Marking the next stage in the development of Ethernet technology, the service will allow organisations to increase the efficiency of their voice and data connectivity across multiple sites by giving them greater control over their network.
At a time when capital and operating budgets are under pressure, the new service couples lower implementation and maintenance charges, with effective network control. This enables organisations to scale their network in the future, using their bandwidth more effectively to manage peaks and troughs in traffic. The net result is that they can provide their organisation with guarantees regarding the quality of service the communications infrastructure will deliver.
“The launch of a national VPLS-based Ethernet VPN service puts ntl:Telewest Business in a solid position to meet growing demand among UK businesses for Layer 2 any-to-any connectivity. Customers seeking to migrate from less scalable legacy technologies, can get a flexible multi-protocol solution backed by up to seven Classes of Service and maintain IP routing control, if they so desire. Finally ntl:Telewest Business’ Ethernet VPN is part of a broad portfolio backed by their own national infrastructure, which is difficult for rivals to match,” said Joel Stradling, Senior Analyst, Business Telecom Services, Current Analysis.
The service simplifies multiple site network configuration by bringing Ethernet out of the Local Area Network (LAN) and into the Wide Area Network (WAN). As a result, customers are able to set up and manage their IP routing, allowing them to make changes as and when required. The service is built using Alcatel-Lucent Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) switches in the core network, enabling customers to securely transport voice, video and data over an any-to-any shared infrastructure.
Ethernet VPN also enables additional sites to be quickly added from remote locations, without impacting the rest of the network and bandwidth can be increased as necessary to cope with demand. It has a comprehensive Service Level Agreement (SLA), which assures quality of service and performance. Ethernet VPN enables organisations to define either mission-critical or standard data priority to meet SLA stipulations. And, because it is an any-to-any service it removes the reliance on a single customer hub site, reducing single points of failure that could jeopardise performance.
“We recognise that businesses want to have more control over their network and be able to make straightforward changes. By aligning the communications infrastructure with the needs of the business, Ethernet VPN whole heartedly addresses this requirement. The increased transparency and management capabilities of the service will equip those who want it, with the ability to design and maintain more successful, cost-effective networks,” Andrew McGrath, Commercial Director, ntl:Telewest Business.
ntl:Telewest Business has been working with Alcatel-Lucent for a number of years and deployed its VPLS technology internally in 2005. The two companies have worked together to develop VPLS, Ethernet VPN being the first service ntl:Telewest Business has launched using this technology.