JULY 31, 2009 -- A new Ethernet VPN service launched by ntl:Telewest Business (search Lightwave for ntl:Telewest) is anticipated to allow organizations to increase the efficiency of their voice and data connectivity across multiple sites by giving them greater control over their networks.
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 is designed to enable network scaling in the future, using bandwidth more effectively to manage peaks and troughs in traffic. The net result is that the customer can provide its organization 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 multiprotocol 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," says Joel Stradling, senior analyst, business telecom services, Current Analysis (search Lightwave for Current Analysis).
ntl:Telewest says its 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 (search Lightwave for 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. A comprehensive SLA ensures quality of service and performance. Ethernet VPN enables organizations to define either mission-critical or standard data priority to meet SLA stipulations. Because it is an any-to-any service it removes the reliance on a single customer hub site, reducing single points of failure.
"We recognize 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," claims 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 the technology.
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