Carrier Ethernet

Chief information officers today are charged with more than just technology and, almost as often, a migrant into IT from other areas of the company. CIOs are increasingly focused on communications and knowledge management tools, such as mobility and collaboration – they are critical for the enterprise’s success.

Network connectivity and WAN services have to address a new set of challenges, including budget constraints, a dynamic business environment, satisfying user expectations and enable remote users/locations.

In today’s cost-conscious environment, CIOs evaluating Carrier Ethernet services should consider the benefits associated with this communications strategy: higher throughput at much lower price per Mbps than frame relay and other legacy services, as well as scalable rates up to 10 Gbps with guaranteed throughput. In other words, you get as much bandwidth as you really need.

A recent demonstration by RAD Data Communications (News - Alert) outlines several other benefits of Carrier Ethernet WAN services for companies. Meeting today’s enterprise service requirements, Carrier Ethernet WAN services provides flexible connectivity site-by-site; non-disruptive site addition and is easy to adjust when more bandwidth is required. It also enables IP applications such as MPLS VPN and Dedicated Internet Access (DIA).

In addition, Carrier Ethernet supports all enterprise services, including VPN, Private Line, Dedicated Internet Access (DIA), Remote Access, and Cloud Connectivity.

There are also security considerations beyond servers for the CIO. For example, extending MPLS network to the access has no built-in security or authentication mechanisms. Anyone with an MPLS-compatible access device can tap into the network and inject malicious packets into it. Carrier Ethernet, on the other hand, offers a wide variety of protection techniques, including exclusive addressing schemes, port protection attributes and dedicated authentication protocols.

Most service providers are adding various Carrier Ethernet “flavors” to their WAN service offerings, according to RAD’s report. Knowledge of the available options can lead to significant cost reductions in WAN communications, and help CIOs in all industries fulfill their agendas.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.