Bandwidth, DS3, SONET or Ethernet Business – How to decide the best option for a computer network
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When deciding what technology to be adopted for the net assets of each computer must have a basic understanding of that process of thought. The truth is that there are advantages and disadvantages of each option. Choosing the right one can be tricky. Then you must consider several factors before making a final decision.
You first need to thoroughly assess the existing network. Discover and resolve any bottlenecks that might exist internally is essential beforepotentially spending thousands of dollars on a new technology solution. You should start with the creation of several data models and using a network analyzer to get a handle on your network usage. It 's a good idea to use an application to the modeling of the network to provide a more complete model network. This approach provides a more accurate assessment of network performance and where there may be problems that need attention, if any.
Next, youneed to identify the requirements of bandwidth. The application (s) used on the network at the time, and planned for the future is the most important measure when it comes to determining the bandwidth. Let me repeat that …. is essential to consider both the future of network applications and current. For example, if e-mail is the only application, an ISDN line should meet your bandwidth needs. Depending on the number of users you could probably get by with just a T1 lineor perhaps a fractional T1 too. However, if there is a need to pump data, voice and video over the network, with guaranteed delivery, bandwidth DS3 or SONET (eg OC3 bandwidth) is the best solution. If available, Business Ethernet is a viable solution for this case. If you're just trying to speed up Internet access, leased lines account sized to the number of users and the saturation of the points provided.
The decision for the requirements of bandwidth also depends onthe network topology and the number of sites to be interconnected. For example, if the WAN (Wide Area Network) topology is designed to connect multiple locations, consider MPLS. MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) allows you to connect multiple sites quickly and efficiently. However, for a point-point leased lines may be the best solution. Note that T-1 price (as well as DS3) is based on the distance. The longer the distance between the twosites, the higher the cost. The lesson I learned here is to be sure to evaluate all options before investing in leased lines.
It is also important to establish a realistic timetable for deployment. Do you need more bandwidth today, or you can wait for future technologies to emerge? There is a gradual installation to make sense solutions with fractional or burstable implemented for an initial backbone …. with the expansion later? These are some options to consider to make sure we have whatyou need … when you need it.
Finally, consider the cost. Get access to ATM (DS3 for example) or SONET (eg, OC-3) networks can be expensive, and the material can be even more expensive. Solutions like the T-1 and DS-3 can carry large initial costs of installation and equipment, along with higher monthly costs. Note that I said may. Today the costs are coming down across the board ….. so depending on location and provider, you can find a great deal of free material and lower than usualcircuit prices. Note also that the Business Ethernet is less expensive than an equivalent DS3 and certainly less expensive than an OC-3. As long as the area of the planned installation location is already lit fiber.
Overall, you currently have a variety of technologies available to offer a plethora of WAN connectivity options. As the future unfolds we should expect to see a further increase both the availability and variety of technologies, innovations moreoccur …. and price adjusted accordingly. If you follow the above guidelines for the decision of the network, it is likely that the company should see more bandwidth for fewer dollars. To help navigate the process and ensure that you get exactly what you need at the lowest price …. I suggest using the free service available through Network Solutions.
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