Connectivity

Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) Enterprise customers are demanding more flexible, open, and cloud-based WAN technologies, rather than installing proprietary or specialized WAN technology that often involves expensive, fixed circuits, or proprietary hardware.

Many of the new software-defined WAN offerings, for example, can be used to improve and secure Internet connectivity, making it more competitive with more expensive legacy WAN technologies such as T-1 or MPLS. In some cases, software-defined WAN technology uses Internet broadband connections to replace more expensive solutions. Virtualization technology can apply security and virtual private networking (VPN) technology to broadband Internet connections, making them more secure.

Software-Defined WAN also has the advantage of removing potentially expensive routing hardware by provisioning connectivity and services via the cloud. Emerging SD-WAN technology can also be more flexible. For example, because SD-WAN connectivity can be controlled through cloud software, a customer might be able to scale up or “burst” connectivity during times of peak demand.

Customer Focus: Cost, Reliability, Security

The main goal of SD-WAN technology is to deliver a business-class, secure, and simple cloud-enabled WAN connection with as much open and software-based technology as possible. This can be used to deliver basic WAN connectivity, or it can be used for premium business services such as VPN, WAN optimization, and applications delivery control (ADC).

Many new startups are going after the potential in the software-defined WAN market, which is likely billions of dollars. Many of these startups have slightly different approaches to the market. For example, Silver Peak has focused on accelerating Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications in the cloud, VeloCloud goes after branch-office connectivity, and Aryaka has built a global network so that companies can use WAN as a Network-as-a-Service (NaaS).

Incumbent WAN technology vendors such as Cisco and Riverbed, which make specialized appliances for WAN connectivity, are now focusing more on cloud-based WAN offerings in response to this new trend.

Expect the trend to accelerate over the next few years. What started as a solution for branch-office and data-center WAN connectivity requiring less proprietary equipment appears to be expanding into a wide range of SD-WAN offerings and technologies including VPN, security, WAN optimization, NaaS, and application policy control.

Multiprotocal Label Switching (MPLS)

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is still available for enterprise-class network, designed specifically to meet your growing business needs.

MPLS is designed to securely connect branch offices, customers, employees and suppliers under one virtual network. MPLS centralizes and simplifies your network making it easier to manage. Assign priority levels and control network traffic to ensure that data safely arrives at its intended destination. By assigning different priority levels you can control and optimize your network using existing bandwidth.

  • Combine multiple voice and data networks into one. Control cost and complexity and improve certainty and service reliability.
  • Quality of Service (QoS) functionality — prioritize voice and time-sensitive traffic over other routine data types, ultimately improving overall network speed and efficiency using Class of Service (CoS) capabilities.
  • MPLS network architecture is flexible and highly scalable — it’s easy to add new locations.
    Conserve capital — Cbeyond installs and manages the router that connects to your network, saving you money on equipment and costly monthly maintenance fees.
  • Protect your company’s sensitive data — enjoy security levels that meet or exceed HIPAA regulations.

MPLS maximizes network performance and productivity. Cbeyond delivers the know-how, the technology and first-class customer support. It’s a win-win proposition; we’ll manage your network so you can focus on growing your business.

  • Point to Point
  • VPN – Virtual Private Network
  • Frame Relay
  • BGP Protocol