operations and Maintenance

At the heart of this release is Omada Network 6.0, a major upgrade designed to simplify and supercharge network operations. Built for professionals who are managing complex deployments, it delivers a new interface and enhanced interactions that make troubleshooting faster, monitoring more precise, and configuration more intuitive.

The redesigned dashboard features a five-tab layout, including Overview, Topology, Wi-Fi, Client, and Traffic, delivering richer visual insights. The newly designed interface and menus make the configuration and management experience smoother. New visualisations, like AP density maps and heatmaps helps IT teams understand user behaviour and deployment performance, at a glance.

A standout addition is the multi-level health scoring system, available in the cloud-based controller. It automatically evaluates the status of devices, clients, WLANs, and sites, enabling simplified monitoring and early detection of issues across multiple layers.

Smart Topology has also been upgraded with real-time VLAN visibility and disconnected device tracking. Customisable filters make it easier to locate faults and streamline troubleshooting. Enhanced client recognition now identifies device type, brand, and models automatically, while the new device and client page visualises activity timelines and event history for full lifecycle management.

Configuration is faster than ever with a simple three step VLAN setup and centralised bulk port management across switches. These improvements eliminate guesswork and reduce configuration time from hours to minutes, especially in large-scale deployments.

Omada Design Hub: A Free, Easy, and Intelligent Online Network Planning Tool

Integrated with Omada’s comprehensive solution, the Omada Design Hub is a free, cloud-based network planner, offering AI-powered precision at every stage of deployment. Whether you’re designing for offices, homes, hotels, or schools, Omada Design Hub helps you simulate, visualise, and deliver tailored solutions with confidence.

Users can upload floor plans, auto-detect walls, and instantly generate Wi-Fi heatmaps. The platform supports auto AP placement and cabling, including cross-floor connections, and one-click proposal exports with topology maps, device lists, and simulation results. It supports users to personalise reports for clients, speeding up communication and delivery.

Tools like bulk adjustments, editable equipment lists with pricing, and real-time topology updates make planning faster and more accurate. Adaptive spatial models and signal strength calculations ensure reliable coverage and installation-ready designs.

Omada App 5.0 and Wi-Fi Navi App 1.5: Mobile Tools for Network Management and Validation

The Omada App 5.0 complements Network 6.0 with a refreshed interface and smoother interactions, enabling remote monitoring and configuration with ease.

Meanwhile, the Omada Wi-Fi Navi App V1.5, a free networking troubleshooting tools, expands its toolkit for installers and administrators. New features include Wi-Fi Integrated Test, Walking Test, IP/Port Scanners, Public IP Lookup, and Bandwidth/PoE calculators. With iPerf2 support and improved scanning, it’s now easier than ever to validate deployments and resolve issues on-site.

From network planning to management, these upgrades mark a significant evolution in the Omada ecosystem, empowering users to plan smarter, deploy faster, and manage networks with greater precision and confidence.

Key Concepts and Benefits of Zero Trust Network Access

The way organizations secure their networks has undergone significant changes in recent years. The traditional idea of a perimeter, where everything inside a corporate network could be trusted, is no longer valid. Cloud-first strategies, hybrid work models, and the widespread use of personal devices have blurred that boundary. As a result, businesses can no longer rely on firewalls and VPNs alone to keep their assets safe.

At the same time, the cyber threat landscape has become more sophisticated. Remote work has introduced new risks, and insider threats have grown more prominent. Cybercriminals now utilize advanced tools to exploit even the smallest vulnerabilities. This is why enterprises are moving toward a Zero Trust approach. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is at the forefront of this shift, offering a model where trust is never assumed but always verified. It is rapidly becoming the new standard for secure connectivity in modern IT ecosystems.

What Is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

ZTNA is a security model designed to ensure that users and devices are verified before being granted access to applications or data. Unlike older approaches that trusted users inside a network, ZTNA operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This means that every access attempt, whether from an employee in headquarters or a contractor working remotely, must be authenticated and authorized before any resources are made available.

The fundamental concept of ZTNA differs significantly from traditional VPNs and perimeter-based models. VPNs typically grant users broad access to the corporate network once they are authenticated, creating opportunities for attackers to move laterally if their credentials are compromised. In contrast, ZTNA provides application-level access, limiting exposure and making it much harder for threats to spread. This distinction is why ZTNA is increasingly viewed as the safer, smarter option for organizations looking to protect sensitive systems.

For enterprises adopting hybrid work strategies, ZTNA is a critical model for remote access security, as it enables secure, identity-based connections that adapt to context, devices, and policies. By focusing on granular access control and continuous verification, businesses can minimize risks while enabling flexible, productive remote work environments.

Key Concepts of ZTNA

Identity-Centric Security

Identity sits at the core of ZTNA. Before a user can connect, the system verifies their identity. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), combined with integration into identity providers, ensures that stolen passwords alone are not enough for attackers to gain entry. This focus on identity strengthens defenses against the most common entry points for cyberattacks.

Least-Privilege Access

ZTNA enforces the principle of least privilege, granting users only the specific permissions needed to perform their tasks. This reduces the potential attack surface by limiting exposure to it. If a single account is compromised, the damage is contained because the attacker cannot access more than what was explicitly granted.

Continuous Verification

Unlike older systems, where access is checked once and then trusted, ZTNA continuously monitors user activity to ensure ongoing trust. Authentication decisions adapt to risk levels, such as changes in device posture or unusual behavior. For example, if a user logs in from a new location or device, additional verification can be required before granting access.

Application-Level Segmentation

ZTNA enables organizations to segment applications, restricting access to specific resources rather than the entire network. This segmentation not only limits the blast radius of potential breaches but also helps organizations meet compliance standards by ensuring sensitive systems are isolated and better protected.

Core Benefits of ZTNA for Organizations

Reduced Attack Surface

By exposing applications only to authenticated and authorized users, ZTNA minimizes the number of entry points that attackers can target. Resources remain invisible to the public internet, lowering the likelihood of discovery and exploitation.

Stronger Remote and Hybrid Workforce Security

ZTNA is designed for today’s work environment, where employees, contractors, and third parties often access systems remotely. It ensures consistent security regardless of where users connect from, making it far more effective than VPNs in protecting distributed teams.

Improved User Experience

Traditional VPNs often slow down connections and frustrate users. ZTNA, by contrast, delivers faster and more seamless access to applications, without unnecessary overhead. This improves productivity while maintaining high levels of security.

Simplified IT and Policy Management

Centralized policy management enables IT teams to easily oversee access across diverse environments easily. Instead of dealing with complex network-level configurations, administrators can manage access policies at the application level, simplifying operations significantly.

Regulatory and Compliance Alignment

ZTNA helps organizations align with data protection and privacy regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. By enforcing least-privilege access and logging every interaction, ZTNA provides the transparency and control required for compliance.

ZTNA in Action – Industry Applications

ZTNA is versatile and applies to multiple industries. In finance, it helps secure sensitive transactions and customer data while minimizing the risk of fraud. In healthcare, it plays a vital role in safeguarding telehealth platforms and connected medical devices that handle patient data. For educational institutions, ZTNA ensures that both students and faculty can access learning platforms securely from anywhere, providing a secure and seamless learning experience. In manufacturing, ZTNA protects IoT devices and industrial control systems that are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals.

Industry insights from organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) underscore the importance of Zero Trust principles for critical sectors. Their published guidance emphasizes the use of adaptive and context-aware controls to protect both IT and OT systems.

Challenges in Adopting ZTNA

Despite its benefits, ZTNA adoption comes with challenges. Integrating it with legacy systems can be complex, especially in industries that rely heavily rely on outdated infrastructure. User resistance is another hurdle; employees may initially find the verification process inconvenient compared to familiar VPN setups. Vendor lock-in also poses a risk, as businesses may become too dependent on a single provider, limiting their flexibility. These challenges can be managed with careful planning, phased rollouts, and clear communication about the long-term benefits.

Best Practices for Successful ZTNA Implementation

A successful ZTNA strategy starts with identifying the most critical applications and systems, then extending Zero Trust protections to those first. Integrating ZTNA with existing identity and access management tools ensures seamless user experiences while strengthening security. Deploying in phases allows IT teams to test and refine policies without disrupting operations. Continuous monitoring and policy refinement help organizations adapt to evolving threats.

Additional resources from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and security hygiene in Zero Trust deployments, reinforcing the need for constant vigilance.

The Future of ZTNA

ZTNA continues to evolve in tandem with the broader Zero Trust ecosystem. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will increasingly play a role in adaptive access control, enabling real-time adjustments to policies based on context and behavior. Deeper integration with Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) frameworks will unify networking and security into a seamless cloud-delivered service. Moreover, small and medium-sized businesses are expected to adopt ZTNA at higher rates as cost-effective, scalable cloud-based solutions become widely available.

Reports from Gartner predict that ZTNA adoption will become a default requirement for enterprises moving to cloud-native architectures, with more organizations shifting away from VPNs entirely.

Conclusion

Zero Trust Network Access is no longer just a trend; it has become an essential part of modern cybersecurity strategies. By reducing the attack surface, providing stronger remote workforce security, simplifying policy management, and aligning with compliance needs, ZTNA empowers businesses to thrive in the digital era.

As enterprises face increasing threats and shifting work models, adopting ZTNA proactively is not just about protecting systems-it is about enabling innovation and resilience. Organizations that embrace ZTNA will be better positioned to safeguard their future in a constantly evolving cyber landscape.

FAQs

  1. How does ZTNA improve security compared to VPNs?

ZTNA offers application-specific access rather than network-wide access, reducing the potential for lateral movement and minimizing risks compared to VPNs.

  1. Is ZTNA suitable for small businesses?

Yes, cloud-based ZTNA solutions make it affordable and scalable for small and mid-sized businesses, not just large enterprises.

  1. Can ZTNA help with compliance requirements?

Absolutely. By enforcing least-privilege access, logging all activity, and segmenting applications, ZTNA supports compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and other regulatory frameworks.

IFA 2025 goes digital with new App #IFA2025

IFA Berlin, the world’s largest event for home and consumer tech, presents the new IFA App 2025 – the digital assistant for your IFA visit. The app bundles all information about the event and offers practical functions to help visitors plan their stay, find their way around and network.

Everything in one app – as individual as a visit to IFA

With the new IFA App, visitors have an overview of the entire exhibition halls at all times – from exhibitors and stages to programme highlights. With its flexible features, the app can be customised to suit personal interests and needs. This makes every visit as unique as the IFA itself.

‘Our goal is to offer all visitors an optimal experience at the IFA. The IFA App is the key to this – for trade visitors, industry experts and technology enthusiasts alike,’ says Leif Lindner, CEO, IFA Management GmbH.

Individual planning & live updates

With the personal agenda, appointments, presentations and events can easily be saved and reminders set up. The favourites function allows users to mark interesting programme items at any time, and live updates ensure that everyone arrives at their destination on time, even in the event of last-minute changes.

Blue dot navigation: Never get lost again

Navigating through the exhibition halls is easy with the integrated blue dot navigation. The app guides through the exhibition grounds with pinpoint accuracy, showing your location and the fastest route to the next product presentation, show area or scheduled meeting.

Smart networking tools for trade visitors

Exclusively for registered trade visitors, the app offers intelligent networking functions: find contacts, send messages, arrange and manage meetings – all directly in the app. This allows business relationships to be established and expanded in a targeted manner.

Quickly set up – immediately ready to go

The IFA App is now available in the Apple App Store, on Google Play Store and as a WebApp. All that is needed to register is a registered email address and personal badge ID.

Download the IFA App 2025 now: 

Apple App Store: Link
Google Play Store: Link
WebApp: Link

SIRO and Ivertec have announced rollout 10 Gigabit broadband service in Killarney

Fibre broadband network operator, SIRO, and Kerry and Munster broadband retailer, Ivertec, have announced the rollout of a 10 Gigabit broadband service in Killarney. SIRO’s first 10 Gigabit connection in the region.

The service is designed to enhance Ivertec’s existing fibre broadband offering to its significant business customer base.  The 10 Gigabit service allows Ivertec to offer Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) services and improved capacity to local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors, where the need for fast and reliable connectivity is essential.

Critically, the circuit also serves as a resilient backup route for Ivertec’s national network.  This means that if an issue occurs on the network, there is a back-up connection in place to ensure that end user businesses do not experience disruption.

The foundation underpinning Ivertec expanded offering to Kerry and Munster businesses is SIRO’s 100% fibre network, delivering symmetrical speeds. The latter means that businesses can enjoy the same level of upload and downloads speeds, which can be essential for business-critical operations such as video conferencing or uploading data to the Cloud.

10 Gigabit fibre broadband will not only allow Ivertec to meet the needs of its customers today but will also ensure that they can seamlessly continue to provide greater bandwidth and speeds to local businesses, as the latter’s data demands grow into the future.

 Aoife O’Reilly, SIRO’s Head of Enterprise, commented:
“SIRO’s is pleased to partner with Ivertec on 10 Gigabit fibre broadband for its Kerry and Munster customers. The partnership supports growing demand from businesses for dependable, high-speed and future proofed connectivity. It reflects our shared focus on strengthening digital infrastructure in regional areas.”

Gerard O’Sullivan, Ivertec CEO, said:

“We’re delighted to enhance fibre connectivity in Killarney with the launch of a new 10Gb circuit from SIRO. This circuit provides a fully diverse fibre path into our network in the region, complementing our existing backhaul connection between Kerry and Dublin. In the event of any disruption to our primary fibre route, the SIRO circuit ensures uninterrupted service for our customers in the area. This additional layer of resilience is vital for delivering high-availability internet and VoIP services—particularly for the many local businesses that depend on Ivertec for reliable connectivity every day.”

SIRO has announced the rollout of its full fibre network in Sandyford, Dublin.

SIRO, Ireland’s leading 100% fibre broadband network operator, has announced the rollout of its full fibre network in Sandyford, Dublin.

SIRO’s fibre to the premise network will be available to over 2,300 premises – residential and businesses – within the Sandyford area. To date about half of this number of premises can already access SIRO’s network, with the rollout on track to be completed by the end of June. This will deliver future-proofed, reliable and fast broadband to homes and businesses in the area. SIRO’s broadband network provides up to 2 Gigabits for homes and up to 10 Gigabits for business.

SIRO’s rollout represents a large investment in digital infrastructure in Sandyford – one of Dublin’s growing and most vibrant residential and commercial districts.

Sandyford is a thriving commercial centre with more than 1,000 Irish and international companies employing over 6,000 people directly. In parallel, Sandyford’s residential footprint is also growing rapidly, with several new housing developments and an expanding population of over 6,000 residents. Both the number of homes and businesses based in Sandyford is expected to increase further in the coming years. The arrival of SIRO’s future proofed full fibre network marks a timely addition to the area’s infrastructure and overall future development.

Areas included in the SIRO rollout in Sandyford include (but are not limited to) The Edges, Beacon South Quarter, The Cubes, The Forum, Carmanhall Court, The Maple, The Arcs, Beacon One, Time Place, South Central, and The Points.

The Sandyford deployment is part of SIRO’s wider expansion across South Dublin, where the company has invested significantly to bring full fibre broadband to high need, high-demand areas, stretching from Shankill to Stillorgan.

To date, SIRO’s national network has reached more than 650,000 premises across 143 towns and cities, as part of its €1 billion investment. The company is on track to pass over 700,000 premises by 2026, helping to future-proof communities right across Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of SIRO’s network in Sandyford, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora (and T.D. for the area) Neale Richmond noted:

“The rollout of 100% fibre broadband for Sandyford is a fantastic development and one which demonstrates the dynamic growth prospects for the Sandyford area. This investment in digital infrastructure paves the way for Sandyford to really develop as a future proofed hub for business and families in the area.

SIRO Chief Executive Officer, John Keaney commented:

“Sandyford is a dynamic and growing area, with a strong mix of residential, business and retail. The area has grown significantly in recent years with ambitious plans for further growth.

“By bringing SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband network here, we are ensuring that this community has access to the digital connectivity it needs today and into the future. Whether it’s for remote work, business operations, or home entertainment, our network offers fast, reliable broadband that supports modern living.”

Sandyford Business District CEO Ger Corbett commenting on SIRO’s fibre broadband network in the district noted:

“The transition to high-speed broadband in Sandyford Business District is a gamechanger as the benefit to homes and businesses in the area will be immense, enhancing connectivity, boosting efficiency, and supporting long-term productivity.

“The investment in fibre broadband aligns with SBD’s core goals of innovation and future-proofing the district, ensuring it remains a competitive and dynamic hub for decades to come.”