Service interworking cost savings
 
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IT managers often ask which service providers they should include in the RFP process. While individual circumstances dictate the providers to consider, the total number can be reduced by looking at geographic locations. In doing so, we can develop generalizations regarding geographic strengths of certain types of providers.
To say a network is highly concentrated geographically is in the eye of the beholder. For example, a nationwide IXC would most likely consider an enterprise network of, say, 20 locations within a single state as concentrated. On the other hand, the very same network might be considered geographically dispersed from the perspective of a LEC. The difference in opinions can be linked to each provider's area of focus and resulting platform coverage. A LEC will have more switches deployed within its LATA boundaries than the typical national IXC, often resulting in a more cost-effective solution for enterprise networks concentrated within specific LATAs. This is usually due to less backhaul until a location is truly riding on the frame relay backbone. However, a LEC is limited in the area it can serve. You should consider a LEC, or CAP, for your business if the majority of your locations are highly concentrated in an area (within a LATA).
The national IXC, on the other hand, has switches deployed throughout the country, thereby allowing it to provide a cost-effective solution for the enterprise network needing connectivity throughout the U.S. Look to one of the nationwide IXCs when your locations are not concentrated in one particular area.
Falling somewhere in between these two provider types are regional IXCs, which focus on a particular region of the country. Within its target area, a regional IXC will most often have denser switch coverage than the national IXC and offer a greater area of coverage than the LEC. Therefore, a regional provider may be your best option when your locations fall within a particular region, possibly two or three states.
As a network manager, understand that the differing perspectives can impact the costs and performance of your network solution. Your geographic location may determine which type of provider will generally service your network needs most cost effectively and efficiently. Keep in mind, however, that as competitive constraints are overcome, these generalizations may eventually not hold true.
RELATED LINKS
Carriers unite to span continent
Three obscure carriers have formed an alliance and agreed to link their respective ATM backbones to form an OC-12 network spanning 21,000 route miles across the U.S. and Canada. Network World, 3/30/98.
PSINet gets into frame relay game
New service will marry IP and frame relay networks. Network World, 2/9/98.
Demands for speed and quality of service drive evolution of frame relay services
Frame relay technology evolves to provide high-speed access and quality of service (QoS). Network World, 2/9/98.
WorldCom to launch integrated local, long-haul frame service: WorldCom put acquisitions on the back burner and gets serious about telecommunications services. Network World, 1/26/98.
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