Qwest adds breadth to iQ WAN services

Qwest has added several features to its iQ Networking MPLS-based global WAN services that are designed to expand access options and reduce costs.

Qwest introduced iQ Networking more than a year ago as a set of bundled managed or unmanaged data services offerings that combine VoIP, firewall, intrusion detection, remote access and hosting services. Customers select a certain QoS level, as well as port speed and access type.

The features include international IP-enabled frame relay and ATM access to customers' domestic Qwest iQ Networking WAN. Another is support for IP interfaces into ATM and frame relay customers' environments. With this feature, customers can continue to use their current networks while adding iQ Networking services.

Another addition is called "frame partner" access in Qwest and other service provider regions. This lets customers access Qwest iQ Networking services via Qwest frame relay networks and those of Qwest's partners, and is designed to eliminate the expense of equipment upgrades.

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Qwest has added several features to its iQ Networking MPLS-based global WAN services that are designed to expand access options and reduce costs.

Qwest introduced iQ Networking more than a year ago as a set of bundled managed or unmanaged data services offerings that combine VoIP, firewall, intrusion detection, remote access and hosting services. Customers select a certain QoS level, as well as port speed and access type.

The features include international IP-enabled frame relay and ATM access to customers' domestic Qwest iQ Networking WAN. Another is support for IP interfaces into ATM and frame relay customers' environments. With this feature, customers can continue to use their current networks while adding iQ Networking services.

Another addition is called "frame partner" access in Qwest and other service provider regions. This lets customers access Qwest iQ Networking services via Qwest frame relay networks and those of Qwest's partners, and is designed to eliminate the expense of equipment upgrades.

The Qwest service also now supports inverse multiplexing over ATM, which lets customers fill bandwidth gaps between DS-1 and DS-3. The last addition is denial-of-service attack protection.

The rationale for Qwest iQ Networking is that customer-buying behavior is shifting from technology selection toward end-to-end WAN services that support business applications. As a result, companies do not want to sign separate contracts with distinct SLAs for the various access services.

With Qwest iQ Networking, customers sign one contract for a bundle of services accessible from various access technologies with end-to-end performance guarantees, regardless of access or egress service.

Qwest iQ Networking competes with MCI's Private IP and AT&T's IP-Enabled Frame Relay/ATM VPN offerings, which are also enabled by MPLS.

Read more about lans & wans in Network World's LANs & WANs section.