Multiservice VPNs: What Can Carriers Deliver?
by Joanie Wexler

Posted: 03/04/2002

Abstract:

Some implementations are starting to appear, but the major carriers are still promising “future” capabilities. 

Technically speaking, enterprises have had the ability to converge voice and data onto a single, multiservice packet network for a long time. For example, installing a voice frame relay access device (VFRAD) at a site, then plugging a PBX into one port and a router into another, basically constitutes a converged frame relay network. Similarly, customers can create a converged ATM network by using its various classes of service to transport multiple traffic types. 

Recently, however, IP-based VPNs have also joined the multiservice ranks. After many years of listening to the convergence mantra propagated by equipment vendors—most notably, Cisco— service providers are stepping up to the plate with these managed, integrated-access IP services that assist business customers in layering packet voice and video onto their corporate data networks.