In a couple of recent newsletters focusing on net neutrality, we focused some attention on the fact that using an Internet-based VPN may not be the “safe” bet that it has in the past. (By way of definition, we continue to refer to a network where “generic” Internet services are used for fundamental transport with added layers of security for corporate network use.)
So it’s a bit ironic that after 10 years of discussing this topic, we are in many ways back to the starting point. It’s true that for the past 10 or so years, the generic Internet has, for the most part, been extremely reliable. And while we’re hesitant to “cry wolf,” we have all become perhaps a little too complacent about the extent to which we assume this will continue forever. Additionally, even with Internet-based services, it’s still a good idea to have a backup primary/access carrier. (For instance, we both have two ISPs for our small businesses – just in case.)
But the uncertain future of Internet-based service performance in the light of the demise of net neutrality is a legitimate wake-up call. In many ways, we’re back to the need for having some services as a part of your network that are – at least to a certain extent – dedicated to your traffic.
So it’s the trade-off between the high speed of inexpensive Internet-based services and the reliability and control of services like MPLS.
This is where hybrid networking comes in. As explained in detail in a recent paper by Ipanema Technologies, we now have the option of deploying appliances that use both MPLS and Internet connections for transport. This allows the traffic to be routed over a “best fit” for the class of traffic while also providing backup in the case of failure of one of the networks.
Makes a lot of sense to us! Let us know what you think, and we’ll report back.
