Going Beyond MPLS: The Age of Network Virtualization

WAN Optimization is about getting better network performance for less cost.  Earlier, we wrote about the challenges of WAN Management and the specific limitations of traditional WAN solutions.  Here we explain how Software Controlled Networking (SCN) virtualizes the network to create more cost efficient high performance networks and deliver the enitire stack of optimization features as-a-service.

We’ll start with a quick look at the challenge of Network Virtualization and the need to optimize both WAN & Internet while addressing the importance of bringing software control to Network Access.

From there we’ll explain the benefits of Over-the-Top Quality-of-Service and the efficiency of using a Cloud Portal for Enterprise Class monitoring and control.  Finally, we can describe how this enables a full stack of managed WAN Optimization features as-a-service that overcome the limitations of the traditional WAN Solutions.

Virtualization:  In computer science, can be described in three distinct areas including Compute, Storage and Network. Compute and storage functions have already demonstrated their benefits of virtualization within the cloud. 

Network Virtualization has proven more difficult requiring the participation of Routers and Switches in the network path. As a result, the industry seems to be waiting on a new generation of network switches and routers supporting Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), which will require a new round of capital expenditures for us to finally reap the benefits of network virtualization in the future.

Fortunately, Software Controlled Networking (SCN) is here today offering a Multi-Patented and Market Proven Network Virtualization alternative that’s compatible with existing Routers and Switches in the path.  SCN works with existing infrastructures and is easily deployed at the point of access.  It works Over-the-Top of any Service Provider links regardless of the circuit type, and doesn’t require upgrades to existing provider equipment.

SCN creates a virtual network session Over-the-Top of existing Carrier Infrastructures that controls all WAN traffic and Internet services. Connections can be made with any combination of IP circuits using diverse local Carriers and circuit types.  SCN keeps track of circuit conditions such as latency, jitter, and loss to intelligently manage traffic.  Advanced capabilities include link aggregation, pre-emptive failover and a patented bi-directional IP Quality of Service (IPQoS) that brings MPLS type functionality to Public Broadband.

More than just monitoring, SCN provides consistent metrics across the network, regardless of the local Carrier and circuit type.  Advanced Network analytics process this Big Data into visualizations that show end-to-end user Quality of Experience (QoE) for all networks and key applications at-a-glance.  Network Virtualization helps you find problems quickly and provides the ability to fix issues remotely using a single sign-on Cloud Management Portal.

Now let’s examine how SCN uses Network and WAN virtualization to deliver all the quality and reliability you expect from Private WAN, but with faster speeds and lower costs:

• Service Providers can use SCN to seamlessly integrate WAN features like VPN Encryption, WAN Acceleration and WAN Aggregation into their WAN service offerings and manage them all through a single CPE that’s remotely controlled using a Cloud Management Portal. 

Table 2: WAN Optimization Features and the Advantages of SCN

Conclusion:  Software Controlled Networking creates a virtual network and revolutionizes WAN Performance Optimization.  Through Network & WAN Virtualization, a wide range of optimization features can be managed using a single CPE at the customer location. This reduces the cost and complexity compared to traditional WAN solutions that required multiple devices.  SCN provides advanced WAN aggregation that easily scales both WAN and Internet bandwidth to any site using low cost Public Broadband links, and the bi-directional IPQoS ensures there’s no sacrifice in quality for both WAN & Internet compared to traditional MPLS based services.

SCN improves WAN performance monitoring and management by providing more consistent network analytics across all sites regardless of local carrier and connection type, with advanced capabilities to repair the virtual network from a single login Cloud Management Portal. These features make Software Controlled Networks ideal for multi-site, multi-carrier WAN design.

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