Home > Articles > Cisco Network Technology > General Networking > A Network Administrator's View of Multiservice Networks

A Network Administrator's View of Multiservice Networks

  • Sample Chapter is provided courtesy of Cisco Press.
  • Date: Dec 9, 2005.

Chapter Description

Multiservice networks provide more than one distinct communications service type over the same physical infrastructure. Multiservice implies not only the existence of multiple traffic types within the network, but also the ability of a single network to support all of these applications without compromising quality of service (QoS) for any of them. This chapter covers multiservice networks in detail from the network administrator's viewpoint.

Technology Brief—Multiservice Networks

This section provides a brief study on multiservice networks. You can revisit this section frequently as a quick reference for key topics described in this chapter. This section includes the following subsections:

  • Technology Viewpoint—Intended to enhance perspective and provide talking points regarding multiservice Networks.
  • Technology at a Glance—Uses figures and tables to show multiservice networking fundamentals at a glance.
  • Business Drivers, Success Factors, Technology Application, and Service Value at a Glance—Presents charts that suggest business drivers and lists those factors that are largely transparent to the customer and consumer but are fundamental to the success of the provider. Use the charts in this section to see how business drivers are driven through technology selection, product selection, and application deployment in order to provide solution delivery. Additionally, business drivers can be appended with critical success factors, and then driven through the technology, product, and application layers, coupled as necessary with partnering, to produce customer solutions with high service value.

Technology Viewpoint

Multiservice networks are chiefly found in the domain of established service providers that are in the long-standing business of providing traditional voice, TDM leased lines, Frame Relay, ATM, and, more recently, IP communication-networking solutions.

Multiservice networks provide more than one distinct communications service type over a common physical infrastructure. Multiservice implies not only the existence of distinct services within the network, but also the ability of a common network infrastructure to support all of these communication applications natively without compromising QoS for any of them.

The initial definition for multiservice networks was a converged ATM and Frame Relay network supporting these data in addition to circuit-switched voice. Recently, next-generation multiservice networks have emerged, adding Ethernet, Layer 3 IP, VPNs, Internet, and MPLS services to the mix. These next-generation service provider multiservice networks are manifested in the form of technology enhancements to the networking fundamentals of ATM, SONET/SDH, and, since the late 1990s, IP/MPLS.

Characteristically, multiservice networks have a large local and/or long-distance voice constituency: a revenue base that is still projected to make up a large share of provider income in the near term. To protect and enlarge this monetary base will require adept handling of new VoIP transport and service capabilities.

The growing trend in packet telephony adoption is one of the significant new revenue opportunities for service providers. It is important for two reasons. Voice revenue is still projected to make up the primary revenue contribution to multiservice-based providers in the near term. A voice portfolio that meets the value distinctions of the customer base is an absolute business fundamental to engage and collect on these revenue opportunities. Secondly, leading service providers are looking to provide managed voice services as a counter-measure to eroding transport revenues. As traditional circuit-switched voice services and equipment have matured, the resulting commoditization pressures margins into a downward price spiral, as evidenced by the continuous decline in cost per minute and the rise of flat-rate pricing for customary voice services. Service providers need a way to reestablish value in voice offerings, and customer-oriented, managed voice services based on packet telephony is that channel.

Even with the existence of next-generation technology architectures, most providers are not in a position to turn over their core technology in wholesale fashion. Provider technology is often on up-to-decade-long depreciation schedules, and functional life must often parallel this horizon, even if equipment is repurposed and repositioned in the network. Then there is the customer-facing issue of technology service support and migration. Though you might wish to quiesce a particular technology-based offering, the customer is not often in support of your timetable. This requires a deliberate technology migration supporting both heritage services along with the latest feature demands by the market. Since providers cannot recklessly abandon their multiyear technology investments and installed customer service base, gradual migration to next-generation multiservice solutions becomes a key requirement. Next-generation technology evolution is often the result, allowing new networking innovations to overlap established network architectures, bridging and migrating precommitted service delivery to the latest growth markets.

From a global network perspective, the ascendancy of IP traffic has served ATM notice. According to IDC, sales of multiservice ATM-based switches were down 21 percent in 2002, 12 percent in 2003, and another 6 percent in 2004. Both Frame Relay (holding at about 20 percent) and ATM revenues are near plateau, forecasting only modest capacity-driven growth through 2007. Providers with ATM requirements are looking to add MPLS capabilities to their core infrastructures and to push IP features to the edge of the network. Responsible for the development of tag switching, the technology behind the MPLS IETF standard, Cisco Systems has an enviable leadership position in MPLS integration across both ATM and IP networking platforms.

The vast installed base of the Layer 1 SONET/SDH optical infrastructure must also be considered in any measured technology migration. The primary appeal for multiservice provisioning and switching platforms, known in the market as MSPPs and MSSPs, is to consolidate long-established SONET/SDH ADMs in the multiservice metro edge, core, and service POPs, while incorporating new Layer 3 IP capabilities with packet interfaces for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet opportunities. Many contain additional support for multiservice interfaces and DWDM. Deployed as a springboard for the rapid provisioning of multiple services, the intrinsic value in these new-generation multiservice provisioning platforms is to build a bridge from circuit-based transport to packet-based services. Also seen as an edge services platform with which to migrate Frame Relay and other established data services, MSPPs and MSSPs help providers to execute that strategy while maintaining established TDM services and leveraging SONET/SDH capabilities. Entering the market near the end of many legacy SONET/SDH ADM depreciation schedules, the MSPPs inherit a sizable portion of their justification from reduced power, space, and maintenance requirements. In doing so, MSPPs help with continued optimization of operating budgets while representing strategic capital investments for new, high-value IP service opportunity.

Multiservice providers are clearly building IP feature-based networks that have scale. Carriers are moving dramatically to embrace IP/MPLS networks, which combine the best features of Layer 3 routing with Layer 2 switching. MPLS provides the simplicity and feature-rich control of IP routing with the performance and throughput of ATM switching. MPLS allows one to restrict IP processing to the appropriate place—on the edges of the network. IP- and MPLS-based routers can operate at much higher speeds, more economically than can an ATM switch.

Layer 3 MPLS VPNs based on RFC 2547 are at the top of the requirements list for multiservice network providers. MPLS VPN offerings can help enterprise customers transfer complex routing responsibilities to the provider network. This allows providers to increase value for Layer 2 and Layer 3 IP-managed services. These network enhancements will start in-region, and then move to out-of-region when and wherever opportunity dictates. Where regional Bell operating company (RBOC) providers have Section 271 approvals to provide long-distance voice and data, IP/MPLS-based networks will afford the opportunity to compete nationally for data services against North American Inter-eXchange Carriers.

The new era of networking is based on increasing opportunity through service pull, rather than through technology push. Positioning networks to support multiple services, while operationally converging multiple streams of voice, video, and IP-integrated data, is the new direction of multiservice network architecture. In the face of competitive pressures and service substitution, not only are next-generation multiservice networks a fresh direction, they are an imperative passage through which to optimize strategic investment and expense.

Technology at a Glance

Figure 3-17 shows the typical positioning of Cisco multiservice platforms within the MAN architecture.

Figure 17

Figure 3-17 Cisco Multiservice Platforms

Table 3-6 summarizes multiservice technologies.

Table 3-6 Multiservice Technologies

Click to view Table 3-6

Business Drivers, Success Factors, Technology Application, and Service Value at a Glance

Solution and services are the desired output of every technology company. Customers perceive value differently, along a scale of low cost to high value. Providers of solutions and services should understand business drivers, technology, products, and applications to craft offerings that deliver the appropriate value response to a particular customer's value distinction.

The following charts list typical customer business drivers for the subject classification of the network. Following the lower arrow, these business drivers become input to seed technology selection, product selection, and application direction to create solution delivery. Alternatively, from the business drivers, another approach (the upper arrow) considers the provider's critical success factors in conjunction with seed technology, products and their key differentiators, and applications to deliver solutions with high service value to customers and market leadership for providers.

Figure 3-18 charts the business drivers for multiservice networks

Figure 18

Figure 3-18 Multiservice Networks

Cisco Press Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from Cisco Press and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview

Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about Cisco Press products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information

To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites; develop new products and services; conduct educational research; and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@ciscopress.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information

Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security

Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children

This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing

Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information

If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out

Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by Cisco Press. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.ciscopress.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information

Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents

California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure

Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links

This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact

Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice

We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020