How VMware IT uses vSAN

Hear how VMware IT uses vSAN as part of a Hyperconverged Infrastructure Strategy.VMware vSAN™ aggregates local or direct-attached data storage devices to create a single storage pool shared across all hosts in the vSAN cluster.

Spotlight

The Network Team

The Network Team is an IT consulting firm that offers two distinct ways to procure and use IT tools. TNT has a staff of highly trained and certified engineers who can work alongside your current IT staff to do projects that align with your needs and our skills. In contrast, TNT can also offer Managed IT services in lieu of hiring a part-time or full-time IT staffer. We can handle all aspects of day to day operation using a combination of Network Operation Centers, on-call engineers and customer facing tools that your employees can use to get help, on any device, in any location, at any time.

OTHER ARTICLES
5G

Incumbent vendors cannot ignore the market-disrupting implications of AT&T’s and Swisscom’s outsourced 5G mobile cores

Article | May 18, 2023

At the tail-end of June, both AT&T and Swisscom announced plans to outsource their 5G mobile core networks to cloud service providers. AT&T’s announcement was with Microsoft Azure. Swisscom’s was with AWS. With the AT&T deal, Azure will be acquiring IP and engineering expertise from AT&T that it can resell to other operators. It was reported that Azure will offer jobs to current AT&T employees, as well. This move suggests Microsoft understands how critical it will be to retain talent that has deep networking knowledge. Swisscom’s deal does not appear to include AWS acquiring any Swisscom assets or employees, but the operator did say it will be using AWS for its own IT applications.

Read More
Network Infrastructure, Network Management

SA and NSA: The Difference Between 5G Architectures

Article | July 27, 2023

Choosing the right 5G architecture is crucial for enhancing operations while keeping scalability and budget in mind. Learn whether SA or NSA is more suitable for your business needs with this article. 1. Introduction to 5G Network Architectures 2. What is 5G SA? 2.1 Characteristics of SA Architecture 2.2 Benefits of SA Architecture 3. What is 5G NSA? 3.1 Characteristics of NSA Architecture 3.2 Benefits of NSA Architecture 4. Factors to Consider When Choosing Between SA and NSA 4.1 Cost Implications of Each Architecture 4.2 Future Implications of Each Architecture 5. Conclusion 1. Introduction to 5G Network Architectures Widespread implementation of 5G is transforming how businesses across verticals operate, providing enhanced speed, low latency, and massive connectivity. The advancements in 5G system architecture enable new use cases, from autonomous vehicles to smart cities. There are currently two types of 5G network architecture, namely 5G standalone (5G SA) and 5G non-standalone (5G NSA). These two architectures differ in how they connect to the existing 4G infrastructure, the type of equipment required, and the level of network independence. Therefore, understanding the difference between SA and NSA is crucial for companies and organizations implementing 5G architecture. 2. What is 5G SA? 5G SA architecture is an entirely new technology that uses 5G core network architecture, independent of the current 4G LTE network. It has various use cases, such as combining 5G with AI and edge use cases. 2.1 Characteristics of SA Architecture Independent Network: All components of the architecture, including the 5G core architecture, radio access network, and user equipment, are not reliant on any 4G technology. High Performance: 5G SA architecture is optimized for high performance and low latency, enabling fast data transfer rates and near-instantaneous response times. Distributed Architecture: This allows efficient resource allocation and dynamic management of network resources. End-to-End Encryption: It provides end-to-end encryption, which ensures that data is secure and protected from unauthorized access. Higher Cost: 5G SA architecture is more expensive to implement than NSA architecture due to the need for a fully independent 5G network infrastructure. 2.2 Benefits of SA Architecture Low Latency: Applications of 5G that require real-time processing are only possible with SA architecture. Customization: As SA does not depend on existing network architecture, it can be tailored to company requirements. It also enables network slicing for 5G enterprise private network use cases. Security: End-to-end encryptions ensure a more secure network, and 5G network slicing keeps various access levels separate. Scalability: 5G architecture is designed to be highly scalable and handle large volumes of data and devices. Future-proofing: SA architecture will be able to support upcoming 5G features and capabilities by design. 3. What is 5G NSA? 5G NSA provides a transition into 'true' 5G architecture by incorporating 4G network infrastructure for deployment. 3.1 Characteristics of NSA Architecture Non-Independent Network: 5G NSA architecture is designed to leverage the existing 4G infrastructure to deliver 5G services. Transition to SA: NSA offers lower latencies and faster speeds than 4G LTE without deploying 5G architecture. Integrated Deployment: 5G NSA can be deployed quickly since it integrates existing infrastructure. Limited Scalability: As it relies on the existing 4G infrastructure, NSA is limited in scaling. Low Scalability: There is a lower limit on how many devices can join the network and the data volume that can be processed on NSA. 3.2 Benefits of NSA Architecture Faster Deployment: 5G NSA architecture can be deployed more rapidly than SA architecture. Easier Integration: 4G integration with existing networks is easier since it uses architecture. Cost-effective: 5G NSA architecture is generally less expensive to implement as it doesn't require a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure to a 5G core architecture. Improvement Over 4G: While not providing the speed and low latency of 'true' 5G, NSA offers significant improvements over 4G networks. 4. Factors to Consider When Choosing Between SA and NSA 4.1 Cost Implications of Each Architecture SA architecture requires a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure, which can result in higher infrastructure and deployment costs. However, SA architecture can be more cost-effective in the long run due to its future-proof design and ability to provide greater scalability and customization. On the other hand, NSA architecture leverages the existing 4G infrastructure, resulting in lower infrastructure and deployment costs. However, upgrading and maintaining an existing 4G network to support 5G technology can be complex and may result in higher operational costs in the long run. 4.2 Future Implications of Each Architecture SA architecture is designed to be future-proof and scalable, supporting upcoming 5G features and capabilities. This can give organizations greater flexibility and agility to respond to changing business needs and emerging technologies. On the other hand, NSA architecture may be less future-proof and require additional investments in infrastructure and resources to support new 5G features and capabilities. 5. Conclusion While NSA architecture may offer lower upfront costs and a faster deployment timeline, SA architecture may be more future-proof and scalable in the long run. Choosing the appropriate 5G architecture is a critical determinant for organizations aiming to utilize 5G technology in building a connected industry of the future. Organizations must evaluate their requirements and consider each architecture's short and long-term costs and operational implications before making a decision.

Read More
Data Center Networking

Communications related vendor contracts start to pick up

Article | July 5, 2023

Publicly available announcements on all telecom contracts started to see a slowdown in 2nd quarter of 2019 and dipped in the 2nd quarter of 2020. We believe there might be several factors that could lead to the slowdown in 2019. In transport networking, operators are assessing new deployment models that include virtualization and disaggregated platform and in wireless segment, 4G rollout has reached maturity and started to see decline while 5G rollouts have just started and at an early phase of evaluation. And obviously at the end of 2019, we are seeing a more distinct slowdown likely from the impact of COVID-19 on global business deals. CSP has been more cautious with spending due to the challenges and uncertainties from the pandemic. However, dynamics related to COVID-19 have on the other hand accelerated bandwidth consumptions and subsequently driven investments across all segments of the network as we start to see recovery in the number of contracts announcement in the recent few quarters.

Read More

Time for telcos to step up on 5G app collaboration opportunities for consumers

Article | July 9, 2021

The path to offering 5G rich apps for consumers is complex, especially in terms of both investment versus straight collaboration (with less risk). Even the telco behemoths are trying to get this right. But Omdia has identified six ways operators can participate in 5G rich apps development. One refreshing initiative sees telcos partnering with other telcos to lower barriers to entry to XR content via the Global XR Content Telco Alliance.

Read More

Spotlight

The Network Team

The Network Team is an IT consulting firm that offers two distinct ways to procure and use IT tools. TNT has a staff of highly trained and certified engineers who can work alongside your current IT staff to do projects that align with your needs and our skills. In contrast, TNT can also offer Managed IT services in lieu of hiring a part-time or full-time IT staffer. We can handle all aspects of day to day operation using a combination of Network Operation Centers, on-call engineers and customer facing tools that your employees can use to get help, on any device, in any location, at any time.

Related News

Wireless SD-WAN Provider Cradlepoint Raises $89M in Series C

Cradlepoint | March 10, 2017

The wireless technology provider Cradlepoint raised $89 million in a Series C funding round led by TCV. Cradlepoint develops wide area network (WAN) solutions based on 3G, 4G, and LTE networks. “We were the first company to introduce an LTE-based routing solution – for Verizon,” said Cradlepoint CEO George Mulhern.

Read More

Ericsson Launches 5G Software Plug-Ins

Ericsson | June 17, 2016

Ericsson has created some software plug-ins for networks to evolve toward 5G, perhaps in an effort to generate some buzz around 5G while it goes through the sluggish process of spectrum deals and standards work. The software-driven plug-ins aim to bring 5G-like capabilities to existing networks with commercial availability targeted for 2017.Ericsson touts the plug-ins as a way to serve 5G use cases from mobile HD video, to driverless buses, to feedback-enabled drones. Ericsson’s marketing machine has been touting the use-cases angle of 5G. At Mobile World Congress in February, Ericsson CTO Ulf Ewaldsson, talked about network slicing as a way to use the same network infrastructure but create slices for particular industry verticals and their specific use cases.

Read More

Customer care on a par with network quality for subscribers – Nokia

Nokia | June 09, 2016

Nokia said that as network quality improves, mobile subscribers are placing more importance on customer service and value when choosing an operator, with clarity of contract terms also an important factor. According to the company’s 2016 Acquisition and Retention study, customer care has a greater impact on loyalty than it did previously, with respondents stating that “better general services, self-service capabilities and effective complaint handling are increasingly important to them”. “Customer care is now basically on a par with network quality as a deciding factor to stay with a mobile provider,” the company said.

Read More

Wireless SD-WAN Provider Cradlepoint Raises $89M in Series C

Cradlepoint | March 10, 2017

The wireless technology provider Cradlepoint raised $89 million in a Series C funding round led by TCV. Cradlepoint develops wide area network (WAN) solutions based on 3G, 4G, and LTE networks. “We were the first company to introduce an LTE-based routing solution – for Verizon,” said Cradlepoint CEO George Mulhern.

Read More

Ericsson Launches 5G Software Plug-Ins

Ericsson | June 17, 2016

Ericsson has created some software plug-ins for networks to evolve toward 5G, perhaps in an effort to generate some buzz around 5G while it goes through the sluggish process of spectrum deals and standards work. The software-driven plug-ins aim to bring 5G-like capabilities to existing networks with commercial availability targeted for 2017.Ericsson touts the plug-ins as a way to serve 5G use cases from mobile HD video, to driverless buses, to feedback-enabled drones. Ericsson’s marketing machine has been touting the use-cases angle of 5G. At Mobile World Congress in February, Ericsson CTO Ulf Ewaldsson, talked about network slicing as a way to use the same network infrastructure but create slices for particular industry verticals and their specific use cases.

Read More

Customer care on a par with network quality for subscribers – Nokia

Nokia | June 09, 2016

Nokia said that as network quality improves, mobile subscribers are placing more importance on customer service and value when choosing an operator, with clarity of contract terms also an important factor. According to the company’s 2016 Acquisition and Retention study, customer care has a greater impact on loyalty than it did previously, with respondents stating that “better general services, self-service capabilities and effective complaint handling are increasingly important to them”. “Customer care is now basically on a par with network quality as a deciding factor to stay with a mobile provider,” the company said.

Read More

Events