Routers can be classified into two categories–edge and core routers, based
on feature, functionality, and port density. Edge routers must be capable of
supporting multiple applications and features across a very large number of
physical and logical interfaces.
At the same time, edge routers must be more intelligent. On the other hand,
core routers must support high-speed interfaces and must be capable of handling
large volumes of aggregated traffic that results in superior forwarding
performance.
BUYING TIPS
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Multiple Services: The increase in competition has
resulted in tariff reduction and decrease in margins. Service providers are
more worried about how to utilize the existing infrastructure and keep opex
as well as capex under check. Traditionally, service providers have been
building new networks to provide different services to the customer as and
when they crop up. All this results in additional investment.
In the current telecom environment, there is aggressive
competition between service providers and they are looking at how to build a
consolidated network that can provide all the services under triple play
portfolio. Service providers can start with a few services but can deploy them
in future, once there is a demand for those services.
A router that can provide multiple services in the triple
play portfolio is definitely an advantage as it also helps in investment
protection. Services like broadband, VoIP, and mobile data are hot with
carriers. Service providers are also happy that one network will take care of
all applications.
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Features: It is not only important that the router
supports as many features as possible, it must also boast of those features
that really help in building value to the services. Some features that
should be looked at are: L3 VPNs, L2 VPNs (Ethernet over MPLS, Frame Relay
over MPLS, ATM over MPLS, PPP over MPLS, HDLC over MPLS), VPLS, IPSec
encryption, QoS, and customer self-provisioning etc. Vendors should also be
clear about router’s roadmap for IPv6. -
Stability and Performance: Service providers have
to provide high reliability to their enterprise customers who are running
mission critical applications. The objective of any service provider should
be how to provide uninterrupted service and performance for different
applications.
As most of the products are modular in nature, even if one
component fails, the rest of the system is not affected. In addition the various
failover mechanisms helps in restarting of all protocols and applications.
The router should be able to handle unstable network
conditions such as sudden surge in bandwidth usage, route bottlenecks, etc.
Today, routers that separate the routing and forwarding functionality are in
demand as this reduces the risk of downtimes.
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Scalability: Reduction in tariffs for both voice
and data has resulted in increased enterprise usage, both on the voice as
well as data front. Service providers should also check whether routers
support increased carrier bandwidth and the number of routes that can be
handled.
Even on the video front, things are shaping up. All this has
put a lot of pressure on the routing vendors as forklift upgrades don’t work
and one has to go for those routers that have been tested for different
applications in the triple play environment.
Forklift upgrades do help in introducing new services, and
features but service providers should be careful that it should not happen at
the cost of the network. One has to also look whether the product can be easily
integrated with the OSS/BSS as this can save lot of hassles for service
providers.
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Per-port Revenue: Traditionally, port density has
been a key evaluating factor for platforms. However, with the wide variety
of applications that are now possible on today’s networks, the importance
of revenue per port has also emerged as a crucial criterion accompanied with
port density. Per-port revenue is related to the range of value-added
services that can be offered to enterprise customers. -
Security: In order to offer reliable and stable
network services to the customer, the network equipment should be protected
from various kinds of intentional and accidental attacks leading to denial
of service. The network platforms should have built in firewall capability
as well as encryption capabilities. One has to opt for a vendor that
provides end-to-end security. -
Reliability: With telecom infrastructure
improving, service providers are focusing on providing a high reliability
network. If the network is reliable, service providers can focus on
providing better SLAs to enterprise customers thereby providing professional
grade services.
So, routers that are more reliable can definitely help in
generating more revenue for service providers and also keep the enterprise
customer happy. One has to opt for a vendor that can provide end-to-end quality
of service.
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Service and Support: An important aspect that
should not be overlooked is the after sales support provided by the vendor.
One has to see what kind of support infrastructure that a vendor is offering
right from help desk to onsite
support.
MARKET INFORMATION
With the number of service providers increasing in all the circles and focus
shifting from voice to data, the carriers are deploying or are in the process of
deploying lot of data and IP infrastructure. Even service providers are now
focusing on value-added services.
Service providers are realizing the potential of IP/MPLS based networks to
meet customer expectations via converged networks. This has resulted in
increased expectations from router vendors to provide feature-rich, affordable
and dependable products.
There is a lot of change happening in routers. With broadband picking up,
vendors are planning to have storage as well as optical devices to be integrated
so that the packet can be handled in the best possible way. Even built-in
security helps carriers, because with the increase in application seven the
threats are increasing. In fact, they are increasing at a faster pace than ever.
With things moving at a fast pace in terms of subscribers and services, there
is no doubt that today’s core will be tomorrow’s edge, today’s broadband
will be tomorrow’s narrowband, and high-range routers will tomorrow become
mid-range routers.
On the carrier router front, Juniper is the undisputed leader
in India. The company has done pretty well on the core router front. Cisco
occupies the number two slot and has bagged few deals on the carrier front.
Recently, Juniper Networks pioneered the concept of the ‘Infranet’,
a vision for a network architecture that enables the seamless integration of
multiple carrier networks to offer end-to-end services.
Infranet will help in enabling a single-packet infrastructure
for all communications whether initiated by human or machine, with quality,
security and reliability from anywhere to anywhere at any time.
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