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Routers can be classified into two categories—edge and core routers, based on feature, functionality, and port density. Edge routers must be capable of supporting multiple applications and features across a very large number of physical and logical interfaces.

At the same time, edge routers must be more intelligent. On the other hand, core routers must support high-speed interfaces and must be capable of handling large volumes of aggregated traffic that results in superior forwarding performance.

BUYING TIPS

• Multiple Services: The increase in competition has resulted in tariff reduction and decrease in margins. Service providers are more worried about how to utilize the existing infrastructure and keep opex as well as capex under check. Traditionally, service providers have been building new networks to provide different services to the customer as and when they crop up. All this results in additional investment.

In the current telecom environment, there is aggressive competition between service providers and they are looking at how to build a consolidated network that can provide all the services under triple play portfolio. Service providers can start with a few services but can deploy them in future, once there is a demand for those services.

A router that can provide multiple services in the triple play portfolio is definitely an advantage as it also helps in investment protection. Services like broadband, VoIP, and mobile data are hot with carriers. Service providers are also happy that one network will take care of all applications.

• Features: It is not only important that the router supports as many features as possible, it must also boast of those features that really help in building value to the services. Some features that should be looked at are: L3 VPNs, L2 VPNs (Ethernet over MPLS, Frame Relay over MPLS, ATM over MPLS, PPP over MPLS, HDLC over MPLS), VPLS, IPSec encryption, QoS, and customer self-provisioning etc. Vendors should also be clear about router’s roadmap for IPv6.

• Stability and Performance: Service providers have to provide high reliability to their enterprise customers who are running mission critical applications. The objective of any service provider should be how to provide uninterrupted service and performance for different applications.

As most of the products are modular in nature, even if one component fails, the rest of the system is not affected. In addition the various failover mechanisms helps in restarting of all protocols and applications.

The router should be able to handle unstable network conditions such as sudden surge in bandwidth usage, route bottlenecks, etc. Today, routers that separate the routing and forwarding functionality are in demand as this reduces the risk of downtimes.

• Scalability: Reduction in tariffs for both voice and data has resulted in increased enterprise usage, both on the voice as well as data front. Service providers should also check whether routers support increased carrier bandwidth and the number of routes that can be handled.

Even on the video front, things are shaping up. All this has put a lot of pressure on the routing vendors as forklift upgrades don’t work and one has to go for those routers that have been tested for different applications in the triple play environment.

Forklift upgrades do help in introducing new services, and features but service providers should be careful that it should not happen at the cost of the network. One has to also look whether the product can be easily integrated with the OSS/BSS as this can save lot of hassles for service providers.

• Per-port Revenue: Traditionally, port density has been a key evaluating factor for platforms. However, with the wide variety of applications that are now possible on today’s networks, the importance of revenue per port has also emerged as a crucial criterion accompanied with port density. Per-port revenue is related to the range of value-added services that can be offered to enterprise customers.

• Security: In order to offer reliable and stable network services to the customer, the network equipment should be protected from various kinds of intentional and accidental attacks leading to denial of service. The network platforms should have built in firewall capability as well as encryption capabilities. One has to opt for a vendor that provides end-to-end security.

• Reliability: With telecom infrastructure improving, service providers are focusing on providing a high reliability network. If the network is reliable, service providers can focus on providing better SLAs to enterprise customers thereby providing professional grade services.

So, routers that are more reliable can definitely help in generating more revenue for service providers and also keep the enterprise customer happy. One has to opt for a vendor that can provide end-to-end quality of service.

• Service and Support: An important aspect that should not be overlooked is the after sales support provided by the vendor. One has to see what kind of support infrastructure that a vendor is offering right from help desk to onsite
  support.