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Creating a connected campus

Higher education was previously confined to lecture theatres and seminar rooms. The adoption and normalising of e-learning tools has driven much of the learning experience towards virtual studying, with a greater reliance on technology to help tutors and students connect.

Today, digital demand in universities is greater than ever, and many of the top challenges facing higher education decision-makers are IT-based. At the root of this sits a number of underlying factors, from the proliferation of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) culture to more remote working and capacity pressures on existing infrastructure from unprecedented levels of demand.

With these trends set to expand over the coming years, there will be pressure on higher education IT leaders to create the conditions to help their institutions thrive as digital seats of learning. This is particularly important at a time when universities need to work that much harder to deliver an outstanding student experience that helps them stand out from the crowd.

So, here are five ways you can connect your campus and remain top of the leader board through technical innovation:

University challenge #1: Whether they’re publicly or privately funded, higher education organisations have financial challenges from being tasked with more innovation, to having to admit and accommodate more students.

Our solution:
Check the market. Update your competitive quotes from different connectivity providers. The telecoms world has moved on significantly in recent years, and you might be paying more for technology or managed services than you need to.

University challenge #2: As the BYOD generation joins universities and higher education facilities, the demands they place on the network will grow, primarily through greater use of 5G, IoT, e-learning, streaming and data sharing across campuses. Collectively, this could well become overwhelming for legacy architecture.

Our solution:
Everything boils down to selecting network solutions that have the capacity to handle data hungry students and staff. Seek out connectivity providers that offer futureproofed latency, speed, reliability and performance.

University challenge #3: Higher education organisations with dispersed campuses need to stay connected, but the practicalities of working across many locations can be difficult. This is especially true for IT projects that must account for building new infrastructure from scratch when factoring in distances between sites.

Our solution:
The difference between a successful and an unsuccessful complex network build project is all in finding the right partner to work with you, while providing guidance on navigating multi-party restrictions. The best provider will take your challenge and make it happen.

University challenge #4: Find strength in numbers. If you’ve never attempted to team up with other organisations on a connectivity plan before, it can be difficult to know where to start or who to approach. This is particularly the case if you need support from local authorities to gain the access you require.

Our solution:
Consider reducing infrastructure project costs by sharing the workload. Plan by partnering with neighbouring organisations (many local authorities are pursuing multiple supporting projects) and engaging with service providers who are well-versed in projects like yours.

University challenge #5: Recognise the time, knowledge and effort it takes to navigate a road opening or wayleave process from start to finish or handle building access restrictions for a connectivity project.

Our solution:
Use a trusted partner with the latest accreditations who can prove its credentials with higher education facilities and can access alternative infrastructure if needed. Check they can still deliver when the going gets tough.

Understanding roadblocks, comparing quotes, pooling efforts and engaging with the right partner will create major benefits for higher education organisations approaching IT projects, for both their faculty and their students. This will lay the foundations for positive digital learning and research experiences as the tech landscape of higher education changes.

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Seven SD-WAN themes to keep in mind for 2020

Last year, I had the pleasure of attending multiple industry events about SD-WAN, joining our fellow connectivity and technology players across the UK and Europe. Together, we’ve had numerous opportunities to compare notes and learn about what the future holds for this game-changing technology – particularly important as the last year saw a huge advancement in the adoption of SD-WAN across UK businesses.

According to ResearchandMarkets, some of the key factors driving this market adoption include cost savings from efficient usage of private and public networks, the ability to optimise hybrid cloud or multi-cloud connectivity, and application-aware routing. But despite the positive trend, there’s still a way to go before we see truly widespread adoption.

With that in mind, it’s during these early stages that our industry must take responsibility for educating the market and delivering excellence. Across all the events I attended, seven emerging themes effecting customers became clear. So let’s look at them in more detail, and discuss how any arising issues can be resolved.

1. The rise of hybrid environments

RightScale’s ‘state of the cloud’ survey saw a marked rise in hybrid cloud adoption, from 58 per cent to 71 per cent year on year (2016). This is where organisations can use an on-premise private cloud to host critical data, and use a public cloud to host and process less critical information at the same time. Computing needs to change to allow workloads to move between private and public clouds in this way.

Hybrid cloud increases flexibility and gives businesses more data deployment possibilities. It also means that SD-WAN is needed more than ever before to maintain visibility across the network – especially for those in sectors with a deluge of data, such as financial services, media and retail.

2. Some will prefer managed WAN

The benefit being that it’s a cost-effective network service, which enables organisations to connect to the Internet or multiple locations via a secure, private, resilient and high-performance network. All with a nimble real-time monitoring system and a competitive price. 

3. Sales opportunities are split into two categories – DIY/Co-managed or fully managed/outsourced

From the research we have seen, the choice in what a business progresses with varies depending on location in the UK and Europe, as well as market segment or customer size. However, according to Silver Peak data, the majority of customers, sometimes as many as 80%, are asking for pre-sales, design work and deployment services from their partner – deciding to go about day-to-day management themselves.

4. You can’t sell SD-WAN without considering security

UK businesses are making it clear that security is paramount when they’re thinking about an SD-WAN solution. And even if a customer has a security solution in place, it may not be sufficient. Vendors increasingly need to consider all vulnerabilities when updating that customer’s unique network landscape, and how they might offer solutions that make it more robust.

5. Increased use of virtualisation

In order to reduce overheads, operational fees and minimise the need for so many software licences, companies are making software-based or virtual versions of servers, applications and networks. However, from an IT architecture perspective, this step change means companies need better visibility over their entire network.

6. Adoption isn’t currently that widespread, but it will be

According to a global Gartner report, by 2023 more than 90 per cent of WAN edge infrastructure refresh initiatives will be based on virtual customer premises equipment (vCPE) or SD-WAN appliances versus traditional routers (up from less than 40 per cent today).

7. Migration from traditional WAN to SD-WAN

While the last decade has seen the US lead the charge with SD-WAN implementation, it is gaining traction in Europe. However, there’s still a way to go. There has been an initial evolution, and most of these businesses are coming from a traditional WAN environment.

Embracing the fact that SD-WAN requires explanation to showcase its benefits to customers is vital. There are still many myths surrounding this technology at the beginning of its adoption curve. However, the business benefits stand to be epic! To learn more about the uses of SD-WAN take a look at our myth-busting content.

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New ways to light up the network

Go back a few years and our industry was alive with talk about the exciting future of Dark Fibre Access (DFA). It was going to break the UK connectivity stronghold, encouraging competition and potentially bringing about a level playing field for all operators.

Unfortunately, things have not quite panned out the way many of us had thought they might. Uncertainty about how we as a nation will meet our connectivity challenges is rife. And no one solution seems apt to providing the access businesses and consumers need. All at a time when the need for network expansion has rarely been greater.

With this in mind, we at Neos Networks are reaffirming our commitment to creating an innovative, successful solution to the connectivity issues Britain is facing. But instead of doing so in isolation, we’re doing it collaboratively, working with partners and drawing on our vast expertise to light up the network and deliver better connectivity to the UK.

Where our innovation is focused

Network expansion is a complex challenge. So it comes as no surprise that no one solution will adequately tackle all of the connectivity challenges we’re facing in the UK today. Similarly, it can’t be left to any one single provider to shoulder the full burden of futureproofing UK connectivity. Instead, to enhance fibre access and improve network reach, we need to work collaboratively, with intelligent, co-developed network build outs that are aligned to both market needs and commercial objectives.

We’ve already demonstrated this several times, with recent projects in London with Three and O2. As well as the unbundling of almost 200 BT exchanges to boost connectivity for British businesses.

Key to the success of these projects (and others like them) is their strategic, targeted nature. We’re not working with ‘build it and they will come’ philosophy, which is too risky and could fail to adequately consider other UK connectivity objectives, like the planned roll out of 5G or the dawn of IoT in smart cities. Rather, we’re looking at specific connectivity challenges and partnering with like-minded experts to solve them.

We see last mile access as being key here, and would welcome a fresh look at this market, with specific attention paid to how local network expansion could encourage competition and eliminate industrial and commercial black holes. Put simply, we need to improve networks where it will matter, not just where it can be monetised.

New network expansion ideas

We still very much feel that network expansion can bring about huge beneficial change to the UK. As such, we have invested heavily in a ‘dark fibre-like’ network on a vast scale. The purpose of this is firstly to serve specific customer needs, including an enhanced 4G experience; and secondly to support Three UK’s network transformation, preparing the ground for the launch of 5G.

Beyond that, we are turning our attention to the place infrastructure can play in network improvement.

For example, we’re looking to change the way operators think about infrastructure access and sharing. Because as times change it clearly makes sense to think more collaboratively about these things, with an open-minded approach to sharing space that balances commercialism with the actual objectives we’re trying to bring about.

And we’re looking at innovative ways to draw on our existing infrastructure. Such as using waste water systems and other available utilities spaces to lay new fibre networks. An idea that will not only deliver the fibre capability we need, but also reduce distribution costs and speed up deployment by up to 10 times (in comparison to today’s often intrusive, disruptive and costly digs).

New ideas to solve existing problems

The way Britain will solve its connectivity challenges is changing from what was once envisioned. But that doesn’t mean we can’t deliver on the exciting objectives set for solutions like DFA by Ofcom and partners. Right now, our innovative thinking and new solutions are creating new ways to light up UK networks, offering better connectivity and value. And solutions are really what matters when it comes to connectivity.

Find out about how we’re thinking collaboratively about network expansion in the UK with our Infinera partnership.

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Full steam ahead: How the telecoms industry can help digitalise the UK’s rail network

With rising fares and timetable disasters sparking protests, the UK rail network has a big job on its hands to placate customers and improve services. Digitalising the network is an obvious step towards achieving this goal. Whether it’s commuters working on the go, or leisure travellers streaming video content, access to robust internet is now an expected feature of rail travel, not simply a perk. The UK Government already has plans in place to provide this: in recent years, we’ve seen a series of initiatives laid out, including providing uninterrupted Wi-Fi and 5G ‘on-board all UK mainline train routes by 2025’.

However, the digitalisation of our railways won’t just improve the on-board experience for customers. It covers a vast swathe of upgrades, including providing the platform to allow the improvement of outdated signalling systems (providing drivers and conductors with better visibility of network issues) and the development of our railway stations.

But the rail network and the Government can’t achieve this in isolation, meaning there are great future opportunities here for the telecoms industry to advise and support.

Plotting the journey to better connectivity

As it stands, the majority of the UK’s rail network communicates via GSM-R, an outdated mobile system with traffic management controlled via a fixed axel system which requires trains to remain a certain number of stops apart. This restricts the number of services available on the network at any one time, meaning the UK has one of the most congested networks in Europe. At the same time, on-board network connectivity is slow and has limited capacity.

Network Rail has set a target to upgrade 63% of the UK rail network’s signalling system over the next 15 years. By upgrading its signalling system and improving driver/conductor visibility through in-cab radio systems, the UK rail network will be able to keep more trains on the network and more trains on the move. The opportunity here for the telecoms industry is to facilitate widespread 4G – and eventually 5G – access and onboard Wi-Fi services.

Running alongside this, improved connectivity infrastructure would mean commuters can work efficiently, making the most of their journey time – while general customer service can be improved. Rail operators can even boost their own income, perhaps by pushing deals through to consumers during journeys. Of course, on-board isn’t the end of the story. By providing both the infrastructure and its expertise, the telecoms industry can also help rail operators significantly improve connectivity at stations and reap a number of benefits as a result.

A platform for success

There are over 2,500 railway stations across the UK, most of which have accompanying car parks, ticket machines and shopping facilities. Providers like Neos Networks can play a crucial role in improving network effectiveness in these locations. For a start, better networks can offer passengers more reliable real-time information boards and smarter ticketing services. Mobile-based ticketing can free up staff to focus on better customer experiences, diminish the environmental impact of paper tickets, and even provide companies with a direct channel through which to offer discounts and packages.

Meanwhile, as adoption of IoT technologies continues to grow, connected smart systems can help improve the efficiency of travel. At Heathrow Terminal 2, for example, a ‘smart parking’ system analyses cars via their number plate, and alerts the driver to open car park spaces, before charging them directly. Used in train stations, this could save valuable time for passengers and improve the customer experience – particularly for busy commuters driving to the station in the morning. The IoT also paves the way for smart advertising, like this example used in Zurich, and offers Network Rail an additional revenue generation opportunity.

There are also less obvious benefits, like enhanced security. By implementing more efficient network solutions, stations can run their security and CCTV systems wirelessly (say, with 5G or wireless technologies), removing the amount of cabling required in stations and giving both staff and passengers peace of mind that their station is more secure.

The connected future of rail travel

Given the rising anger about the state of the national rail service, digitalisation and the subsequent improvement of rail travel should be a key strategy for both the Government and connectivity providers. Because whether it’s making journeys smoother and more efficient, increasing the amount of services, or providing more reliable information along the way, there are countless benefits to be reaped from improving network connectivity. And all of this could contribute to wider economic benefits as a result of increased productivity, during and after journeys.

Whether its developing new networks or utilising already existing infrastructure, there’s great opportunity here for the telecoms industry to support and grow. Aside from the aforementioned benefits to the experience of travelling via a train, rail networks also provide intriguing potential for alternative network cabling. Whilst not benefiting from the deep underground security that comes from installing fibre in the sewers, rail networks are inherently less susceptible to interference and damage than street level cabling. They also follow direct routes between cities, reducing latency.

Neos Networks is already working on large alternative network projects to modernise and improve the UK’s connectivity ambitions – and we’re ready and able to assist as the UK’s rail network initiates its digital transformation journey. If you’d like to know more about our network and connectivity solutions, get in touch today.

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How SD-WAN can drive efficiency and support digital transformation

For multi-site businesses, driving digital transformation successfully is no mean feat. If enterprises are going to embrace new technologies, they need to be underpinned by secure, agile and efficient networks. Unfortunately, IT decision makers are often wrangling with outdated legacy infrastructure, meaning their networks aren’t always in the best shape to support their business’ ambitions.

Complicating matters further, many enterprises have concerns about the investment that is often required to modernise their networks – not to mention how difficult it can be getting sign-off from the board for new projects. This scenario is all too common and often prevents IT teams from being able to take advantage of new solutions such as Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN). Although SD-WAN offers a host of significant business benefits, Neos Networks’ research revealed that 43% of those considering implementing this solution are still worried about cost, while a third are concerned they would not get the savings and efficiencies promised.

Whilst those concerns should absolutely be taken seriously, the reality for those who have already deployed an SD-WAN solution is very different. For the vast majority of businesses, SD-WAN is actually helping to drive efficiency.

In fact, our research showed that fewer than one in five early-adopters of SD-WAN believe they are not yet getting the efficiencies promised. However, although these businesses have not yet experienced the savings they expected, with the visibility and control SD-WAN can offer, those benefits will come with time.

How does SD-WAN drive efficiency?

SD-WAN enables businesses to use multiple types of connectivity within their WAN – whether it’s Ethernet, optical network solutions or broadband – and route traffic dynamically based on application needs and quality. With the simple addition of a transport and vendor agnostic box installed at branch site, network managers can have full oversight of their network estate. This visibility gives them more control, flexibility and agility, helping to drive efficiency by ensuring the network is optimised effectively, can be deployed quickly to new sites, and integrated with new technologies.

Enterprises can also achieve greater insight into how exactly their networks are being used with real-time intelligence of the IT estate. For example, if an Ethernet circuit isn’t being used in the way, or as much as, it is provisioned for, organisations have the potential to make cost savings by reducing the capacity or by changing the connectivity type being used. SD-WAN gives network administrators the ability to make better, more informed decisions so businesses can begin to truly optimise their networks, and do so in a more timely fashion.

SD-WAN and productivity

SD-WAN also contributes to higher productivity, which can further provide efficiencies. In modern workplaces, employees depend on reliable, continuous access to digital applications. A slow network – which might be caused by a branch using too much bandwidth or an inappropriate type of connectivity – can lead to decreased productivity for the whole business, as well as interrupting important communications. Improved employee productivity as a result of better performing networks may be a less tangible metric to measure, but we can all empathise with the frustration felt when we don’t have access to IT systems or infrastructure which are essential for our job.

With SD-WAN, an organisation can choose which route traffic should take, for example ensuring only important or sensitive traffic is sent over Ethernet for guaranteed speed and security, while sending lower priority content such as email or Skype over Business Broadband. Ultimately, SD-WAN can ensure the right traffic is sent over the right connectivity, as well as making it clear to network administrators where they might need to review capacity.

SD-WAN can also improve productivity simply by freeing up time for IT personnel to focus on other digital transformation tasks. Businesses with multiple locations, such as retail organisations with multiple branches, have historically faced challenges when it comes to maintaining access to critical applications and data for employees across all their sites. Traditional legacy network hardware meant that skilled people had to manage it at each location – and time to market was also slow for new sites. With SD-WAN, once the initial box hardware is installed, networks can be deployed, managed and optimised remotely meaning quicker time to market and, fundamentally, quicker time to revenue.

SD-WAN can contribute significantly to successful digital transformation, ensuring that businesses aren’t held back by the constraints of their legacy infrastructure and are geared up for the future.

Supporting digital transformation

To thrive in the age of continual digital change, businesses need networks that can easily adapt while enhancing productivity – which is exactly what SD-WAN offers. With the improved visibility, agility and control offered by this solution, enterprises can move forward with the business of transformation, whether that’s introducing new connectivity solutions, onboarding new applications, or integrating with public and private clouds.

Only once businesses are armed with a thorough understanding of their networks and the ability to optimise their estates will IT decision makers be able to do all of this in a way that also drives cost savings and efficiencies. Although the exact impact of SD-WAN will vary from business to business, this should reassure IT decision makers that the initial investment into this network overlay is one which will soon result in a number of business benefits.

Take a look at our eGuide series to find out more about SD-WAN and the benefits it can bring to enterprises.

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The benefits of SD-WAN: how software defined networking can help tackle network frustrations

Having properly optimised networks in place is fundamental to the success and growth of modern enterprises, especially at a time when 89% of organisations say they have adopted (or have plans to adopt) a digital first strategy. Unfortunately, as Neos Networks’ research has discovered, the majority of IT decision makers are frustrated with their current network platforms.

Just 22% of businesses say they are very likely to renew contracts with their existing provider – citing concerns such as cost (43%), security (34%) and inflexible contract terms (33%) as key frustrations. On their hunt for better alternatives, almost two in five businesses are also looking to have their security concerns allayed.

But if enterprises are going to achieve more secure, flexible and efficient networks, a new approach is needed. With the emergence of Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN), those aspirations could soon become a reality.

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN is a software layer which simplifies the delivery of WAN services to branch offices. Regardless of the underlying network in place – Dark Fibre, Ethernet or Business Broadband – SD-WAN allows network managers to slice up routing, using a transport agnostic ‘box’ installed at branch sites. This provides network managers with full visibility of the network, enabling the fastest and most appropriate routes for data transfer to be established and prioritised, and the network as a whole to be optimised for maximum performance and productivity.

The benefits of SD-WAN

SD-WAN comes with an array of benefits, improved visibility being one of the most significant. Without visibility, businesses cannot accurately assess how their network is working as a whole – whether that’s performance, bandwidth suitability, or gaining an awareness of which connectivity is being used most effectively. SD-WAN gives network managers an in-depth understanding of all of these areas, arming them with real-time intelligence for decision-making to make improvements to network performance.

SD-WAN is therefore a solution that improves flexibility and control, making it particularly useful during times of organisational change, for example mergers and acquisitions, or the opening of new branch sites. Although SD-WAN is a relatively new solution, 50% of those who are already using it say they have experienced greater control and more flexibility as a result.

With improved control also comes additional security benefits. Using SD-WAN, businesses can segment their applications based on granular security policies, ensuring the right security protocols are used for relevant sites, data types, or users. For example, a Financial Services organisation will find that an enormous amount of sensitive and personal data traverses its network every day. SD-WAN would enable it to segment applications appropriately to minimise the attack surface.

Another key benefit of SD-WAN is that it simplifies the delivery of WAN services to branch offices. Although a small piece of hardware needs to be installed on-site, this can be done without the help of an expensive engineer – and from that point onward, the connectivity can be controlled and optimised via an SD-WAN portal. Given a third of enterprises are looking for a more flexible, adaptable solution, this simplicity should be highly appealing.

While 31% of those asked revealed they were concerned about the cost of a new network platform, all of these benefits combined can actually help to drive greater efficiencies and deliver savings over time. Although efficiency benefits will vary across businesses, depending on the underlying connectivity they have, the ultimate point is that SD-WAN can help managers understand their networks better – meaning they can improve performance, and feel the productivity benefits as a result.

Ready to find out more?

Neos Networks has extensive telecoms and engineering experience. We can offer commercial security with unrivalled in-house engineering resource to support your SD-WAN and connectivity investments – get in touch to find out more about how we can help.

Or, to learn more, take a look at our eGuide series.

“As a Critical National Infrastructure provider, ensuring our production facilities and multiple sites have a reliable, resilient network to operate is essential. The power of SD-WAN technology delivers independence to our sites, with improved network visibility and resilience, ensuring maximum up-time for our essential production facilities.”
"Neos Networks has been our managed network provider for many years, thanks to the partnership our teams are now better equipped to do their jobs and collaborate with their peers, from anywhere in the country."

– Chris Barnicott, CTO, SSE Group

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SD Wan & Security: Best Practices, Concerns & Issues

For enterprises, maintaining rigorous network security is a never-ending task. Staff need to be well-versed in best security practices, whether that’s password protection, recognising when a device has been affected by malware, or staying savvy to phishing scams. At the same time, network infrastructure needs to be continually assessed to ensure it’s able to stand up to threats and accommodate business challenges, such as the addition of new branch sites. The larger an organisation is, or the more sites it has, the more complicated all of this can become.

When networks aren’t adequately protected, the consequences can be catastrophic: stolen confidential data, destruction of trust, loss of reputation or even a complete system breakdown. IT decision makers are all too aware of this issue – in fact, Neos Networks’ research shows that having security concerns reassured has the biggest influence for businesses when it comes to choosing a new network provider. Given security is the second biggest (34%) frustration IT decision makers have with their current platforms, it’s clear that many don’t have confidence in the security of their existing solutions.

IT departments need reassurance that their networks are secure enough to stand up to any threats that may emerge, but sometimes, fear of change and a lack of understanding around new solutions can prevent decision makers from investing in more beneficial network solutions.

Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) is just this. However, over one third (36%) of organisations not currently using SD-WAN say that the security risk is one of the big reasons for non-adoption. So, is their concern justified – or could SD-WAN actually help IT decision makers enhance their network security?

SD-WAN: Is it a secure solution for enterprises?

SD-WAN is a solution for configuring and implementing an enterprise WAN, which uses software-defined networking (SDN) to route traffic to remote locations such as branch offices. It can offer a host of benefits including greater control, more flexibility, enhanced network visibility, and improved efficiencies.

But while IT decision makers are aware of the agility of SD-WAN, some remain dubious about the security of the solution. Part of this comes from a lack of understanding – after all, nearly half (46%) of the IT decision makers we recently surveyed weren’t aware of SD-WAN at all.

Concerns around public connections are also giving rise to doubts: seven in ten IT decision makers believe public internet connectivity is a risk to their organisation, and some decision makers are anxious about potentially moving their traffic from their private, structured MPLS VPN and onto public links. In reality, however, this shouldn’t be an issue.

SD-WAN provides an encrypted overlay separate to its transport components. It segments sensitive traffic across the local area network (LAN) and the wide area network (WAN). The key thing to clarify here is that SD-WAN is not a network in and of itself; it is an external overlay attached to a network platform. So long as the original underlying connectivity is secure, overall security shouldn’t be compromised.

Neos Networks, for example, is CAS(T) accredited, recognising the stringent measures we have put in place for customers. This reassures customers that their systems and services are adequately protected against risks to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information classified as HM Government OFFICIAL.

Improving security with SD-WAN

The reality is, deployed correctly, security could actually be enhanced by SD-WAN. This is backed up by our research, which found enterprises who are already using SD-WAN are less likely to experience security concerns (34%) than those who have not yet invested (45%). There are several reasons behind this. For example, with SD-WAN, businesses can segment their applications based on granular security policies to minimise the attack surface. This ensures only the right people have access, and are subject to the right policies and protocols.

Furthermore, with the enhanced network visibility offered by SD-WAN, potential issues can be identified in real-time – giving an accurate view of SaaS and IaaS app usage to assure security. And with full visibility of the estate, businesses can ensure they have diversity within their connectivity. SD-WAN can intelligently route traffic based on the priority it has been set at, meaning secure data could only ever move along Ethernet, with applications like Skype routed along broadband or 4G.

In addition, a provider like Neos Networks can offer end-to-end security service management, that allows the network manager to control all security software rules in one place.

Find out more about SD-WAN

So, despite the apprehensions of some IT decision makers, the reality is that SD-WAN is not a security risk. In fact, it could even help to improve network security – as well as offering a range of other appealing benefits. Read more about SD-WAN and what it can offer your enterprise here.

“As a Critical National Infrastructure provider, ensuring our production facilities and multiple sites have a reliable, resilient network to operate is essential. The power of SD-WAN technology delivers independence to our sites, with improved network visibility and resilience, ensuring maximum up-time for our essential production facilities.”
"Neos Networks has been our managed network provider for many years, thanks to the partnership our teams are now better equipped to do their jobs and collaborate with their peers, from anywhere in the country."

– Chris Barnicott, CTO, SSE Group

We can connect you anywhere in the UK

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What is Broadband Unbundled & What are the Benefits for ISPs?

Network Security

Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) is one of several connectivity options for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with a business or consumer fibre broadband offering. Capable of delivering faster speeds than traditional ADSL, at a cost-effective price for the end-user, it’s certainly an appealing option, and one that most ISPs either offer or would like to provide to their customers.

But when it comes to deploying fibre broadband ISPs face a number of barriers, not least the need to unbundle new BT exchanges. These challenges inhibit their agility, ability to scale and customer acquisition capabilities. If ISPs are going to reach fresh markets and win more customers, a new solution is needed – and it’s that very solution that Neos Networks has been hard at work developing.

The challenges of deploying fibre based broadband services

Unbundling exchanges for fibre delivery is a time consuming process with long lead times. This can have a negative impact and limit some service providers when testing new regions and attempting to reach new customers.

Cost is another common barrier, particularly since fibre broadband can’t be sold to a new customer before the exchange is unbundled. Unbundling a new exchange requires significant upfront capital investment, with an operational payment structure that can make this an expensive option overall, particularly when looking at new regions.

ISPs need a more flexible solution. With the launch of our new product, Scalefast FTTC, that alternative is finally a reality. By utilising Scalefast FTTC, the challenges discussed here can be overcome – meaning ISPs will soon be able to offer fibre connectivity to more customers, more quickly, and at a competitive price.

Scalefast FTTC: how does it work?

Scalefast FTTC can be used either by those with a current fibre broadband offering, or those who are considering launching this product. ISPs with an existing Openreach GEA FTTC service (or other services from the FTTx family) will have the ability to ‘virtually unbundle’ BT exchanges, thus gaining access to our resilient network for the backhaul service. Our network footprint is increasing, as our dedicated expansion programme, Project Edge, continues. The latest phase, Edge 3, is expected to grow our network by 132% over the next year, meaning Scalefast FTTC customers will have access to 733 exchanges, made up of 179 parent exchanges and 544 child exchanges.

As a result of virtually unbundling exchanges, providers could take customer orders within three months – a significant reduction in the time it would typically take to unbundle exchanges directly. To avoid over-routing and failovers, ISPs will also have the ability to control oversubscription, as multiple network-to-network interfaces (NNIs) can be procured.

Scalefast FTTC can also help ISPs tackle issues around spend, reducing upfront investment into the exchange as well as ongoing costs. Once live, Scalefast FTTC operates on a usage-based billing model, based on the volume of traffic passing over the customer’s NNI.

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With the introduction of this product, Neos Networks is set to alleviate many of the problems ISPs face when it comes to delivering fibre broadband services. As a result, providers can become high quality local loop unbundling (LLU) players, winning new customers and enhancing their service offering.

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What Is SD-WAN and Why Does Your Business Need It?

Few things hold modern enterprises back more than legacy infrastructure, especially when it comes to connectivity. In a fast-moving, data-heavy and cloud-dependent digital world, outdated network infrastructure can significantly diminish business performance. Multi-site enterprises need an architecture that supports their requirement for speed, flexibility, security and availability, rather than inhibiting it.

Software-Defined Networking in a Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) could be the answer. With the evolution of SD-WAN, enterprises have an increasingly viable software-based solution for delivering WAN services. But, understandably, there is still some uncertainty about the practical application of the technology and the extent of the potential benefits. So, how has SD-WAN evolved – and how can it provide more effective, efficient connectivity for enterprises?

What is SD-WAN?

First pioneered in the US in 2016 and 2017, SD-WAN is a software layer which simplifies the delivery of WAN services to branch locations. Now, with its bugs ironed out, focus has shifted to the European market. Recent research suggests that one in five US and UK businesses are running early-stage SD-WAN projects. Likewise, research from Frost & Sullivan found 61% of global enterprises expect to deploy SD-WAN in the next 24 months. It’s not hard to see why.

SD-WAN allows network traffic to travel independently of the transport layer. This provides both better performance and far greater network visibility, giving IT departments the ability to make more informed decisions about their networking. As a result, SD-WAN can offer policy flexibility, increased security, simpler service delivery, and easy collaboration with third parties – the last of which is particularly relevant for enterprises operating in a mature IT environment.

But with SD-WAN still somewhat of an unknown platform, adoption has moved at a fairly slow pace. Fortunately, the benefits are becoming clearer, and technical understanding about how it can be implemented is increasing.

What are the business benefits of SD-WAN?

By eliminating backhaul penalties and the bottlenecks of hardware-based architectures, SD-WAN can result in a significantly improved user experience, particularly for cloud or SaaS applications. By providing a secure overlay, SD-WAN offers greater confidentiality, which is crucial for modern businesses in an age of constant cyber threat. As such, investment in this service can resolve some of the security issues surrounding cloud adoption. It’s also a flexible solution, which can be deployed rapidly to facilitate demand during peak times, or periods of significant change, for example during mergers and acquisitions. And, as mentioned, it’s an ideal solution for enterprises who regularly collaborate with third parties.

In addition to the wealth of benefits it offers, SD-WAN also drives network efficiencies, as it identifies surplus capacity that can be better utilised – providing visibility IT teams have never benefitted from before, in order to make informed decisions when buying more capacity. Plus, it can be delivered on a consumption-based billing model. Many enterprises – especially those who experience peaks and troughs in demand – rightly find this to be a more effective budgeting strategy.

The future of SD-WAN for enterprise

With such a range of benefits on offer, it’s important that SD-WAN is easy to purchase and deploy. In terms of what SD-WAN will look like for customers, we see it becoming the dominant WAN platform sold to enterprise customers by 2020. It will primarily be delivered independently of the connectivity service underpinning it, using robust single source architecture with multiple service capabilities.

However, there’s still work to do before SD-WAN adoption can become widespread – primarily in terms of the customer buying process. In our opinion, we expect to see an ‘app store’ version of an SD-WAN product, with a user interface carefully designed to ensure maximum accessibility. With plans already in place at Neos Networks to explore possibilities with a number of partners, we look forward to seeing how the developments play out.

Why is SD-WAN so important?

SD-WAN is set to be a key enabler of business efficiency, removing the time-consuming requirements of many legacy architectures and solving a number of business problems. For enterprises, this means improved performance, better communications, and ultimately the ability to deliver an improved end-customer service – and all with shorter term technology contracts. But although a willingness for transformation from customers is key, it’s ultimately the networks who’ll play the most crucial role. By providing accessibility to this new architecture, network providers can help to liberate global enterprises from the pitfalls of their existing legacy networks.

We can help you reap the benefits of modern network architecture – get in touch to discover more.

“As a Critical National Infrastructure provider, ensuring our production facilities and multiple sites have a reliable, resilient network to operate is essential. The power of SD-WAN technology delivers independence to our sites, with improved network visibility and resilience, ensuring maximum up-time for our essential production facilities.”

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DNO to DSO Transformation in Telecommunications

Global demand for energy is never going to diminish. However, it is set to change significantly over the next century, as governments pursue cleaner energy policies and consumers rethink how they use, and even generate, power. To support this change, a countrywide rethink of the networks that manage the flow of electricity is required. But this isn’t just a job for energy providers. To create the converged approach so central to making smart grids a success, telecommunications companies have an important contribution to make.

The changing face of energy users

Within just a few decades, much of the technology we rely on will be very different, and this will have a big impact on our energy usage. By 2030, for example, the UK has pledged that half of all new car sales will be hybrid or electric. As reliance on petrol diminishes, people are likely to have significantly higher electricity demands.

There will also be greater requirements on the grid at certain times – such as when large numbers of 9-5 workers return home, and need to charge their vehicles. Likewise, the inevitable ban on petrol cars will eventually transform ‘petrol stations’ into charging points, with super-fast ports that can bring an electric fleet vehicle back up to full power in just minutes.

But it isn’t just a case of using energy differently. Whether in pursuit of cheaper bills or environmentally friendly credentials, the small-scale energy generator is also on the rise. Consider solar power – in 2017, the UK led the way for European solar growth, and solar power is expected to provide half of global electricity generation by 2050. Businesses with significant real estate, like warehouse roofs, could stand to generate large amounts of their own power.

We need to think about energy customers in a different way. They’re no longer just consumers – they’re producers, selling energy back to the grid. Which means the existing power networks need to be reimagined, creating more flexibility, better management of capacity, and above all, more intelligence.

Creating a two-way smart grid

An initiative called the Open Networks project is leading the way, spearheaded by the Electricity Networks Association (ENA). The project aims to help networks shift from simply delivering energy to becoming the smart platform for a range of technologies that generate, consume and manage electricity. Through this, local networks and smart cities can become more active managers of supply and demand – in time, turning DNOs into Distribution System Operators (DSOs).

Telecommunications providers are essential to this process. For a start, telecommunications companies can assist with connecting those who are generating energy back into the grid, which is vital for the two-way purchase and sale of energy to succeed. Substations will need higher capacity and faster connections – provided by fibre – in order to facilitate this flow, so it’s clear the telecommunications companies need to be part of this conversation.

From a management perspective, telecommunications providers also have a valuable contribution to offer. In a two-way system, there needs to be interfaces on either end that can communicate effectively with the system and, in time, local areas as a whole. The technologies that will be used in the two-way grid, like smart meters, can already be seen in telecommunications. In a smart grid, these communications will facilitate real-time monitoring and help to manage demand and supply. As such, it’s essential these devices are supported by rapid and robust fibre connections that won’t fail when so much is relying on them.

Convergence is key

Finally, from a purely practical standpoint, telecommunications and energy companies need to work together to ensure a converged smart-grid future is created. One of the challenges at the moment is that, as a great deal of smart energy technology is in its infancy, there’s no standardisation across strategy or end-user interfaces. To consider electric cars again, there are different schemes across the country for using charging access points, rather than a standardised approach. Likewise, smart meter providers each currently offer their own solution – which then becomes obsolete as consumers switch suppliers in pursuit of better pricing.

If this scattered approach continues, there could be serious problems for widespread integration down the line. If the country is going to make the most of the opportunities created by the shift to DSOs, everybody needs to work together to create a cohesive plan, instead of forging ahead in silos.

Ultimately, there’s a lot of buzz around this conversation at the moment. In reality, very few people know for sure exactly what shape a smart grid will take, or how it will be implemented. What we do know is that this isn’t just a job for the energy companies. Telecommunications providers have a role here, too. Because while the benefits of moving from DNOs to DSOs could be significant, it will only work if it’s planned and carried out in a clear and strategic way – and, most of all, supported by reliable connections.

"Neos Networks has been our managed network provider for many years, thanks to the partnership our teams are now better equipped to do their jobs and collaborate with their peers, from anywhere in the country."

– Chris Barnicott, CTO, SSE Group

“Due to the nature of the mission critical services we deliver to customers 24/7, working with a trusted provider, that wouldn’t let us down when it came to availability, really was our top priority."

– Andrew Quail, Director of IT, SGN

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The evolving architecture of network connectivity: an opportunity for UK businesses

I discussed during my recent panel at Total Telecom Congress that network architecture is changing, – and the developments we’re seeing, such as the rise of NFV and SDN technologies, will bring some exciting possibilities to the way UK businesses improve their connectivity infrastructure going forward. In the next 24 months I personally expect to see an increased adoption of SDN and NFV, something which will be facilitated by improved regional access networks for UK businesses. With such exciting innovation around the corner, below, I’ve summarised some of the main points from my recent panel discussion.

The networks of the future are arriving

Software Defined Networking (SDN), an architecture which allows network administrators to manage services from a centralised control system, is set to transform networks as we know them. I expect SD-WAN adoption rates to accelerate over the next year, as enterprises wake up to the fact that this sort of network architecture can offer them greater control, agility, and connectivity.

As for Network Function virtualisation (NFV), an architecture which helps businesses separate network functions from hardware, we’re not quite there yet. It’s useful for tasks like moving the encryption of firewalls from hardware to virtual servers, and will certainly make networks more agile and efficient, – but I don’t expect this to really hit the mainstream for at least 18 months or so once SD-WAN infrastructure has been deployed.

Self-optimising networks are becoming a reality

The idea of self-optimising networks has been around for a while, but have always required physical intervention to actually increase capacity where it’s needed. Fortunately, with the advent of SD-WAN and A.I., technologies are being developed that have the capability to re-route traffic over multiple different network resources.

Which means (with the right infrastructure, tools and rules) self-optimising networks are becoming a reality, and will soon be widely available as an architecture that can enhance UK business connectivity. Neos Networks is approaching this task on a layer-by-layer basis, to make sure we can truly deliver the sort of infrastructure needed to support self-optimising networks.

Regional and access networks are set to improve significantly

In terms of the future of network architecture, there’s two things I discussed on the panel that we’re really excited by. The first is the increasing opportunity for higher quality regional services. If we go back 20 years to when the trans-continental networks were heavily invested in, this kickstarted an international telecoms infrastructure that just hasn’t stopped accelerating. There’s been huge consistent growth in bandwidth and investment in cables – consider the $300million trans-Pacific cable route which began construction in 2014, the Amazon cable and trans-Atlantic cables such as the Google Dunant cable and HAVFRUE cable, neither of which directly land in the UK, all largely sponsored by the Content Networks that power the Internet today.

But regional and access networks have been left woefully behind, with very few providers being prepared to lay fibre to these regional end locations – meaning cost on the last mile was still high. Fortunately, that’s set to change, which is great news for enterprises across the country who’ve been denied super-fast access for so long. Between this, and companies like Neos Networks providing aggregation capabilities, and the advancement of the underlying networks that will support 5G and satellite, businesses across the UK will soon look to enjoy a ubiquity of high bandwidth services.

Competition is driving better customer service

The second exciting development I discussed is that it’s going to be increasingly important to use network architecture to drive better customer service. As a result of having so much choice across the products and services we use, we all now have incredibly high expectations of customer service. We want everything to arrive immediately and be packaged in an easily digestible way. And, understandably, we want to be able to see that we’re actually getting the service we were promised.

As telcos, we now have to rise to this challenge – whether that’s through automation, software that can turn services up and down very quickly, or through offering analytics that prove we’ve provided the service we claimed we would.

The future of network architecture

Ultimately, it’s a fast-moving but exciting time for telcos. I expect to see significant growth in network architecture and network capabilities over the next two years, and I look forward to watching these developments play out. The key opportunity is for telcos to keep driving change and for businesses to be prepared to make the most of these new technologies. Because the possibilities opened up by faster, more agile network infrastructure can be significant – and organisations across the country could benefit as a result.

Struggling with connectivity issues and looking for a best in class solution? Contact us today and discover how you could benefit from tapping into our 12,000+km UK wide fibre network: https://neosnetworks.com/maps/uk-network-map/

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Development of new fibre networks takes Neos Networks deep underground

In the ongoing hunt to deliver faster networks, more efficient services and better connectivity to our customers, we know no limits – metaphorical, or literal! That’s why our latest initiative to lay new fibre networks is taking us deep underground, really deep…in fact up to 10 metres below road level.

By utilising existing waste water systems we’ll be able to lay fibre networks within existing infrastructure without the need for expensive digs. There are multiple benefits for our customers to partner with us to use this innovative underground network:

  • Better security: Laying networks so far underground makes cabling more secure and reliable. Networks are less susceptible to tampering or inadvertent outages through cut cables, compared to traditional digs where cable is laid closer to ground level and more vulnerable to accidents.
  • Direct paths: Our waste water networks don’t follow traditional road paths. Whilst network cable at road level needs to follow the twists and turns of the road, water networks often take more direct routes. Shorter lengths of cable can therefore travel longer distances. This can result in lower latency and faster connectivity speeds giving organisations deploying those networks a competitive advantage. For large enterprises, like financial services institutions, where fractions of a second can equate to millions made or lost in trading, this kind of advantage is crucial.
  • More efficient: Laying network cables at road level is costly, inconvenient and time consuming. Metropolitan councils are becoming increasingly intolerant of utility companies causing disruption. Lane rental schemes are applied to traffic-sensitive locations and prevent work taking place – or charge a premium – during the most traffic-sensitive times of day. For example, 56% of the Transport for London Road Network is covered by lane rental schemes. But by utilising existing infrastructure it negates these challenges. The benefit for you is a more efficient, faster and cheaper way of establishing new connections. We estimate that connections can be established up to 10 times faster than traditional digs.
  • Diverse routing: with busy cities, comes a mass of connectivity needs, but only a limited number of network routes available. This congestion can cause latency and often means that there aren’t diverse routes available – meaning that many businesses have to use the same paths. By creating a new network in the waste water systems, we are addressing this issue and enabling important business continuity options for risk averse businesses.

This approach provides clear benefits. The commercial opportunity for connecting through an underground network deployed through the sewers is compelling. What’s more, companies like us are leading the way and making this opportunity a reality. To learn more, click here to read about our exclusive partnership with Thames Water.

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Security that comes as standard

Network Security

The WannaCry ransomware attack which hit the NHS and thousands of other organisations recently sent shockwaves throughout the UK, making businesses and consumers alike question how seriously they are taking their cyber security protection. At Neos Networks, we keep close tabs on what is happening in the cyber space to ensure that as the threat evolves, we do too.

One example of this is our recent Cyber Essentials PLUS accreditation. Issued by the UK Government as a rubber stamp for our investment in security, the criteria for certification includes a number of cyber security precautions; from a robust patching regime, penetration testing, to comprehensive best practice guidelines.

We understand that security requires a two-pronged strategy, technological investment and education. This is why engaging with our staff is one of the most fundamental parts of our cyber security policy. We issue a ‘Handle with Care’ e-learning module, which gives guidance on good cyber security practice including how to categorise and treat sensitive information. We then supplement this baseline knowledge with additional specific engagements giving employees who work in particularly sensitive roles more specific information about how they can mitigate against the risk of a cyber-incident. We have found by offering regular advice to staff with tips on how to avoid phishing attacks; the likes of which proved hugely damaging in the latest WannaCry attack, that there is increased awareness of best practice and appreciation for ‘doing the right thing’.

Maintaining reliable connectivity is paramount when considering how secure you are against cyber threats. For us our customers rely on our network for their business operation and in our book, only an act of God is an acceptable reason for us not to deliver ultra-resilient, high capacity connectivity.

Whether it’s a cyber criminal or a remote location in the Scottish Highlands that stands in our way – we’ll perform.

Considering growing your network and looking for a reliable partner?

Discover how we can help you connect multiple sites together securely by clicking here.

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Now we really do go the extra mile

We’re proud to announce that with the launch of Edge 2, our award-winning, high-capacity Ethernet service has increased its coverage of business postcodes by 30%! That means more for your customers and more for you.

In a phased delivery from Q2 2016, we’re adding 34 new Ethernet Points of Presence (PoPs) in areas of high customer demand across the country, like Cheltenham, Bolton, Darlington and Glasgow – reaching a further 58,342 business postcodes. In total Project Edge will now connect over 250,000 postcodes to our state of the art network, improving our service for end users and enhancing the service you provide for your customers.

Give your customers the Edge over their Ethernet competition

We’re retaining all of the flexibility of Edge Plus, but Edge 2 customers will enjoy more coverage, competitive pricing and an even more outstanding service. In fact enterprises in exchange areas will get the best value solution in the UK. And our new PoPs can be found exactly where they’re needed most. Their locations are totally driven by customer demand.

Our network is engineered to the standards of our power stations. Our numerous exchanges are built using the toughest kit available; if a component fails, another is ready to take over. And for extra peace of mind our network is monitored and maintained 24/7, every single day of the year.

This all adds up to the most robust, reliable and cost-effective solution in the UK. And with our user-friendly LIVEQUOTE tool, transition is simple.

SSE1124_edge2_storyofedge

LIVEQUOTE is your starting point

Once the new PoPs are live, LIVEQUOTE will give you the best available price. It’s also where you’ll find an up-to-date schedule for Edge 2 delivery. You’ll be able to track Edge 2 orders immediately, this allows you to respond quickly to your clients’ needs; which ultimately means more business wins.

As a service provider, your proposition has just got a whole lot stronger… and with our ongoing commitment to investment it’ll keep getting better.

We’d love to tell you more about how Edge 2 can help you and your customers. Why not request a callback?

Not sure how LIVEQUOTE will help you? Find out here

 

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What makes a company a GREAT company to work with?

In an industry that has suffered a terrible reputation for its poor customer service stories, with the UK Customer Satisfaction Index reporting a quarter of Telco organisations failed to meeting expectations, Neos Networks strives to be different and buck that trend.

A business is only as strong as its team; that’s why we have taken great care and consideration in hiring the best people to represent Neos Networks to its fullest. By hiring experts from within the telecoms field, especially for our sales team, our customers have a knowledgeable point of contact in the company who knows and more importantly understands the benefits of our products and services.

We believe in the personal touch – from the start of your solution enquiry to the contract signing and beyond, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact that will get to know your company. When someone understands your company, knows how it works, what’s needed and your strategy and plans for the future, we can build a partnership that will support and help you grow as you achieve your goals.

Rob Derbyshire, Operations Manager at Marston’s Telecoms spoke highly of having a single point of contact throughout the quoting, solution-building and purchasing process with us. Even as the solution progressed and different teams were getting involved with the network implementation, Rob continued to be updated by his dedicated account director.

He commented, “The solution was rapidly deployed and Marston’s Telecoms was able to call upon its own dedicated account manager and single point of contact throughout the whole deployment process.” So impressed by Neos Networks’ attitude, Derbyshire has named us as their ‘preferred partner of choice’ for all of their ongoing optical network solutions and Ethernet requirements.

Though we have market clout as being a part of the SSE group – a FTSE32 company with a turnover of £30 billion – Neos Networks enjoys a much lighter and more agile team in comparison to other telecoms giants; we also have the backing of investment of over £4billion from the SSE group. We are able to provide quick network deployment and implementation so customers have new network expansions live far sooner than our peers.

HighNet – a Scottish ISP – has enjoyed 17 per cent growth since first starting its partnership with Neos Networks in 2011 and it continues to delight its customer with its continual high level of customer service today; Neos Networks first helped HighNet to build a private national infrastructure delivering resilient and scalable solutions including connectivity, and disaster recovery services to enterprises across the UK.  With the demand on their newly expanded network increasing at a far quicker rate than expected, they needed to upgrade their service and turned to Neos Networks to once again help them deliver and succeed.

With our agility, flexibility and proven track record of delivering ahead of time, HighNet turned to us again with new requirements; upgrading its core network to 10Gb to meet increased customer demand.

David Alldritt, Technology and Innovation Director at HighNet is exceedingly pleased with the Neos Networks team and its support with HighNet’s recent network upgrade; “The new solution was rapidly provisioned by Neos Networks’ highly skilled and experienced team, who provided a significant amount of support right from the initial deployment stage to the present day. HighNet has benefited from working with the same team from day one and the strong partnership between the two companies has been instrumental in building HighNet’s network from the ground-up.”

Alldritt continued: “Everyone from our account director to the network architect involved in the original deployment is still on-board, which is something of a rarity in the telecoms business!  Not only does this make working together an easier and more enjoyable process, it also ensures that everyone fully understands our business and so are well placed to help us meet our future objectives.”

We love hearing such positive feedback from our customers; it’s what we aim to achieve with all our customers from big national enterprises to small ISPs. We want to give each customer a dedicated approach so we fully understand your needs so we can add value to your network design and help you grow and succeed as your trusted partner.

Jo Cook, Sales Director at Neos Networks, has been instrumental in building a value add sales team, commenting; “To hear such positive feedback from our customers is a fantastic endorsement of the work carried out by the team. It’s great to receive a positive reaction to not just those working on the front line but the whole way through to our solution and provisioning teams as well. We have always strived to set ourselves apart and it’s great to see it being recognised.”

Our customers are part of our team – their accomplishments are our accomplishments and we always want to help people succeed.

If you’d like to receive the same high quality service as our satisfied customers enjoy, request a call back with one of our expert team members today or email enquiries@neosnetworks.com

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