* Impact of Visual Network's Ethernet Analysis Services Element
In the past newsletter, we discussed Visual Networks’ introduction of its Ethernet Analysis Services Element (ASE). Longtime readers of this column will remember that several years ago we even ran a series of newsletters where proponents of LAN-side and WAN-side traffic monitoring products presented their view as to why their product was “better.” Now, as often is the case with technology advancement, this argument is becoming a moot point.
There are a few particularly salient points concerning Visual’s ASE. First, the product has potential visibility of significantly more traffic because the ASE moves to the “unfiltered” side of the router. The traditional DSU/CSU, of course, could only see the traffic that had already made it through the router. Further, since the Ethernet ASE can sit on a LAN connection, it can be used in conjunction with services like cable modems where there is no traditional DSU/CSU.
This could have a profound impact on service-provider offerings. Traditionally, business customers have shied away from cable and DSL products because of a perception that the services are less reliable than traditional “leased line” access services. We’ll leave that argument for another day, but we will at least point out that with the ability to monitor performance on a LAN-connected device, the myth can be removed from the equation and the real numbers can be measured.
This could be particularly powerful for service providers that have offered enhanced monitoring services based on intelligent DSU/CSU capabilities. For instance, AT&T has offered “Frame Relay Plus” as an enhanced service offering for several years. Now, the potential exists for a service provider to roll out an integrated monitoring service, where traditional “Frame Relay Plus” capabilities are beefed up by also offering complementary monitoring for DSL/cable access. In fact, the same capability could potentially be offered for metro Ethernet access as well. Note that no such service offerings have been announced to our knowledge, so this is purely our conjecture. In particular, AT&T declined to comment on this idea.
But while we’re speculating about what might or might not happen, it’s important to note that the Ethernet ASE is, at this point, still a passive monitoring device. There is no traffic shaping or “active” interaction with the data flow involved. However, with the announcement of these capabilities, we’re speculating that it will only be a matter of time before Visual enters the hot application performance-management arena.
