Pub. 10 2015-2016 Issue 6

www.nebankers.org 28 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members. The New Era of Networks Backed by Fiber Optic Technology Jay Anderson, NebraskaLink LLC L AST JANUARY I WROTE TO YOU ABOUT MIGRATING FROM copper to a fiber-based technology for delivery of your data communication services. In this article I want to continue the conversation about data communication with a focus onmulti-protocol and virtual local-area network extension technologies that take advantage of a fiber optic- based connection, and to answer the common questions associated with such technologies. In the past year, we have seen a substantial increase in requests for Ethernet Multipoint Services (EMSes) such as Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Virtual Private LAN Services (VPLS). A network utilizing these technolo- gies delivers the highest reliability, agility, and simplicity for connecting multi-site businesses together, as well as shared service facilities such as data centers. A closed network pro- vided by one of these solutions creates a reliable connection and eliminates reliance upon, as well as risks associated with, an Internet-based network. Companies that provide private EMS networks, such as NebraskaLink, will usually commit to 100 percent availability of their core network, and also will place rigorous quality and process demands on themselves and any local access part- ners they use, thus guaranteeing end-to-end quality. EMS networks offer a full network solution, including connectivity and Internet access, freeing up the customer to concentrate on its core business and areas of expertise. Security is paramount in an EMS network solution. The carrier handles the WAN connectivity in a secure, efficient fashion, making these solutions much simpler for the cus- tomer than managing a large, routed network. Applications such as voice, video, and online software can run seamlessly over this type of network configuration, and with limited IT support. EMS makes it easy to connect sites with each other to handle these types of traffic. Virtually all commercial EMS services feature Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning, mean- ing that users can specify latency, jitter, and packet loss mini- mum thresholds for each type of traffic (voice, video, email, bulk file transfers, etc.), enabling EMS networks to treat latency-sensitive traffic, like voice and video, preferentially over less-sensitive traffic. Why are companies using EMS? Companies face many obstacles when deciding on technology deployment, including the need to connect different network endpoints securely and seamlessly. EMS achieves this goal both cost effectively and dependably. VPLS is a widely utilized technology that con- nects the networks of multi-location, geographically dispersed businesses using different network speeds and services. EMS provides the ability to manage and support multiple locations through a secured and meshed network. This ser- vice also has the ability to be deployed over different types of connections and speeds, which allows companies to cre- ate designs based on their specific requirements. The recent consolidation of banking and financial institutions in recent years in the U.S. has resulted in a patchwork of different networks using various protocols and speeds. Additionally, the headquarters have very different WAN requirements than a branch or standalone ATM. EMS provides a single solution for all of these challenges while requiring limited outside support. Banking and financial institutions always have been highly regulated by a number of bodies, including the FDIC and SEC, and organizations whose data falls into the wrong hands can face a number of negative consequences, including fines, civil liability, and damage to the company’s reputation. An EMS network provides a secure, reliable, and cost-effective solution that helps eliminate these risks and meets the requirements of the regulations. EMS works well in these environments because of its inherent flexibility and ability to support other security and firewall services. Is EMS a good fit for your business? Here are some ques- tions to ask: • Are you or your customers in a regulated industry? A higher degree of security and compliance is offered by private Ethernet multipoint services than can be achieved by other comparable solutions. • What applications are being used? If your enterprise uses voice and video services that require high qual- ity, EMS uses class-of-service in order to avoid packet loss and latency, which results in clear phone calls and video images. • What services will be added in the future? If you will need VPNs, remote access, and secure Internet con- nectivity in the future, EMS can accommodate the use of these technologies along with convenient and seamless upgrades. • Who will manage the WAN across the enterprise? Companies with limited or expensive IT resources find EMS to be a good fit because it is a turnkey solution that is fully managed by the provider.