Network Services (VPN)

Network Services variants (VPN)

With Network Services based on virtual private networks (VPN), you do not directly connect your company sites and 1:1, but via the Internet or private backbone structure of a carrier. In comparison to dedicated permanent connections, broadband Internet connections are significantly less expensive. When transmitting data, your data has to be encrypted when sent via the Internet. The firewall and router on both sides are connected using a so-called tunnel (IPSec tunnel). Each information packet is usually encrypted using IPSec which ensures a simpler form of data security. The primary benefit of Network Services solutions via IPSec-encrypted VPNs is the low cost.

However, as soon as higher demands are placed on network performance, stability and security, better solutions are required.

For instance, Network Services based on Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS).

Only when using MPLS-VPNs are prioritizations, encryption, packet runtimes and the routes on which the data moves through the networks completely managed by the carrier (telephone company). The quality of services, ergo the prioritization of time-critical services within the network, which is absolutely necessary for many, in particular, time-critical applications such as VoIP (Voice over IP). In the past, most high-performance VPNs were set up based on this MPLS technology.

For several years, however, Ethernet technology has been on the rise, driven by the increased demand for higher bandwidths at lower costs. Low-cost Ethernet routers allow for cost-effective, high bandwidths while remaining flexible for bandwidth adjustments.

Technologically speaking, you connect your local Ethernet LAN networks on an Ethernet basis and thus obtain a large Ethernet WAN. You can manage this yourself like your local LAN which could be a huge benefit for the IT department.

Currently, there is a certain trend toward replacing MPLS networks with Ethernet-based networks, so-called EPNs (Ethernet Private Networks) or LAN links-based point-to-point networks. Depending on the customer requirements, there are a wide range of typologies and solutions that can also take Quality of Service (QoS) on the Ethernet network into account.

Of course, when planning Network Services it should be taken into account from the onset that not every technology is available everywhere. This can mean that, solely due to availabilities, several options may not be possible from the onset.

The behavior of the applications which are operated via the network, also has to be taken into account. What are the effects of round-trip times and jitter? Can the applications even be operated stably via the network? Do unexpected bandwidth effects arise? Many factors have to be taken into account and networking sites can quickly become a more complex task than originally assumed.