WAN sourcing is evolving dramatically, driven by cloud migration, SD-WAN, and SASE
This transition is moving large enterprises away from relying on one or a handful of MPLS suppliers toward a model employing a novel mix of underlay technologies and suppliers.
This includes using local internet breakouts from various ISPs alongside MPLS, or sourcing backbone connectivity between data center nodes more directly. Enterprises are increasingly taking on a more "Telco like role" in buying their connectivity. Further, there's been an explosion in the available access options beyond traditional fiber, now including fixed wireless, coax, 5G, and even satellite, providing more choices for network architecture and redundancy.
A comprehensive approach to sourcing connectivity requires evaluating four key dimensions
These dimensions are:
- Financial, considering the cost differences between technologies like Broadband, DIA, MPLS, and private line.
- Technical, focusing on architectural aspects such as diversity, resiliency, SLAs, and analyzing paths, points of entry/egress, and drain points.
- Administrative, addressing the complexity of dealing with multiple providers, invoices, contracts, billing paradigms, and account teams.
- Operating Model, determining how the network is managed, whether fully outsourced, self-managed, or a hybrid approach.
The network is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset and a critical enabler of business operations
Because connectivity is now mission-critical and integral to business processes like delivering services, new business acquisition, and customer support, the traditional approach of simply trusting a single large carrier to source global or regional connectivity is often insufficient and can lead to pitfalls.
Navigating the complexity, the vast number of providers, and ensuring the right technical and operating models requires significant domain expertise and relationships.
Enterprises often find this difficult to manage internally due to lack of experience, time, or relationships. Partners can help by providing the necessary analysis, project management, and expertise across the full lifecycle, effectively serving as an extension of the client's team.
- The importance of planning routes to avoid single points of failure. Tony makes the case for terrestrial networks that can serve as alternatives to some submarine cable routes, and getting the best mix of the two options.
- Insights on the future of network automation, emphasizing that it's not just about instant provisioning, but also providing customers with the information they need to make educated purchasing decisions.
