enabling networks with multi protocol label switching mpls and virtual private networks

Convergence Integrating Access Technologies ’s Four Points of Convergence Business leaders are quickly recognizing that a converged environment strategy can enhance performance across all of their operations. Converged communications can help strengthen organizational performance, increase the speed and agility of the enterprise, increase management’s ability to control operations and enhance the organization’s resilience while maintaining security. No wonder that in a 2005 global survey of business executives, 45 percent of respondents considered convergence “important” or “critical” to achieving their strategic IT and business objectives, and 60 percent said they would deploy converged networks across most or all of their organizations by 2008.1 As organizations extend convergence into new areas, the value grows. Four distinct but interrelated opportunities for convergence are: •Integrating on-net options for mobile and fixed access •Enabling networks with multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) and virtual private networks •Optimizing their applications infrastructure to create a more integrated operating environment •Utilizing IP-enabled services, such as voice, video, conferencing and messaging services Each convergence area holds both opportunity and challenge. To maximize the benefits and overcome the challenges, you must know how to use convergence in your organization, understand the steps required to make convergence a success, and carefully choose a partner to help plan and carry out the move to convergence. This is one in a series of five papers has developed to help – to provide insight into the “how to” of convergence and examine the practical issues your organization must overcome as you integrate converged communications into your business operations. Of the Four Points of Convergence, this paper will explore the integration of multiple access options into your network in detail. Introduction to Integrated Network Access All too often, corporate IT departments and network service providers view “access” as something outside the scope of the corporate Instead of thinking of access as connecting to their networks, enterprises have to think of access as part of their networks. This is the way they can achieve the price-performance levels they need to run their businesses. network. But with mobile workforces and demand for “always available” mission-critical applications on the rise, enterprises find themselves coping with a proliferation of access devices, media, transmission protocols and technologies. When access is integrated intoa converged network, enterprises can have maximum control and flexibility over end-to-end network performance and functionality. They can ensure that services are accessible tomobile and remote employees, regardless of device. They Today’s demanding enterprises are looking to extend network services and functionality to every endpoint – whether the endpoint comprises can select appropriate levels of speed, throughput and SLA based on the needs of the user, rather than the device or physical location. Further, a server at a corporate location or a mobile phone or a laptop computer with a wireless card. Business needs dictate a level of they can control costs through standardized pricing, platforms and support. In essence, every user and every application is always “on-net.” consistency and price performance that is simply not compatible with the old, “outsider” view of access. Integrated Network Access Today Today, many businesses employ applications that extend network functionality to access endpoints – from the home-based user who Integrating access among other network services gains a significant boost when both wireline and wireless services are provided by the same supplier. is uniquely positioned to manage a business customer’s needs across their entire continuum of wireline and can access the corporate network via dial-up or broadband to the traveling employee who accesses voicemail and email through his wireless requirements. For instance, the company is working to integrate the capabilities of its global, MPLS enabled IP wireline integrated PDA device. In these cases, the end user becomes a location-independent endpoint on the network, with access to the same applications as their colleagues back at the office. network with those of its cellular network, the largest in the U.S. The convergence process has begun with coordinated account support – IDC’s 2005 Ethernet End User Survey outlines the strengths and limitations of largely-metropolitan Ethernet WAN services. Based on providing account, sales, customer service and service management across the company. survey respondents, IDC concluded, “[Ethernet] is overwhelmingly a metro technology, used to link sites within the same city. Over half of Over time, anticipates a much higher level of fixed-mobile convergence. The company is working to combine the capability and the companies using Ethernet have installed four or fewer ports. This is partly because the services on the market today are overwhelmingly rich content of premises data and telephony systems with the freedom of wireless local and cellular networks. Adding the intelligence and metro service and partly because service availability is generally limited to buildings with fiber access. For carriers to increase penetration of reach of ’s powerful wireline network will enable enterprises to give mobile workers the same ability to access information, communicate Ethernet service, they will have to offer interworking with other WAN technologies to increase the usefulness of Ethernet in the WAN.”2 That and respond to customers as their headquarters colleagues, without sacrificing onsite presence and face-to-face customer contact. interworking can be achieved through implementation of a converged network. With a wide, readily available choice of fixed and wireless access options worldwide, businesses have the flexibility to determine which Another simple way to integrate access into the VPN is by utilizing a single physical port to provide concurrent logical connections to endpoints, serving which applications, will provide the greatest value at the lowest cost. private enterprise VPNs and to the Internet. This feature maximizes physical resources and available bandwidth in a cost effective fashion, while providing enterprises of all sizes flexibility in how they connect their sites to each other and to the external world. Emerging Capabilities Two trends are shaping the future of network access integration. The first is enhanced coverage and functionality of access options, With the improved security, bandwidth and coverage of wireless and cellular network options, it’s increasingly possible to include wireless including those in the burgeoning wireless field. With the promise of easily deployable, flexible-bandwidth communications, wireless voice and data options into enterprise networks. Within corporate locations, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) options allow technology is a hotbed of development activity. According to the Cisco Group, “Emerging wireless broadband technologies offer the employees to stay connected to the network from anywhere on site. Employing standard Wi-Fi, or 802.11 technology, WLAN networks are promise of IP and VoIP services beyond the hotspot. Although there are many competing technologies, only some have the upload bandwidth, flexible, supporting a number of mobile devices and data applications, including Voice over IP (VoIP). For broader coverage, enterprises may QoS and low latency needed for VoIP. These include EV-DO Rev A, HSUPA and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX).”3 consider wireless Wide Area Network (WAN), also known as cellular or 3G services. Yet they face a tradeoff between speed and availability, With business-quality services anticipated to be available as early as 2006, WiMAX is expected to offer high-bandwidth wireless since the highest-speed mobile WAN services are currently available in the fewest locations. transmissions over a range up to 5 miles, while employing the security of wireline connectivity. Integrating Mobile and Fixed Access Options Private Line Broadband WiMAX Wi-Fi Hotspots Cellular Converged MPLS IP Network Ethernet Frame Wireless LAN Optical Dial-up The second trend relates to enterprises’ drive toward network efficiency and control. The converged network of the future will reflect technological diversity, as enterprises choose among a broad range of Key Considerations for CIOs •Site, device and access inventory suppliers, devices and media for their endpoints. While the converged environment will make it possible to deliver consistent levels of •Application usage patterns performance – speed, throughput, security – to all endpoints, conscientious businesses will not be satisfied with paying for excessive performance in a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, they will •Security requirements •Management and reporting options demand management flexibility to deliver just the right level of price- performance to each endpoint. Planning and Implementation: Q&A Q: What are the first things I should consider in developing a converged access infrastructure? Emerging wireless broadband technologies offer the promise of IP and VoIP services beyond the hotspot. A: Start by inventorying your endpoints – remembering that Although there are many competing technologies, only some have the upload bandwidth, QoS and endpoints include any employee, location, server or device that connects to your corporate network. Then, consider the low latency needed for VoIP. These include EV-DO Rev A, HSUPA and Worldwide Interoperability for applications required by each group of users. Who needs the highest performance speeds? Who needs always-on access? Microwave Access (WiMAX).3 Data or voice or both? For your data endpoints, which applications require the highest performance? How are they accessed, by Cisco Group whom? Based on your assessment, establish criteria for SLAs, price points and security levels. The analysis will help you determine which endpoints should be integrated with your network. Such flexibility is available today using advanced PC client software. The Global Network Client integrates a wide range of access methods (Wi-Fi, Cellular, DSL or cable broadband, dial-up and ISDN) to give notebook computer users seamless access to the corporate Q: How can I assure an appropriate level of security across my integrated access points? A: The most important step is establishing a well-defined security virtual private network (VPN), Intranet and corporate applications. Designed for corporate deployment, the client incorporates robust policy, with a well-layered network architecture for your entire network. With a security policy in place, your endpoints will not capabilities, including an embedded firewall and enforcement of policies that prevent non-compliant PCs from accessing the corporate present undue vulnerability. A sophisticated network partner can ensure that appropriate security is built into every layer of your network. Yet it is also simple and easy for users, with single log-in and credentials and automatic detection and selection of the best available network architecture. access method. The most recent Version 7.0 adds a simplified, streamlined user interface, improves support for Wi-Fi, cellular cards Q: How are other businesses integrating access into their networks? A: As business needs vary, so do their choices to integrate certain and tethered cellular modems and enhances security support. access types into their network. Here are some examples from a range of industries: At the same time, the drive for efficiency means that businesses will require their endpoints to work harder. For example, today a mid- market company may engineer an “active/passive” data backup configuration: when a primary data line fails, the data is switched over •A leading manufacturer of farm machinery needs to extend critical ordering and inventory data to its network of rural distributors. By extending network capabilities through IP to an otherwise unused secondary line. In the future, businesses will balk at such inefficiency. Instead, they will look to their converged connections from each remote dealership, all dealers now have a consistent view into critical ordering applications, and dealer networks to deliver “active/active” configurations, in which the network directs data over a combination of active wireline and wireless routes, based on capacity. productivity has skyrocketed. •A telecom company provides all salespeople internationally with high-speed, wireless data devices connected to the corporate network – thus increasing productivity and decreasing the costs Is Converged Access Right for Your Enterprise? How do you know when it’s time to consider integrating access into your corporate network? Try the “more-better-less” test: Does your and workload associated with processing telecom expense vouchers. business require more coverage to better serve customers? Do your users need better features, functions, capabilities and SLAs to do their •An automotive supplier develops a business continuity plan that requires home-based and temporary work locations toprovide a consistent, high-quality experience to customers and suppliers. jobs effectively? Do you want to see less complexity and cost in your network? It’s important toremember that integrated access is not an With high-bandwidth access to critical data from every work location, the business handles localized outages transparently “all or nothing” decision. You may choose to focus on just a few critical applications, or one or more types of access. Your own to customers. business structure and requirements will help you determine an access integration timeline. Q: What support will I need to implement and manage access points in an integrated environment? Agility A: When you introduce flexible, diverse access options to your Ability to provide the best location-specific solution based on company-owned assets, in addition to a broad network of suppliers integrated network, you’re likely to see an increase in complexity. By selecting an experienced partner to help you manage that and multiple technologies. complexity, you’ll find it easier to plan, implement and manage your integrated access points. Choose a partner whose geographic Control Single point-of-accountability for global networking solutions – with access designed and managed as an integral element of the network solution. coverage and breadth of access services matches your needs, and who allows for a flexible migration plan according to your schedule. Security And remember, integrated access is only as valuable as the network it’s part of. Make sure your network partner can design Resilience and redundant/high availability options for dedicated access, along with embedded firewall for remote access and Internet and deliver the full value of an overall MPLS network plan. protection options that maximize throughput by preventing problems before they reach access circuits. Portfolio Highlights • is integrating the largest U.S. wireless IP network – built on the global GSM standard – with the capabilities of the global network Conclusion Convergence is proving its value every day. For many IT leaders, the question is not whether convergence is a sound investment, but where •Comprehensive set of solutions for remote, point-to-point, ring and metropolitan area network access to start and how fast to proceed. •Remote access from 149 countries As you set directions for your organization, consider the four vectors of convergence. Think of them not as sequential steps, but as headings on a compass of opportunity. •Industry-leading suite of Ethernet services: – 2005 Frost and Sullivan Award for marketing leadership This series of papers is written to help you with your convergence decisions, providing insight into the “how to” of convergence and – Metropolitan Ethernet Forum “Service Provider of the Year” examining the practical questions you will encounter as you build converged communications into your business operations. We hope •Metropolitan area ring solutions that provide the highest possible levels of availability, reliability and security, assuring fail-safe business continuity that these perspectives will help you guide your organization toward the opportunities of the future, as you seize the power of convergence. • Inc. named world's and America’s most admired telecommunications company for 2006, Fortune Magazine References 1. “Competing through Convergence,” survey and white paper in cooperation with the Economist Intelligence Unit, Page 1, ©2005 The Difference 2. Kaplan, Ron. Insight: Ethernet End User Survey. Global footprint with broad range of technology/speed/protocol/SLA options that can be matched to the application requirement. 3. “Wi-Fi Handsets Bring Enhanced Mobility to VoIP,” Cisco Group, 10/13/2005
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