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A look at the unique features of
BSNL's VPN connectivity services. by Vinod Chandran
BSNL today is in a unique position
to offer VPN connectivity over a dedicated, fully optical
long distance network—with automatic re-routing
capability at multiple levels. A service over a dedicated
and robust network is a strong differentiator for BSNL
in the Data Networking area. The high penetration of
BSNL's OFC optical network makes it possible to extend
highly reliable connectivity for interconnecting various
branches, with wide geographical spread within the country.
Within the MPLS-VPN network
of BSNL, the gigabit routers are interconnected over
a fully optical fiber back-bone through self-healing
SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) rings. For instance,
an STM-1 link between Chennai and Mumbai is carried
over multiple SDH rings connecting Chennai-Bangalore,
Bangalore-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Nagpur, Nagpur-Mumbai.
Each of these rings has self-healing capability. In
case there's a cable cut in one section, the traffic
is re-routed automatically via the other arm of the
ring. There is ample bandwidth in the core network that
can be upgraded anytime, depending on the traffic. This
is made possible through DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division
Multiplexing) systems that have been deployed across
the country.
BSNL has vast experience in
the field of data networks. Included in its bouquet
of data networks are I-Net and Internet services. Since
BSNL is the largest communications service provider
in the country, it's a one-stop solution for an organization's
data communication requirements.
A private IP addressing scheme
is followed in the network, which makes it absolutely
secure. Moreover, users are also free to use their own
private IP addressing even with overlapping addresses.
Last
Mile Connectivity
LMC is being provided by BSNL using latest technologies
such as MLLN (Managed Leased Line Network), to improve
reliability. Since this is the most vulnerable operation
of the network, wireless solutions using free space
optics and local to multi-point distribution systems
using microwave links, are also likely to be deployed.
Network
features
The core routers are installed in Delhi, Bangalore,
Mumbai, Chennai, Ernakulam, Hyderabad, Kolkotta, Ahmedbad,
Pune and Lucknow. The services can be availed at these
locations and also at other locations across the country,
by connecting to these nodes through physical leased
lines. This network enables users to set up a highly
secure private network with data rings ranging from
64 gigabits per second to 155 megabits per second, as
per requirement.
Security enhancement using
encryption and firewall protection, including IP SEC
tunneled VPNs, can be supported in this network. The
network has a centralized monitoring system called the
network operating center (NOC) through which the health
of the network is monitored round the clock. Pre-emptive
action can be taken to avert any degradation in performance
of the network. BSNL can offer its customers managed
network services—a concept that allows the service
provider to remotely manage a customer's network.
Service
Level Agreements
This technology also makes it possible to offer Service
Level Agreements or SLAs. Parameters such as latency,
throughput and jitter pertaining to the individual customers,
is published on a website. This enables customers to
assess network performance with respect to assured standards.
Tariff
The tariff is based on the class of service. The class
of service includes Gold, Silver, Best effort, with
peak hour minimum assured bit rate on full load as 99
percent, 50 percent and 25 percent respectively. The
tariff structure helps in reduction of annual operation
costs almost by half compared to networks fully based
on physical leased lines.
The writer is DGM, BSNL
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