Alcatel-Lucent’s Enterprise division recently launched new technologies that will tackle the challenges brought about by the influx of mobility and applications within enterprises. This comes amidst International Data Corporations’ predictions that Asia-Pacific’s enterprise mobility sector will rapidly grow and reach a value of $2.3 billion by 2017.
The boom in cloud technology, rising number of smart phone users, and the “Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)” phenomenon in the Philippines require IT teams to know the trends, latest tools, and technologies in network management in order to ensure that business goals are met and their network remains secure.
To address this, the Enterprise team introduced additional network capabilities and an innovative access switch that works for both wired and wireless networks. This means that IT departments across the country will have more visibility and control of their network while employees and customers retain flexible access to the tools they need.
Specifically, Alcatel-Lucent added deep packet inspection at the wired and wireless access layer which expands its “Application Fluent Network” capabilities. Information gained from this can be used alongside network analytics tools in order to see how applications are being used. Policies can then be created and enforced to ensure optimal network usage.
Additionally, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise now has more agile application deployment networks because its entire portfolio now includes “Software Defined Networking” (SDN) capabilities. Its end-to-end SDN architecture is completed with the inclusion of SDN interfaces reaching across the entire network, from network access point to the data center. Because of this, customer investments are protected and have greater compatibility with third-party solutions. The SDN capabilities include REST API’s, OpenFlow 1.0/1.3 and the ability to leverage OpenStack plug-ins for full orchestration across the entire network.
The Products
Enterprises can now get the OmniSwitch 6860 gigabit access switch which includes an innovatice ASIC and coprocessor providing wire-rate deep packet inspection (DPI) and policy enforcement right at the edge of the network. It’s also SDN-enabled with OpenFlow and OpenStack support. Lastly, it is data center and IT friendly with all ports at front, front-to-black cooling, and Bluetooth management connection for switch access via smart devices.
Wireless LAN is also improved with DPI capability of up to 1500 applications and programmability support. New OmniAccess Access Points provide better adoption of Gigabit wireless (802.11ac). Digital Living Network Alliance devices are also supported by Aruba Networks’ AirGroup service.
Finally, the OmniVista 2500 Network Management System was redesigned to better support network analytics. It has centralized wired and wireless analytics that provide IT a comprehensive view of users, devices, and applications in the network.
For more information, you can head to the Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise website.