Wide area network (WAN) switches--are they part of your network infrastructure? If your business has VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or your network transmits video over the Internet, you should be using WAN switches. Using wide area network (WAN) switches can save your business a lot of money in the long run.
Wide area network switches, which are internetworking devices, are ideal for both small enterprises and large remote sites. Using a WAN switch is great if you have employees who work from home. A WAN switch supports VPN (Virtual Private Network) which your employees use to access your network. WAN and backbone switches are designed to solve your growing needs, especially if your business is a call center or video editing. Here are some reasons to consider them:
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Reduce your telecommunications costs with WAN networking switches
You can cut your telecommunications costs by as much as 50%. The reason why wide area network switches are cost-savers is because voice, data, and video all run on one platform. If you have one or multiple T1 lines, WAN switches are ideal. WAN switches can support not only VoIP, but FoIP (Fax over IP) and VoFR (Voice over Frame Relay) and other standards that will enable you to make calls over the Internet.
I recommend: Check out both
Alcatel-Lucent's and
Cisco's websites. They both produce switches with WAN routing capabilites. Cisco has a series of switches which is the Cisco Catalyst 6500 series. You'll need to find out which switch will suit your environment. Both of these companies are leaders in this market.
Get a network WAN switch that is scalable
You might not use all of the features that the LAN WAN switch has. However, you want to ensure the LAN WAN switch has advanced WAN switching features. As your business grows, your network will grow as well. Employees, and perhaps customers, will be using your network. Having a switch with advanced capabilities will ensure your network can address their needs.
I recommend: Check out
Force10 Networks. Force10 Networks makes a series called E-series. These switches are scalable. Force10 is one of the leaders in making and selling switches.
Extreme Networks makes the Black Diamond 6800 switch, which supports multiple protocols.
Build a relationship with wide area networks switch vendors
You want to make sure you have support from professionals that specialize in this area. That's why you should consider hiring or getting a maintenance agreement from one of the WAN switch vendors. When you are experiencing a problem, and your IT staff can't solve it, that's when you need to call the WAN switch manufacturer.
I recommend: Look at
Foundry Networks' website. The company offers warranties and maintenance contracts on its switches. You can get release notes, software upgrades, and access to its knowledge base. You should also look at
Juniper Networks' website. In addition to getting software upgrades, you can read technical documentation on its switches.
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