FREE real-time network monitoring

Every Waveworks' network comes with free access to a network monitoring portal giving real-time statistics on availability and bandwidth usage. Read more...

Bespoke hybrid network solutions

Waveworks design every network using a variety of technologies to meet your application needs and budget. Read more...

High-level SLAs and resilience

All networks are supported by high-level SLAs and are based on a fully resilient MPLS core network. Read more...

Industry Focus - Virtual Network Operators

September 2011

Companies use many criteria when assessing which provider to choose for delivery of their network services.

How much is the solution? How long will it take to deliver? What is their track record like? How big is the company? What technology will the solution use? One question often not asked is 'do they own the infrastructure used to deliver my network solution', or are they what's know as a Virtual Network Operator(VNO).

Tier-1 providers who own the copper on the poles or cable in the ground are few and far between, namely BT, Virgin, TalkTalk and a handful of others. Above them are providers who deal directly with such suppliers taking wholesale products and combining them together to form a network solution, in this case namely Waveworks. A step further removed however is where a large number of 'ISP's' as they are commonly referred to operate. These are providers that do not own a direct relationship with the Tier-1 carrier and use 3rd party providers as a means for having the ability to resell services such as ADSL, Ethernet and Internet connectivity. In many instances the expertise for delivering and supporting the network infrastructure is outsourced by the VNO as a way of keeping costs down and allowing them to focus on other core areas of their business. This doesn't automatically result in a poor service but it does pose some important issues that companies should consider when choosing a managed network provider.

  • A VNO has to rely on a middle man provider to engage the support of the tier-1 company which can cause delays in resolving issues.
  • A VNO may not have the right level of expertise in-house to truly understand your business and convert your requirements into a suitable network solution.
  • A VNO has no contol over the underlying network that is used for delivery of the service which can be restrictive and pose an element of risk to the customer.

Waveworks have built a network that integrates directly with multiple Tier-1 providers to provide flexible network connectivity across a resilient core backbone. In doing so it is possible to reduce potential points of failure, provide a timely and accurate response to faults and work directly with the 'man in the van' who ultimately fixes the problem.

This gives Waveworks an edge over Virtual Network Operators and enables them to deliver a first class business service with flexibility in design, implementation and support. So next time you look to choose an IT partner it's worth considering the question; 'do they own the infrastructure used to deliver my network solution'.

Company News

September 2011

INDUSTRY FOCUS: How do you choose your network services provider? Criteria often missed on making the correct selection includes. ... full story

August 2011

SALES WIN: Waveworks are pleased to announce the successful deployment of a new 65 site managed network for a charity based in ... full story

June 2011

SALES WIN: Waveworks have sucessfully completed the novation of a customer's 600+ site network onto a fully managed service ... full story

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