 |
|
||||
|
Xroads Service Strives for Zero Network OutagesBy Drew RobbJune 11, 2009
Initially, the only way to achieve redundancy was through complex protocols like BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), EGP (Exterior Gateway Protocol) IGP (Interior Gateway Protocol or OSPF (Open Shortest Path First). However, these can sometimes be difficult to implement, particularly for SMEs without much training in networking. BCP, for example, deals with how routing information is exchanged in a network and is widely used by Internet based applications. Recently, Xroads Networks (Irvine, Calif.), has introduced a service known as ZeroOutages (ZO), which provides a method for adding Internet redundancy to any network without the need for BGP or other networking protocols. It includes add-on modules for network reporting and traffic shaping for increased visibility into the types of Internet traffic being used, who is using it, and a way to control who has access to the available bandwidth. It is delivered as a service in a box plugged onto the network without. No network changes are needed. "ZO can shift downtime to zero even for those without a T1 line," said Daren French, vice president of business development at XRoads. "It was launched to provide a managed service offering around our popular EdgeXOS platform, but with some added advantages such as real-time NOC [Network Operations Center] support," XRoads develops network optimization appliances using unified bandwidth management (UBM) technology. Its EdgeXOS platform accelerates web-based downloads by utilizing all of the available throughput from each ISP link. Its multi-session web acceleration technology enables the achieve download speeds not available through link balancing alone. Instead of selling the appliance, ZO is a managed service based on the EdgeXOS. The idea is to provide low-latency applications, such as e-mail, CRM, VoIP and online backup. "ZO improves the performance of these applications and adds reliability by providing a built-in failover link in the event that the primary link fails," said French. "By enabling multiple ISPs, ZO makes it possible for the end user to set what ISP runs what applications and web sites." If the primary connection fails, for example, the applications are transferred to the secondary connection. Repairs can then be carried out on the original line. As it is a managed service, it doesn't add to the IT workload. In addition to a secondary Internet connection and automatic failover, ZO also provides load balancing capabilities. The second line in this case can be configured to eliminate bottlenecks, redirect unexpected peaks of heavy traffic away from the primary line and in general optimize overall bandwidth usage across both links. If desired, a mission-critical application can be fed across one link with all other traffic using the secondary line. "The Internet is becoming a must-have, always-on business tool, and our service makes sure that SMEs stay up and running even in the event of a network outage or link failure," said French. "ZO will be deploying add-on modules this year for network reporting and traffic shaping," said French. "This will add increased visibility into the types of Internet traffic being used and who is using it. This offers a method to control who has access to the available bandwidth and which applications have what priority." ZO vs. a Fatter PipeSome companies might prefer to just add a fatter pipe to take care of the issues solved by ZO. But that adds further monthly expense and can take many weeks to be installed. And even with more bandwidth, you are still left without redundancy. Further, it isn't always workable to try and cram two lines through one router. "If you try to sandwich two lines through one router, it becomes messy and unwieldy," said Dan Baldwin, founder and owner of the Telecom Association, a membership organization for companies that sell and consult voice and IP services. "ZO gives multiple things at a low price that you can't get anywhere — more bandwidth, you gain an additional broadband connection and 24/7 remote management." He reckons that this service will be particularly appealing to SMEs. As well as the extra bandwidth and redundancy, the management functions will be appealing to companies without network savvy staff.
|
|
|
|
Email
Print
Digg This
Add to del.icio.us
