Business Ethernet Facts

Developed by Xerox, Ethernet competed in the early days with Token Ring and Token BUS applications that were largely proprietary. It is used today because it is the only early network protocol that got the backing of the ECMA and eventually the IEEE so that a series of standards (802.3) could be put in place to dictate what the requirements were for interconnectivity using that standard. Ethernet had the backing of multiple companies (Xerox, Intel, & Siemens among others) which probably led to its early adoption vs. other more proprietary offerings.

Ethernet is the "preferred choice" for businesses today because it is really the only choice available. Nobody is extending a Token BUS circuit to businesses these days. "Business Ethernet" is no different than any other form of Ethernet - it's all just a technology used for connectivity. As such, it's hard to address the pros and cons of the technology since there is really no competing technology out there (perhaps wireless, but even that relies on Ethernet at some point). The real pros and cons come in to play with the mechanism used for the delivery of Ethernet.

- T1 - Pros: higher reliability, dedicated bandwidth. Cons: higher cost, lower bandwidth

- Cable Modem - Pros: lower cost, higher speeds. Cons: shared bandwidth

- EoC - Pros: dedicated bandwidth, higher speeds. Cons: distance limitations

- Fiber - Pros: highest speeds, dedicated bandwidth. Cons: usually highest cost

- DSL - Pros: low cost. Cons: low bandwidth, shared bandwidth, distance limitations

- Wireless - Pros: no wires. Cons: Cost, lower bandwidth (usually), signal interference

Ethernet (whether fast ethernet or gigabit ethernet) is certainly helping to change the landscape for many companies. I recently helped a client upgrade their network to 10Xs the speed at roughly the same cost. So the cost per megabit is certainly attactive. The biggest CON is availablity. During the RFP process, we had many carriers come through stating that it was available everywhere, but when push came to shove, a few sites had to settle for traditional DS3. Additionally, construction delays as well as equipment upgrades to handle the additional bandwidth needs to be taken into account.

Carrier Ethernet services are also easily managed end-to-end - including provision of user level information on the SLA metrics, using Ethernet OAM standards such as Y.1731.

Having dealt with WAN resiliency for many years with IP based networks/services then the approach of Y.1731 for path based monitoring and link loss forwarding to client CPEs makes things fairly simple and effective.

I realize that MPLS does provide similar functionality but with the benefits already listed I think OAM component rounds off the technology nicely.

In the future - I would think that Mac Sec deployments will also provide a bonus in terms of the security feature set of Ethernet services.

For help designing the best fit network for your business....including free quotes from available providers....simply ask here:

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Telecom Provider News For March

Here's the news from the Telecommunications industry for March 2012 .....

* Cbeyond - announces it plans to invest more capital into fiber build-outs so it can better serve high-bandwidth customers.

* Earthlink -

- EarthLink announces the launch of its new EarthLink Business IT Services suite of solutions.

- The launch of EarthLink's IT Services enables customers to partner with EarthLink to streamline their internal IT resources and offerings by leveraging a comprehensive mix of IT and security experts in an enterprise class data center.

* MegaPath - is serving up a suite of cloud-based Hosted Microsoft Exchange and Hosted Microsoft SharePoint services. Developed with both the SMB and enterprise customer in mind, the new service suite is part of MegaPath's Complete Office solution.

* Telx - launches Connect Portfolio, a simplified, comprehensive family of scalable interconnection service options for quickly establishing data center, IT, cloud or point of presence colocation infrastructures.

* tw telecom - unlike many of its competitive service provider counterparts isn't anxious to make a big acquisition anytime soon. Instead, the competitive service provider would rather invest its capital in building out its own fiber network to more buildings to deliver Ethernet and related IP services to its growing large business customer base.

To learn more about any of the services cited above AND take advantage of special limited pricing deals, simply request more information here ....

Dedicated Bandwidth And More

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DS3 Bandwidth Circuits & Business Ethernet …. Your Best Choices For Dedicated Bandwidth

There are a variety of dedicated bandwidth solutions to choose from in a world inundated with business network systems. In fact, choosing a dedicated bandwidth solution is somewhat similar to a kid’s first visit into a candy store, making a decision could be very complicated. For example, there are bonded T1 lines, DS3 bandwidth circuits, Metro-Ethernet, MPLS, SONET and a host of systems to choose from when it comes to dedicated bandwidth solutions.

There are many reasons why making a decision with dedicated bandwidth solutions can be a bit difficult and confusing for some people.

Foremost, if you truly do not understand the language in which a dedicated bandwidth is written, it could be like searching for a needle in haystack. There are a variety of bandwidth items to select from and the range in prices and performance doesn’t make things any better. You must make a decision on the best system for your particular needs or situation; therefore, it’s important to know what interests you the most (fits your network requirements based on the applications to be employed) as well as what you are willing to pay to satisfy your taste buds.

Making dedicated bandwidth decisions can be narrowed down to answering two very important questions. One – exactly what network obligation does the dedicated bandwidth solution you have selected need to meet. And two – is the cost associated with that particular dedicated bandwidth solution financially pleasing. After all is said and done, you must have a dedicated bandwidth solution that is capable of meeting all your needs.

Here is one thing you should take into consideration when it comes to choosing a dedicated bandwidth solution that meets your specific needs. An overwhelming percentage of today’s rising businesses are narrowing down the items they are interested in to one or two of the things listed in the first paragraph – DS3 bandwidth circuits and Business Ethernet. There may be others that are capable of fitting the bill; but hands down, these are the two best fits for the majority of companies that are looking for a dedicated bandwidth solution to meet the everyday demands of their business.

The fact is that DS3 circuits and Business Ethernet bandwidths compare favorably. Which you choose for your particular application will most often be determined by which service offers the best pricing for your particular business location. How can you find that out?

For assistance finding the right dedicated bandwidth fit for your organization’s needs …. and to save you time, money, and aggravation … I strongly recommend using the free help available to you here: DS3 Bandwidth and Business Ethernet

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How To Get The Best Pricing On Dedicated Bandwidth For Your Business

You're looking for pricing on dedicated bandwidth for your company's voice and/or data network. It may be T1, DS3, OC3 or ethernet based. It could be for fractional, bonded, burstable, point-to-point, PRI, integrated, or MPLS. Whatever you're need is ... the search experience can be frustrating and painful.

The traditional method of finding a price on bandwidth is to call all the carriers individually, play telephone tag trying to find the right person, get pricing in several days, then compile all the information. This process can literally take WEEKS. Or alternatively, simply call the LEC (Local Exchange Carrier, aka the phone company) and get a price.

Are you seeing the two major problems with this traditional approach?

The first problem is that the price being quoted is most likely "sticker price". Argh! If you are shopping for a car, do you base your purchase decision on the price tag in the window? Hopefully not, because that is RARELY the price you need to pay to get that car!

The other problem is TIME. Where or how are you going to "write off" the 40-80 hours of time that you spend just trying to get pricing from multiple carriers, where the pricing is not going to be "bottom line" pricing anyway?

Here's the solution .... get real time quotes from multiple providers (over 30) all at the same time. With our low price guarantee. INCLUDING additional in depth research and support to ensure you're getting the most cost effective solution for whatever application requirements you're targeting.

An official pricing proposal can be generated within minutes with down-to-the-nickel pricing, including detailed information such as the cost of IP's, installation charges, loop costs, per-minute costs for intrastate and interstate calls (if a voice or integrated circuit), router (if not included), etc.

TIME IS MONEY, and any astute business person realizes this. So if you trade 40-80 hours of non-billable manpower without a low price guarantee for a few minutes of time with us, and end up with a pricing proposal that contains detailed information complete with a Low Price Guarantee which states that this is the lowest price that these carriers will offer for this circuit, are you seeing the benefit this has for you?

We're talking the base definition of "no brainer".

So .... simply request your quotes via the link provided below.

DS3 Bandwidth

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How To Determine The Best Solution For A New Voice/Data Network

Follow this process when designing on a new, upgraded, or replacement voice/data network. Gather information addressing each of the points listed and go from there ....

First .... start with what you have, what it does well (and what it doesnt).

What does the current system cost?

Is there something coming that will change your requirements? Any network change is much easier to justify if your current network will not do the job.

Any "weird" requirements (OK - wrong phrase) - non IP protocols, attached devices which are not natively IP such as ATM machines, tills, IBM controllers and the like.

External comms - extranet links, external CC authorisation are sometimes an issue in a bank network.

Reliability, availability, worst case down time, need for backup link, disaster recovery......

That helps set the parameters for what you might want from a new network.

The following assumes you are planning to rent a carrier type MPLS IP type service rather than L2 or build your own...

Find a good provider or two with the right footprint to provide roughly what you want and ask for some budgetary numbers - they will do a much better job with the info you have collected.

It is also worth asking your current T1 provider if they can supply an MPLS network if you are still happy with them - migration is often easier when the same people support old and new networks.

When it comes to tradeoffs then a lot depends on where you operate (e.g. North America).

For example these are the basic positives when selecting MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching).....

MPLS has lots of access link choices - conventional T1 / DS3 etc type circuits also including DSL and Ethernet.

More flexibility - MPLS by default gives you an "any to any" topology, but it can be set up to force traffic thru one or a few hub sites if you need that.

The service could include managed routers at your sites, or you can provide and look after those. You might want to run these yourself - e.g. to encrypt traffic so the provider cannot snoop on your financial info.

Cost effective international links (relative to international T1 at least).

Service "break out" in the MPLS cloud - typically data centre access, IP Telephony external access, Internet access.

Multiple logical networks on one set of physical links - partition different department traffic, or an internal network from an extranet and so on.

One flip side that hasnt been mentioned is that your provider will need to co-operate in managing the IP addressing of your WAN. That may be an advantage or the opposite depending on how you run the current network.

Migration of a big network can be complicated and operational changes like this are always an issue - I prefer to start with planning (as above), as sometimes how you get there defines the best compromise for the final design.

If you'd like free assistance with the entire process ... including finding the provider offering the best fit solution for your applications and specific locations .... simply request help here:

Dedicated Bandwidth Solutions

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DS3 Bandwidth Strong Backbone For Corporate Data Networks

When looking for a dedicated bandwidth solution to power your data network... any corporation would be well served to give DS3 bandwidth strong consideration. A DS3 line is one of the fastest and most robust options available to you. Capable of transmitting and receiving up to 45 Mbps at the same time, a DS3 circuit delivers the kind of transfer rate, stability, and performance every company requires.

For illustration think of it this way. With a dedicated bandwidth line-up based on a DS3... your network has all lanes of the highway with no contenders. Therefore whatever applications are being run have the maximum achievable capacity of the link... all to themselves.

A dedicated DS3 circuit gives you more lanes on the highway (bandwidth) although it doesn't necessarily increase the speed of the individual cars traveling on the highway (throughput). For example, you have a 12 lane freeway instead of a two lane freeway. You still have the same speed limit for each car, but you can have more cars moving along the road at the same time.

Put in business terms, this allows you to execute more simultaneous downloads without compromising any one traffic flow. In other words, it takes more effort to approach the limit of network congestion because you've got more space to do more things.

Remember also that data transfer rates are constant because the speed of light is constant. But, bandwidth is variable and is a function of the link capacity. With a DS3 line your capacity is much more robust than say a simple T1 set-up... single or bonded. With DS3 you get the equivalent of 28 T1 lines, which is a LOT more capability. Now picture the increased work output your company can achieve with such a robust and stable network at your disposal.

The increase in capacity offered by a DS3 Bandwidth based solution makes perfect sense for corporations with applications requiring movement of sizeable pieces of information. For example, large remote worker population accessing files, call centers, organization wide VoIP and IP PBX systems, Internet service providers, universities, research labs, video conference centers, and software development companies would all benefit from the capacity available through DS3 level service. Probably one of the most common uses is to meet the need for high speed electronic data transfer between geographically separated industrial sites or offices. Especially multi-national corporations. Another viable use is to support heavy multi-media applications such as Medical Imagery, Broadcast Video Transmission, Surveillance Cameras, and CCTV Systems.

Since prices have been dropping drastically in recent years you should have no problem finding reasonable deals for DS3 circuits. Do be aware though that pricing is still somewhat dependent on your location. The reason for the location dependency is that pricing is basically distilled down to two simple components; local loop and port. The local loop covers the cost charged by the Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) to transport the signal from the end user's central office (CO) to the point of presence(POP) of the carrier. The port covers the cost to access the telephone network or the Internet through the carrier's network (essentially connecting ISP's server and your building). Typically, the port price is based upon access speed and yearly commitment level while the loop is based on geography. The farther the CO and POP, the more the loop costs. Thus why DS3 price varies slightly by location where the circuit will be installed. However, some providers today may consider waving the loop cost just to get your business.

Should you not necessarily need a full DS3 line you can still take advantage of DS3 transport via a fractional DS3 (starting at 10Mbps), which gives you a portion of full ds3 bandwidth at a lower cost. This is a very cost effective way to get the performance of a DS3 without paying for a complete circuit. Conversely, you can also increase your capacity as DS3 lines are also available in multiples to increase bandwidth, similar to bonded T1 service.

Although a simplified non-technical explanation, you should now have a healthy basic appreciation for the possibilities a DS3 circuit affords your organization. Armed with this knowledge you're more likely to make a more informed decision about your network design requirements.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications.... and also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

For quality Dedicated Bandwidth service, protect yourself and your investment by comparing amongst 30 first and top tier carriers where you have a Low Price Guarantee. For more information about Dedicated Bandwidth and finding your best deals and options, please visit DS3 Bandwidth Solution.

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Why Choose Paetec?

Below is a list of just a few of the many good reasons for choosing Paetec for your broadband provider.

At a minimum I'd strongly recommend checking out their Equipment for Services (EFS)program ..... This exclusive program enables PAETEC to subsidize some or all of your equipment purchases in exchange for network services. Their program allows you to receive PAETEC services and upgrade your infrastructure with little to no expense.

To take advantage of what Paetec has to offer simply request assistance via this website:

Dedicated Bandwidth Solutions

WHY CHOOSE PAETEC? ............

Customer Care - When you call PAETEC Customer Care, you speak directly to our representatives – not to automated prompts or recordings. Our highly trained professionals provide exceptional customer support and deliver one of the highest levels of first-call resolution in the industry.

Account Management - Commitment to our customers doesn’t end with the sale. PAETEC’s dedicated account teams are involved in developing our customers’ communications strategies and planning future requirements. With other carriers, the install/transition process from a previous carrier may have been troublesome; with PAETEC you have a dedicated account team that coordinates your installation with you.

Personalized Solutions - Our philosophy of personalizing business solutions is at the heart of what PAETEC does. We take pride in supplying the most appropriate solution for each customer based on their individual needs. Our dedicated service professionals will diligently work to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Equipment for Services (EFS)- This exclusive program enables PAETEC to subsidize some or all of your equipment purchases in exchange for network services. Our program allows you to receive PAETEC services and upgrade your infrastructure with little to no expense.

Business Continuity - When disaster strikes, how you plan for it can save your business. Preparing for a disaster is critical; your logistical plan for restoring your operations determines whether you meet the challenge with success or failure. PAETEC will set you up for success with solutions such as Direct Trunk Overflow (DTO), Data Backup & Recovery, and Network Diversity Engineering.

PAETEC Online - This Web portal offers online management of circuit utilization reports, account information, and the ability to personally change your ring-to numbers for 800 service and account codes. All of this is accomplished without the need to contact your PAETEC representative directly, giving you the freedom to manage your account on-demand.

Billing - A notable feature of PAETEC is our easy-to-read invoice. Our simple design makes it easy to access important information. Other carriers may have a very complicated invoice, which makes it difficult to determine if you are being accurately billed, or to detect fraudulent charges.

Executive Leadership - PAETEC’s Senior Executive team leads by example, and their influence is key to forging a dynamic employee community that generates outstanding customer results. Their forward thinking offers PAETEC customers world-class service combined with state-of-the-art technology.

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Service Level Agreement (SLA) For Dedicated Internet Access ….

Just what is a SLA (Service Level Agreement) for dedicated bandwidth contracts?

Easy answer ….. Penalty clause. What the provider promises if they "mess up".

However, in my honest opinion SLA's are 100% over rated and are usually meaningless. What if your ISP absolutely guaranteed you 100% availability and uptime? What if they guaranteed you 1hr mean time to repair? Then they miss those.....

Check your penalty.

These are typical …..

1) they will reimburse you for time lost.

Ok assume $3000/month (large cap circuit) and down 3 days = 10% = $300 penalty. I think they would pay that.

2) they will let you out of the agreement if not resolved within 30 days.

Great … you are out of business up to 30 days? Doesn't help you much does it? Then you need to provision a secondary carrier.

Bottom line. SLA's don't mean anything. Track record means everything.

Get 3 large carrier customers. Speak to their CIO. Ask the carrier if they publish track record stats. Ask the carrier what redundancy or H/A is built in; then ask to see it in person. Regardless of what a carrier guarantees, the penalties for missing their guarantee are not sufficient for them to matter much. If these are business critical get a secondary carrier for backup.

To really protect yourself insist on a SLA which creates enough pain for the provider to force them to take their promises seriously …. And sweat bullets at their expense not yours if they don’t live up to those promises.

For help negotiating to get the best SLA for YOU when shopping for dedicated bandwidth (e.g. T1, DS3, Ethernet) ... use the free services available through DS3 Bandwidth Solutions

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