No matter how much technology advances, no innovation or new development takes over from one day to the next, completely replacing its predecessor. We are not talking about flipping a switch. Most of the time, different technological advancements coexist until the more advanced and convenient technology becomes dominant through progressively more intensive use. In the field of connectivity, hybrid networks serve as an example of this. 

What are hybrid networks? 

As the name suggests, a hybrid network combines different types of connectivity within a single structure: it may include fibre optics, LTE, Wi-Fi, and 5G. The goal of implementing a network of this kind is twofold: on the one hand, ensuring connectivity at all times, regardless of the conditions that may affect user access. 

On the other hand, it aims to take full advantage of the strengths of each connectivity technology, leveraging their benefits so that the connection experience is fast, reliable, stable, and secure while also being flexible and dynamic to adapt to different situations. 

Hybrid networks are common in both business environments and home networks. A small business, for example, may rely on fibre optics as its primary connection to support daily operations while also having a 5G network as a backup. In this case, we would say that the business is using a hybrid network. 

How hybrid networks impact emerging technologies 

Having a near-guaranteed high-quality connection through hybrid networks, regardless of the conditions surrounding a telecommunications infrastructure, offers a major advantage for those technological developments that are currently shaping trends and paving the way forward. 

Internet of Things (IoT) 

Being surrounded by devices of various types and functionalities, all permanently connected to the network—which is what we mean when we talk about IoT—makes our lives significantly easier. Having a hybrid network ensures that all those devices, whether wireless or wired, large or small, and whether they require high data flows or not, have continuous and uninterrupted access to the network. In both industrial and home settings, this ensures much more organic, smooth, and efficient processes and automation. 

Edge Computing 

The main characteristic of edge computing networks is that data does not have to be stored in a cloud environment for processing; instead, it is processed close to the source of that information flow. This positively impacts lower latency and somewhat stronger security. Using hybrid networks for this type of processing ensures a smooth user experience and much more “organic” interactions with faster responses. 

Hybrid networks and cybersecurity 

These heterogeneous networks also have a beneficial effect in areas such as cybersecurity. Uninterrupted connectivity equals permanent monitoring. This translates into access control systems, surveillance, alarms, and security systems that are constantly operating thanks to hybrid networks, preventing vulnerabilities in a telecommunications system during an unexpected data flow disruption or an Internet signal “drop.” 

More than a specific type of technology, hybrid networks refer to an ecosystem of connectivity systems that build a complex structure with many facets and characteristics, all with the sole aim of ensuring that our Internet access is not interrupted at any time, no matter how demanding a particular network is. This—high-performance connectivity—is something that is already part of our daily lives, making hybrid networks likely candidates to become the standard in the future.