Corporate networks are under a constant state of siege - not just from threats but from the pressure of supporting the ever-growing number of clients, devices and platforms that have resulted from the BYOD phenomena. Network demands will only increase as we move to the "internet of things" adding sensors and instrumentation of all types to the list of security burdens. As a result, many organizations are planning network refreshes to ensure bandwidth for current and future needs will be available. But new networking protocols and hardware can bring new attack surfaces for both internal and external threats, and organizations must consider new security measures, from intrusion prevention systems to next-generation firewalls to ensure network upgrades don't leave them at higher risk.

This SlashGuide looks at the most important factors IT should keep top of mind as they plan their move to 802.11ac, higher bandwidth wired infrastructure or upgrading to switches and routers with enhanced capabilities.