A10 Networks research shows how technology revolution and customer demand are transforming CSP operations globally

A10 Networks has recently released a report titled “Global Communication Service Providers: Market Growth Fuels Security Investments”, aimed at investigating the ways in which Communication Service Providers (CSP) are responding to evolving technological advancements and customer requirements. The report suggests that the majority of CSPs recognize the importance of robust network traffic growth, leading to an increased focus on investment in network security, portfolio diversification, and infrastructure expansion.

The report highlights that CSPs are increasingly prioritizing expanding service areas to cover unserved or underserved communities, through deploying secure connectivity. Interestingly, 69% of respondents endorse this move, with half of them anticipating an uplift of more than 10% of their current subscriber base, while 19% are hoping to achieve more than a 50% increase. Additionally, 31% of multi-nation CSP organizations plan to build more data centers.

Regarding security, the report suggests that while firewall and appliance upgrades continue to be the topmost priority, CSPs are beginning to focus on other areas such as DDoS protection and network monitoring, with 27% of respondents acknowledging these as significant areas of concern. Similarly, ransomware and malware protection services, automated security policies, and simplifying disparate point solutions are all ranked at 26%.

The report also highlights that CSPs are increasingly focusing on cloud computing, with revenue growth and improved product relevancy being the core factors while the evolution of public cloud and managed data center services takes on the minor side. Interestingly, only 16% of respondents reported negative growth due to the cloud shift.

However, the transition to digital infrastructure utilizing IPv6 remains a challenge for CSPs, with only 30% of respondents confident that they can make the full switch in the next 2 to 3 years. The majority of CSPs are therefore deploying smart and scarce management of IPv4 addresses while utilizing IPv6 whenever possible.

For those interested in delving deeper into the full report, it is available here.