Network management has always been a complicated, labor-intensive and expensive task, but today’s infrastructure requires even more resources. This has led operators to move to Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN) for new generation services that are smarter, faster and much easier to set up and adapt. Fitting that trend, the new BT Connect Intelligence IWAN service, released by British Telcom, uses SDN processes to automatically optimize network traffic.
According to BT, the new service will improve application performance, lower networking costs and increase the level of security for customers. The solution was deployed at Walgreens Boots Alliance in 21 countries around the world to demonstrate its capabilities, which include extensive reach and scalability to support international operations.
With IWAN, the transition to the cloud for organizations will be much easier, as it can be used as a bridging stage when they are transitioning to full NFV and SDN in the cloud. As a hybrid of public and private cloud, it uses Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) technology for different virtualized functions, including securing the performance of applications.
“They [NFV and SDN] pave the way for a new generation of services that are quicker and easier to set up and change. BT Connect Intelligence IWAN leverages the Cisco IWAN solution to bring an important new building block in that virtualization effort. It will help our customers all over the world deal much more effectively with ever increasing bandwidth and traffic optimization demands, allowing customers to network like never before," said Keith Langridge, vice president of network services, BT Global Services.
The company said the first version of Connect Intelligence IWAN will provide Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities for global deployment and transport technologies. With this VPN, organizations can connect their remote sites securely over MPLS VPNs, private and public internet and mobile to exchange information with encryption technology.
Additionally, it lets applications be routed with the best available path based on real-time network performance on the customer’s hybrid network. Having faster application performance means companies can access the resources they need to carry out their tasks. A valuable options in today’s collaborative workforce environment. The availability also comes with visibility and analytics, so the delivery of the applications and network performance can be monitored.
The BT Connect Intelligence IWAN has integrated Cisco’s IWAN, which allows it to leverage the technology for new management features such as dynamic traffic routing on hybrid VPNs, intelligent path control, agility in layering on virtualized network functions, and savings on Internet bandwidth, this according to Joel Stradling, Research Director, Business Network & IT Services, Current Analysis.
Edited by
Kyle Piscioniere
