¿Qué es la computación de borde de acceso múltiple?

What Is Multi-Access Edge Computing?

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Edge Computing will remain an essential part of our lives because it will be at the core of the  4.0 industry. With Edge Computing, machines will have sensors for real-time calculations and gather a lot more information. Edge Computing can apply real-time algorithms to data, eliminating most process errors.

In this post, we will dive deeper into what Edge Computing represents and the visibility it provides to companies.

Edge Computing Revolutionizing Communications

Simply put, we can say that Edge Computing refers to computing taking place at the edge of the network instead of on a centralized server. Its implementations are part of a distributed infrastructure. This brings computing power closer to those who use or consume such data.

The key to Edge Computing is that it expands resources far beyond the formerly dominant control center. Today, Edge Computing looks into the future, as the data center did a dozen years ago.

The key is that it is a form of distributed computing. In the past, we could see a cycle between more centralized computing (such as the first mainframes) and more distributed models (such as networked PCs). Today, the trend towards Edge Computing has been a move towards a more diffuse multi-cloud computing model.

Perhaps you may not notice, but we interact daily with devices that leverage Edge Computing. For example, today, you work from home and connect to a business network, and by doing so, you are using Edge Computing.

What Are Its Benefits?

Edge Computing offers excellent benefits compared to centralized computing models, including:

  • Speed: If you process data close to where they are generated, you do not have to wait for them to go to the cloud and vice versa. This reduction in latency results in a more remarkable performance.
  • Reduced network loads: Today, devices generate such a volume of data that networks may find it difficult to keep up-to-date. More processing closer to the edge reduces network bandwidth loads, thus freeing capacity for more critical workloads.
  • Reduced costs: Transmission of fewer data can also result in less data transmission-related costs. This can be relevant, particularly in a world where mobile data fees are high.
  • Improved security: If data were stored and processed at a location, you would give attackers a larger and more attractive target, but edge computing makes it less likely to have a large amount of data. Besides, edge computing makes distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks more difficult.

As you can see, Edge Computing is essential to our lives and will keep permeating across all aspects of our daily life.

At NGIN Services, we offer a variety of leading-edge solutions for the infrastructure that your company needs. Contact us and tell us about the challenges you had this year and those that will lie ahead in 2022. We want to help you!

Adopción de las redes basadas en la intención

Adoption of intent-based networks

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As mentioned in our previous blog post, intent-based networks are operation models of declarative networks. These networks are different from traditional imperative networks. They automatically generate an entire configuration of all devices in operation in the service description.

To begin with, thanks to automation, they reduce errors and risks while improving operating efficiency in different ways.

What problems do they solve?

First, they are in charge of validating intent objects before applying them to the network. In this case, intent objects are general representations of the properties or results the operator wishes to achieve in the network. It is syntax-related and includes semantic controls based on the network policy.

Likewise, intent-based networks can instantly switch to earlier or later versions. By doing so, the analysis allows operators to apply intent objects to the correct version. This to go back to a well-known status in case inconveniences arise.

Likewise, they limit the impact and scope of errors while implementing new intents using well-defined policies.

Analysis of intent-based networks allows the existence of business systems of critical and escalated implementations. They will enable us to drop the time necessary to provide reliable services for long periods, from days or even weeks to just a few minutes. Moreover, they help us deal with operating challenges once the infrastructure has been implemented.

Analysis of intent-based networks

Now, intent-based networks do not only respond to intent but, instead, ensure it.  Analysis of intent-based networks allows for meeting original company intent while the service life cycle lasts.

Such analysis of intent-based networks provides highly valuable network service-related information. So, it allows the network to be seen as a comprehensive service. Thus, in the event of an error, such analyses are used to identify the cause of the error in a shorter period. In this way, filtration of irrelevant details is possible so that operators may know truly relevant information in a faster and easier way.

Intent-based networks call for a sophisticated orchestration system to make complex decisions to allow network automation. Therefore, they unify operations equipment and architecture operations and eliminate reliability problems and limitations regarding human capital while offering reliability and flexibility.

At NGIN Services, we offer solutions in the intent-based networks arena to implement best practices in your organization. Asks us for a quote today. Contact us!

 

Soluciones de enrutamiento por segmentos y el futuro del transporte de red

Segment Routing Solutions and the Future of Network Transport

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The current proliferation of applications and cloud-hosted content will increase exponentially. This will affect traffic between and within data centers. In this environment, segment routing becomes essential for integral network transport.

Thus, a segment routed network enables network transport to be more profitable, scalable, and with greater responsiveness. Furthermore, it can streamline the application and cloud-based content distribution across different network domains. This can improve the quality of the application experience.

Advantages of Segment Routing

Migrating from multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) to segment routing is complex. That is why the existing control planes must be replaced. A solution is to use functions with which both protocols can be executed on the same network.

Segment routing offers several advantages you should consider for your IT area, for example:

  • Greater reach to improve bandwidth leveraging.
  • Automation functions to simplify network administration and operations.
  • Network and traffic leveraging processes confer agility since they are automatic.
  • Application recognition in the network control plane.
  • Optimum quality for the application user experience.

Maximum Leveraging

The control plane requires an infrastructure with the right technologies. Thus, segment routing can be fully leveraged to provide solutions to network transport.

A model implementing hybrid networks in which LDP, MPLS, and IP technologies coexist ensures profitable network transport.

Some of these models offer opportunities, such as simplification of route design, implementation, and operations, without the need for integral signaling protocols, such as RSVP-TE. Moreover, several network domains can be controlled using a standard protocol. This reduces the number of control plane technologies required for this process.

The future of network transport calls for integral segment routing solutions, which will simplify the IT architecture and, in turn, reduce costs.

Incorporating more efficient technologies and processes at the control plane level will be very useful for operators and large service providers. They streamline network administration, make control easier, and allow a quick and automatic response to Internet traffic pattern changes.

At NGIN Services, we offer solutions that will enable your organization to take a step into the future of network transport. We feature comprehensive solutions for the implementation of segment routing. Contact us today and ask for a quote.

¿Cómo nos ayudan las redes basadas en la intención?

How Are Intent-Based Networks Useful?

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Intent-based networking consists of a software-defined automation process. It uses high intelligence, analysis, and orchestration levels to improve uptime and network operations.

This means operators define the business results they wish to achieve. The network then interprets the goals and translates them into the configuration required to ensure they can be achieved without manually coding or executing tasks.

Intent-based networks are network operation models. They differ from traditional imperative networks, in which network engineers must specify the sequence of actions needed on individual network elements, which can lead to potential errors.

What Problems Do They Solve?

Traditionally, networks rely on manual command-line interface (CLI) operations and basic element management systems (EMS) or, similarly, on automation scripts. This can lead to disruptions caused by human errors. Intent-based networks help reduce these errors and risks.

But how do intent-based networks help improve operational efficiency? Here are some of their benefits:

  • They allow validation of intent objects before applying them to the network. Intent objects are general representations of the properties or results the operator wishes to achieve in the network.
  • They can instantly switch to earlier or later versions.
  • They limit the impact and scope of errors when implementing new intentions through well-defined policies.
  • They establish intent-based alternatives. In addition, they maintain those results even if there are blackouts or device errors by reconfiguring other network elements.

Using network analysis we can readily see that modern orchestration systems allow for commercial intent-based network systems for critical implementations and escalations.

Intent-based networks help shorten the required implementation time frames, enabling the provision of reliable services in just minutes instead of days or weeks.

How Do I Implement Intent-Based Networking in my Organization?

Although intent-based networks are not new, many companies have not yet fully embraced them. There are increasingly automated and straightforward methods for network operation within the process at every stage.

  • Manual:

The operations team manages the data center’s network devices using CLI, SNMP, and basic, specific tools.

  • Semi-automatic:

Rule- and command-based management is combined with traditional tools for basic automation.

  • Software-defined data center:

Software in the network infrastructure enables faster and more secure deployment of services and applications.

  • Intent-based data centers:

Continuously collects and converts relevant data to perform automatic actions for the network.

Intent-based networks ensure intent. Through network analysis, networks can meet the company’s original intent throughout the service lifecycle. These analyses provide valuable information about network services and thus allow teams to view network services as a complete service.

At NGIN Services, we offer solutions based on network analysis to improve your organization’s performance. Contact us today. We are confident that intent-based networks can help improve your company’s processes.

Orquestación de redes en la nueva era de la automatización de la red

Network Orchestration in the New Era of Network Automation

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Optical and IP networks are demanding increasing performance. This forces us to think about a new era of network management, visibility, and automation. This requires intelligent network orchestration spanning multi-layered networks.

The two most immediate reasons for this discussion are cloud services and 5G technology. That is why the impact on network operations goes beyond capacity scalability. A whole generational upgrade of network management, visibility, and automation is needed.

Cloud services have considerable growth potential. For this reason, more terminals for services and additional bandwidth can be added. Ever since these services have been accessible from anywhere, critical services have had to be migrated to a cloud model. Today, CSPs need greater visibility into service performance and improved network orchestration to meet latency requirements.

In the case of 5G, network visibility is also required. Stringent latency specifications and improved network visibility are even more critical in the 5G era. 5G needs visibility from layers 0 to 3 to the base station.

Cloud services and 5G will operate on an IP/optical converged infrastructure requiring intelligent orchestration. Optical networks continue to expand, as does the number of coherent optical ports. Companies need intelligent network orchestration to meet the growing needs for the densification of 5G and cloud terminals.

Network Orchestration and the Challenges for CSPs

Proper network orchestration helps improve network management, visibility, and automation. It also supports fundamental requirements. For this reason, it sustains the growth of cloud services, 5G RAN, and the expansion of optical capacity at the edge.

Intelligent orchestration allows the technology layers of IP/Optical networks to work closely together. Thus, there is also greater interoperability between providers regarding network management with greater multi-layer integration. The reason is that CSPs typically work with at least two providers at each network layer. CSPs are trying to switch from a manual, human-operated era to one that is automatically assisted or even automated.

CSP Evolution

On the other hand, CSPs must also evolve from a merely reactive mindset to a fault management reactive mindset to prevent the service from being affected. Network orchestration can help CSPs use the latest predictive capabilities enabled by network telemetry and data analytics algorithms.

CSPs can take advantage of network orchestration for advanced control. In addition, future management solutions must be aligned with the broader vision of the CSPs.

The next-generation, multi-vendor IP/optical network management platform is built on progress in three key areas, doing away with manual methods and instead adopting an automated, data-driven operations approach:

  • Have more network performance data coming in from the hitherto obscure optical layer.
  • Open APIs provide a common language for communication among multiple layers and providers.
  • An increasingly practical set of applications that take advantage of interoperability between layers 0 and 3.

CSPs are eager to adopt a more automated environment with detailed network visibility. Their ultimate goal is fully autonomous network management, including auto-detection, auto-adjustment, auto-optimization, and fully closed-loop capabilities.

At NGIN Services, we have various options for optimal network orchestration as a solution to manage a multi-layered network in your organization. Contact us today.

El sector financiero y los ataques DDoS

The financial sector and DDoS attacks

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Increasingly, more sectors and companies are affected by DDoS attacks. However, one sector is one of the cybercriminals’ favorite targets: the financial services sector.

The pandemic and remote work have encouraged significant increases in DDoS attacks on financial services since the first half of 2020. The trend continues. Such attacks have prospered with the interruption they can cause by launching an attack against a bank. That is why they give rise to slower response times on the site or even prevent clients from accessing their online banking or applications.

Why are financial institutions the favorite targets of attacks?

While the main target of cybercriminals is to give a poor experience for the user while using banks and their services, the truth is that some of those attacks aim not only at central IT banking systems but also at the accounts of clients and a broader payment ecosystem.

Banks, insurance companies, and financial service firms, in general, are still the main targets of cybercriminals. These criminals intend to steal money, interrupt operations, destroy or intervene with critical infrastructure, and steal information.

Additionally, at the end of 2020, Ransom-type threats, such as Denial of Service (DDoS) Ransom-type threats, were used against many organizations in the financial sector. This type of threat is based on extortion to launch DDoS attacks. Here is where agents of threats are motivated by financial profits and demand for payments to prevent attacks.

Why is it important to talk about the mitigation of DDoS attacks in the financial sector?

According to a study published by Deloitte, 88% of cyberattacks in this sector are successful for at least one day. However, less than 21% are detected in such same period. The economic impact and the impact on reputation compel us to think about more effective ways to mitigate DDoS attacks. This impact may escalate to millions of dollars if not detected on time.

Although the financial industry has been implementing strategies for several years to mitigate DDoS attacks, the truth is that more advanced methods are necessary to allow them to monitor “that which is unknown to them.” This, through thorough observation and predictive analytic intelligence.

That is why financial firms need true solutions to mitigate DDoS attacks to mitigate their impact. Financial firms need faster, more efficient, and more reliable solutions to be fully protected. You must choose a provider who is a leader in security and has the necessary capacity to defend from cybercriminals. At the same time, you must buffer the impact of such threats regardless of the size.

With improved security, you can ensure continuity of the organization’s operations and the confidence to clients that their money, investments, and personal data are safe.

At NGIN Services, we feature technology to prevent DDoS attacks. We work with financial institutions and all types of institutions to prevent cyberattacks and reduce the impact on your organization.

We invite you to contact us and ask for a quote today.

Other resources:

Advice to prevent DDoS attacks

Convergencia IP, clave para el éxito de la 5G

IP Convergence, the key to successful 5G

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5G networks are now being deployed even within private networks. This can be seen in the report “Private 5G here and now“, a survey among IT directors and high-ranking executives. The report shows great interest in these networks and a trend towards 5G networks becoming a business standard. In light of this boom, today, we will focus on explaining how 5G and cloud services will operate over a convergent IP/Optical infrastructure. We will also look at how these services are automating the web. Let’s get started!

Network automation will be “indispensable.”

Most companies have adopted cloud services, and their potential for further growth remains very strong. Growth includes more terminals for cloud services and additional bandwidth for each service. The cloud makes it possible to access services anywhere, which provides greater flexibility.

Because critical services have migrated to a cloud model, the underlying bandwidth performance requirements have increased. Therefore, communication services providers need enhanced visibility of network services performance to satisfy stricter latency specifications.

In addition to automating the network, 5G services are also catalyzing network visibility. 5G is potentiating the need for a massive volume of high bandwidth IP/Optical terminals. Strict latency specifications and improved network visibility are more intensive in the 5G era. 5G and cloud services will operate over an IP/Optical convergent infrastructure.

Because the 5G network requires substantial bandwidth, services providers need better network administration, visibility, and automation. Providers are evolving from a manual, human-operated era to an era of automatic assistance that will ultimately derive in full automation. The challenge for providers is to operate efficiently in a quickly scalable environment.

Future network administration solutions need to align with the broader vision held by communications services providers.

Future network administration solutions need to align with the broader vision held by communication services providers, including:

  • Accelerating revenue streams and taking control over operational costs.
  • Implementing a real integration of multiple-layer network administration.
  • Evolving from reactive network management to a more predictive way of working.
  • Progressing towards the ultimate goal: closed-loop automation.
  • Evolve towards an optimal status of network efficiency.

Abandoning manual processes requires network automation solutions

The administration of multiple vendors and next-generation IP/Optical networks is based on three fundamental areas to abandon manual methods and adopt data-based automated operations:

  • Have more data on the network’s historically opaque optical layer performance.
  • Open APIs that provide a common language for successful communication among multiple layers and providers.
  • An increasingly practical group of applications that use interworking between layers 0 and 3.

There is no question that the successful deployment of 5G technology requires a reliable and scalable network to benefit from the opportunities of this next chapter in digital innovation.

At NGIN Services, we have administration and comprehensive network automation solutions that communication services providers need to have robust tools and infrastructure to provide better services. Contact us and learn more about our value proposal and technological focus.

¿Qué es la convergencia IP y cuáles son sus beneficios?

What is IP convergence and what are its benefits?

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IP convergence allows you to perform different functions in one single platform. That way, telecommunication companies obtain great benefits. Let’s learn how it works and the benefits it has for you.

Data travel across the Internet through several sets of rules called protocols. Collectively, these rules make up the Internet Protocol or IP. The standardized set of rules is what allows computers to communicate through networks.

How does IP convergence work?

IP convergence refers to the capacity of Internet to act as a unique database for different functions which traditionally had their own platforms. The telephone system is a good example. The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is compatible with the traditional telephone system, the network of copper wires, circuit plates and switches that transmit analog voice data from one telephone to another. In this way, engineers later transformed most PSTN into a part of a digital system.

However, the invention of  voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) made it possible to make phone calls using Internet as a telephone network. All it needed was an adapter for a traditional phone, a special VoIP telephone or a computer with a VoIP interphase installed.  Suddenly, consolidation of two networks (voice and data) in one platform was possible. That is IP convergence.

Benefits

  • Even though companies take many considerations into account while analyzing intellectual property convergence strategies, there are two main factors to focus on. The first one is cost. Consolidation of all your services (telephone, data, video, etc.) into one platform, means you’ll have to maintain only one account. There are a number of solutions which offer IP convergence packages specifically designed to drop operating costs for companies.
  • The second thing to consider is that all traditionally discrete services will group into one single delivery system. This comes with its own set or pros and cons. The positive side is that you have only one network to maintain. You do not need services from several technicians to keep your different systems up and running because everything uses the same basic network.
  • Another benefit is that IP convergence allows companies to create a more mobile labor force. For that reason, employees can have access to corporate functions through the company network, often through a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN helps maintaining corporate security and separating business traffic from the rest of the Internet traffic. Remote employees can use Internet to access to everything, from corporate files to voice messaging.

If you are interested in migrating to an IP convergence system, at NGIN Services we have the solutions that will bring agility and innovation to your company. Contact us and find out about the array of solutions we have for you.

Las redes 5G Midhaul en primer plano

5G Midhaul Networks

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Network operators need open standard-based transport xHaul networks, such as Fronthaul, Midhaul, and Backhaul. This allows a broader and safer provider supply chain for mobile operators and wholesalers.

An open, standard-based xHaul network creates a more profitable wholesale market. With xHaul networks, a change is prompted where retailers do not have to leave their dark fiber to migrate to standard-based packet network services. This is very similar to current Backhaul services.

What is Midhaul?

At radio 4G distributed (D-RAN) access networks, the baseband unit (BBU) is located at the base of a macro cell tower. In a radio access 4G (C-RAN) centralized or virtualized architecture, the BBU is physically located at a telephone switching facility or a remote data center.

Fronthaul refers to a network that connects remote radio heads (RRHs) to BBUs, several kilometers away. Meanwhile,  Midhaul interconnects the new BBU 5G disaggregated BBU.

5G RAN

5G RAN will evolve from traditional BBU architecture and remote radio heads (RRHs) used for 4G networks. This evolution will be to a distributed unit (DU), centralized unit (CU), and active antenna unit (AAU) architecture.

When a BBU is disaggregated, some of its traditional functions are at the DU. The remaining sublayers such as PDCP, SDAP, and RRC will make up the CU. 5G radio systems will adopt an AAU architecture, where RRH systems and antennas will be integrated under one single device. Thus, DU and CU may be virtualized and hosted in RAN computer resources located at different network points.

From the perspective of a virtualized RAN, specific hardware accelerators will be necessary. Thus, they will assist the x86 CPU inside workload virtualization of DU and CU. Likewise, accelerators will be required to comply with  IEEE 1588 Packet Timing Protocol (PTP) and Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) requirements. In the same way, physical layer one processing, such as a forward error correction (FEC), will take place.

5G radio system disaggregation will result in new Midhaul interphase, which will be based on packets connecting DUs and CUs on a new 3GPP F1 interphase.

Across the F1 interphase, latency and jitter requirements are not as strict as those of O-RAN 7.2x Fronthaul. For this reason, useful F1 load can be transported on a variety of packet-based transport mechanisms.

A new 3GPP E1 interphase will connect CU-UP and CU-CP connections. Thus, transport Midhaul networks can be deployed using a variety of topologies, such as star, mesh, and ring, based upon operator requirements.

The future of network and Midhaul

Midhaul is compatible with a wide variety of Ethernet interphase rates (10GbE, 25 GbE, or 50GbE with greater capacity DU systems).

Additionally, Midhaul network transport performance is expected to support reaches of up to 100 km with a latency of 5 milliseconds or less.

Open standards and specifications will facilitate the creation of open, standard-based Midhaul networks. Likewise, they will add multiple benefits to the system.

At NGIN Services we offer network solutions to help your company take a step towards the future. Contact us and learn more about Midhaul networks and the multiple benefits they can draw for your company. Request more information about our services.

Ethernet VS Carrier Ethernet

Ethernet vs. Carrier Ethernet

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Technology is in constant development and evolution. That is why today, we will focus on explaining the main differences between Ethernet and Carrier Ethernet.

The world is constantly connected through communication. According to the Mexican INEGI (National Institute of Statistics and Geography), 70.1% of the Mexican population six years and older are Internet users. That wouldn’t be possible without C technology.

Ethernet is the preferred network technology. Its ubiquity and popularity have taken it a step beyond the LAN network. Similarly, in almost every other aspect of the network infrastructure.

Similarities and Differences Between Ethernet and Carrier Ethernet

Let’s start by explaining what Carrier Ethernet is. It is an Ethernet technological application that allows network providers to offer Ethernet services to their customers. It provides Internet access and communication between local area networks (LANs) of businesses and academic, private, and government organizations.

Its services and standards have been defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF). The MEF has also developed certification programs and fostered the global adoption of Carrier Ethernet. Its main characteristics, which differentiate it from Ethernet, are:

  • A Carrier Ethernet serves many organizations, while a LAN Ethernet serves a single organization.
  • A Carrier Ethernet covers a wide area; therefore, it expands outside a single building. On the other hand, an Ethernet serving a LAN is usually inside a building.
  • To connect to a Carrier Ethernet, the entire organization connects to a particular operator’s Ethernet port, whereas in an Ethernet LAN, each user connects to a dedicated Ethernet port.

Characteristics

  • Standardized services: Provides standardized and ubiquitous services. Such services are Ethernet virtual private line, Ethernet virtual private LAN, and Ethernet virtual private tree.
  • Reliability: Carrier Ethernet must detect failures and recover from them without affecting users. Reliability is achieved through Service Operation, Administration, and Maintenance (SOAM).
  • Scalability: Services must be scalable; iConverter NIDs provide scalable bandwidth from 1 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
  • Quality of Service (QoS): Carrier Ethernet must provide QoS in its services. Performance is kept through SLA (Service Level Agreements) for voice, video, and data.

Carrier Ethernet Is the Absolute Winner!

Factors that drive the adoption of Carrier Ethernet include the need to reduce carrier networks’ costs. This can be achieved by deploying convergent networks. That is why they combine business, residential, and wireless traffic to create economies of scale. Any company or network operator can achieve significant savings. This is possible through the convergence of carrier networks and corporate networks.

Contact us if you wish to learn more about this topic. At NGIN Services, we offer services for the telecom industry with state-of-the-art solutions. Contact us!