Public vs. Private
The general rule of thumb is: Use Public services where cost and simplicity are paramount, but build private ATM networks when advanced features are required.
Wide Area Network architects have two principal strategies with ATM service: Building their own ATM backbone or using a public ATM Service Provider. When building a private network, engineers are faced with many more choices, options, and challenges. Private networks tend to be more expensive to build and manage as well. In contrast, a public ATM Service Provider (ASP) provides a relatively simple way to interconnect remote sites, offering the customer several tiers of service to match their traffic requirements at a reasonable cost. Many carriers are now offering ATM service for a minor premium over basic frame relay service.
Yet the options available when going on your own are pretty compelling. By building out your own circuits and switches, you'll maintain better control over the network itself and have more opportunity for growth in the future. Technologies such as Switched Virtual Circuits and PNNI have been very slow to appear in public network services, although they offer distinct benefits to the customer. However, the cost in capital expense, leased line/SONET services, and ongoing management is well beyond the reach of many organizations.
A hybrid public/private approach is worthy of consideration. By outsourcing basic service to a carrier - particularly smaller branch offices, data-only connectivity, and international service - customers can realize some cost saving benefits. Private service could be built out to connect larger business centers, especially where internal voice and video traffic is quite high (see HYBRID diagram to the left)
Note that it is also possible to tunnel SVC traffic signaling across a PVC-based public network and realize the cost benefits of public ATM carrier transport services and the power of SVCs for real time traffic.
REPORTS
Analyize In-Line NAC strategies and products.
ANALYTICS Plan and design your enterprise blade server deployments
InformationWeek U.S. IT Salary Survey 2008
Salaries for business technology professionals are falling. Here's what you need to know in order to make good hiring decisions and personal career choices. Download Today