
Networks are a core utility in data center operation and determine how effectively a data center functions. Networks use internet routing protocol to provide a clear path for traffic. Data centers cannot survive on a single network, due to the high risk involved. Blended network works best for data centers, as it provides multiple carriers.
Definition of Blended Network
A simple definition for blended network is a combination of two or more networks, preferably both local and international.
Why Blended Networks are Important for Data Centers
Blended networks are made up of numerous carriers, each with unique layer topologies. This ensures redundancy in the data center, in that if one carrier breaks down, there is no disruption in connectivity as the other carriers maintain the connection.
What are the Advantages?
There are numerous advantages of using a blended network as opposed to a single or local bandwidth in a data center, and if you’re collocating ensure the data center that you’re using for colocation offers blended bandwidth. We outline some of these advantages below:
Few Downtimes
Having numerous carriers ensures guaranteed uptime. If the data center was running on a single network, it would experience downtime every time the carrier breaks down. This is inconveniencing and affects business greatly. This alone is enough to cost you customers.
Low Latency
Blended networks tend to have low latency, which is very important in data operations. Latency simply refers to the delays experienced during the processing of data in a network. Any data send through a blended network is transmitted and processed through proxy servers quickly, ensuring little to no delays.
When data is sent, it is routed through the fastest path among all carrier paths. This is automated right from when the network is set up so you do not have to worry about choosing the faster route every time a process needs to be carried out. This automation makes the whole process simpler and more convenient, as the fastest route one second may not be the fastest 30 seconds later.
This again is because you are not relying on one carrier. If there are technical problems with the local provider, the transmission and processing will be done by the international bandwidth. This ensures seamless operation and your clients do not have to wait long periods for processes to be finished.
Sometimes, delays are inevitable as is expected of any technology. Compared to local or single bandwidth networks, blended networks experience temporary latency more than persistent latency. Single bandwidths tend to suffer from the latter more frequently, because data can only be routed through one path, which again slows down the client’s processes.
Higher Bandwidth
Ideally, you are using different Tier1 carriers in a blended network. Each carrier has a pre-set maximum bandwidth, which already provides a range of high speeds for your clients. If you are using a single network, you can only rely on the bandwidth set by your carrier, no matter how slow it is.
Supports more processes
With a blended network, it becomes easy to provide services such as VOIP and online transactions. Connection is instant and the fact that there are no delays makes your services efficient and attractive to customers.