Why Networks Are the Diamonds of Tech (And Why Ethernet and IP Still Make the Cut)

Smartphones are the costume jewelry of tech. It’s pretty easy to upgrade them every year or two as fashions change.

But networks are more like diamonds. They’re a much bigger consideration. And they can last a lifetime.

That’s why businesses think long and hard before investing in new network technology. And it’s why, in doing so, networking operators need to make sure their new investments make sense today and well into the future.

Ethernet and IP are two technologies that have been particularly adept at helping networking operators adapt to changing requirements. And solutions based on these technologies just keep giving.

For example, Adaptive IP can blend Ethernet and IP functionality to allow for advanced Layer 3 protocol support. That can allow for IPv6, Layer 2 and 3 VPN, and segment routing. That adds up to network asset optimization and the ability to support multiple traffic types and an array of services.

Ethernet and IP solutions with orchestration-based automation also protects network investments and lifespans. Such automation can be used to allow business customers to configure their own services, for example. It also can help network service providers expedite the delivery of new services.

Additionally, converged Ethernet and IP can be part of a strategy to bring fiber closer to customers. That allows networks to support higher-level bandwidth to support applications like streaming media. And it can enable faster action on the network edge, which will be important for IoT applications like driverless cars.

“With converged IP and Ethernet, it becomes possible to replace a large number of IP routers with a number of smaller devices that collectively work together to form highly scalable converged networks – reducing network footprint and lowering operating costs,” explains Ciena’s EMEA CTO Frank O. Miller.