(with apologies in advance for heavy Acronym use- Time to read: 2 minutes)
One of the key products from the GCOMM portfolio is the Secure Private Network (SPN). This service GCOMM has invested in a national redundant network based on MPLS technology. Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a highly scalable, fast packet switching technology that enables a single network to carry mulitple types of traffic, including voice, video, Internet, and data.
What this means is that clients can connect multiple sites over readily available internet connection technologies (such as DSL), but the data never traverses the internet. The SPN becomes an extension of the customer's local network, enabling efficient communication via Quality of Service or QoS. This means that voice, video, Internet, network data and email can co-exist on the same network without degradation of time-sensitive applications. The business advantage here is that many services can be delivered via one network, increasing efficiency and reducing cost.
As the diagram indicates, Internet becomes just one more service that is delivered via the SPN. However, only a single internet gateway is required to provide internet access to all sites in the SPN. This means that you only need one firewall and one download limit for the whole organisation, once again reducing complexity and cost. The service is highly scalable with additional connections for home users and satellite offices being simple and inexpensive.
Features of the SPN.
- Reduces operating costs by consolidating all traffic types onto a common platform.
- Provides optimum efficiency with bandwidth priority for real time and critical applications.
- Improves business application performance through Quality of Service.
- Supports voice, video and other IP based applications.
- Simplifies Internet security via a centralized internet gateway.
- Secures your unique network by isolating it, with no visibility or access by unauthorized parties or other users.
