What is an enterprise private network (EPN)?

Types of EPNs

Enterprise private networks can be categorized and implemented in different ways depending on what an organization requires. These can include the following:

• LANs. LANs connect devices within a limited area and typically use Ethernet or Wi-Fi. A LAN is a basic network type that can also act as a building block for more complex implementations.
• WANs. These connect multiple LANs across wider geographical locations. A WAN is a basic network type that can also act as a building block for more complex implementations.
• Virtual private networks. VPNs create encrypted tunnels over the public internet to securely connect users to an enterprise network.
• Multiprotocol Label Switching networks. MPLS is a switching mechanism used in WANs that routes traffic using labels instead of network addresses.
• Software-defined WAN. SD-WAN is a virtualized WAN that uses software to manage network connectivity.
• Leased lines. Leased lines are dedicated lines, offered by telecom carriers, that provide point-to-point connections between geographic locations.
• Private cloud networks. Private cloud networks are cloud computing platforms that are isolated from public cloud traffic and are either hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider.

Business benefits of enterprise private networks

Key business benefits of having an EPN include the following:

• Security. EPNs are isolated and not open to the public. They also typically use other security measures, such as encryption, firewalls and access controls, to protect sensitive data.
• High performance. EPNs are typically customizable, meaning the network can be tuned to the exact specifications that an organization needs, such as low latency, high bandwidth and high availability.
• Coverage. EPNs are not limited to local networks; they can be designed to connect multiple, geographically dispersed locations.
• Dedicated infrastructure. EPNs can be customized to an organization's specific needs, and the infrastructure used is separated from public networks.
• Centralized management. EPNs are managed centrally, meaning organizations can monitor the network from one central point. This makes network monitoring and administration more efficient.
• Scalability. If an EPN is designed with scalability in mind, then it should also be able to accommodate growing network requirements.

Challenges of enterprise private networks

EPNs also come with the following common challenges:

• Expense. Building and maintaining private network infrastructure can be expensive. Although in some instances they might be cost-effective, private cloud networks and leased lines have associated costs that must also be considered.
• Require IT expertise. Large EPNs, especially ones that span multiple sites, can be complex. These require professional IT knowledge for configuration, monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Security risks. Although these networks are private, that does not mean they are safe from cyber threats. Private networks are still subject to malware and ransomware, phishing, distributed denial-of-service attacks, advanced persistent threats and man-in-the-middle attacks, for example.
• Design requirements. The EPN must be designed with scalability, security and continuity in mind.

EPN deployment strategies and best practices

Setting up an EPN often involves the following deployment strategies:

• Network segmentation. Network segmentation is a networking model that divides a network into multiple segments, each functioning as a smaller, individual network.
• Cloud-Integrated. A private network is extended to a private cloud provider.
• Private 5G. Private 5G is a wireless network technology that delivers 5G cellular connectivity for private network use cases. It works the same way as a public 5G network, but the owner can restrict public access.
• Extranet. An extranet is a private network that organizations extend to trusted third parties, such as suppliers, vendors or customers.
• Zero-trust network access. ZTNA implements the zero-trust security model at the network level. The private network is designed to deny access by default and provide access only to authenticated users and devices.

Best practices surrounding EPN should focus on improving its effectiveness and security. Practices to follow should include the following:

• Conduct continuous monitoring. This can help quickly detect issues and potential security incidents.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments. Assessments can help identify issues before they become security incidents.
• Enforce least privilege access. This can help reduce potential security breaches.
• Implement cloud access security brokers. CASBs help to create consistent and secure cloud connections.
• Use next-generation firewalls. They provide additional features that can detect and block sophisticated cyberattacks.
• Use consistent network policies. These and standardized configurations can help simplify management.
• Prioritize traffic and quality of service. This can help ensure the network can prioritize traffic and bandwidth for critical applications and data.
• Design for scalability. The network should be designed to expand to new locations and accommodate influxes of new users.
• Regularly update. Updating networking hardware and software or other controls can help protect against potential vulnerabilities.
• Create disaster recovery plans. DR plans can help maintain availability during outages or other potential network disruptions.

Examples of enterprise private networks in action

EPNs play an important role in many real-world organizations. For example, Walmart uses a large private network. It uses a WAN to interconnect its branch offices, and a private cloud within its data centers. It is also looking into the use of private 5G networks.

JPMorgan Chase uses a combination of public cloud resources from Amazon Web Services and its own private cloud for its data centers. It has also implemented its own high-speed Quantum-Secured Crypto-Agile Network (Q-CAN) to connect data centers. Q-CAN can also use quantum key distribution to secure multiple VPNs.

The University of Virginia has developed a private wireless network with the goal of improving campus connectivity. To do this, it partnered with Comcast to create a private Citizens Broadband Radio Service-based private wireless network that bridges pre-existing coverage gaps on its campus. The network is privately controlled and secured by the university in partnership with Comcast and is specifically designed for campus use.

Future EPN trends

Enterprise private networks are expected to continue growing and changing along with developing technology and adoption trends. Some of these trends include the following:

• Zero trust security. As cyberattacks become a more common and prevalent threat, it's important for EPNs to be deployed in a more secure manner.
• AI and machine learning. AI and machine learning processes might be increasingly used to improve network optimization and anomaly detection.
• Edge computing. By bringing data processing closer to edge devices, edge computing can better support internet of things devices in private networks.
• 5G integration. With 5G infrastructure becoming more common, enterprises like Walmart have begun investigating its potential for private high-speed wireless connectivity.

EPNs are just one type of network. Learn more about enterprise private networks, along with a number of other network types an organization can use.