Let Packet-Based Networks Set You Free

Legacy time division multiplexed networks are old, inflexible, and getting harder and harder to maintain. Yet an estimated 72 percent of companies still have TDM infrastructure in place.

That’s costing them money, time, and effort. And it’s limiting their flexibility.

“Operating a full TDM environment, or one this is mixed IP/TDM, is more costly than running all IP,” writes Robin Gareiss of Nemertes Research. “Those with a mix of IP and TDM spend $735 per end unit (ie, phone, audio bridge, etc.) on average, compared to only $677 for those with an all-IP environment…. Overall, organizations of all sizes saved 8 percent per year on operational costs moving to all IP. But larger organizations – those with more than 1,000 locations – saved 26 percent per year as they completed their IP deployments….”

For some companies, sticking with TDM is just a function of focusing on other things. Others may have thought about making a change, but decided not alter what they believe is working for them.

But the fact is that these businesses are often needlessly spending extra time and money managing, and finding the parts and talent to continue operating, TDM networks – or both packet and TDM networks. Adopting a packet-based architecture could free them of some of that burden while still enabling them to support existing TDM services via circuit emulation.

John Hawkins, Ciena’s product and technology manager, notes that packet-based infrastructure also decreases cybersecurity risks, and makes more efficient use of bandwidth and network resources than does TDM. And, he adds, it’s better at addressing bursty traffic.

He explains that because TDM architectures are based on timeslots – which Hawkins says are akin to boxcars on a train – they use up bandwidth and resources whether or not those timeslots/boxcars are full. Meanwhile, packet networks move into action only when traffic requirements call for it. And the businesses that operate packet networks can use adaptive networking technology, orchestration, pre-set policy, and new intelligence to transport cargo more efficiently and in a way that meets desired business outcomes.