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Building on hi-speed networks(New Straits Times Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) PANEAGLE Communications Sdn Bhd created a first when it completed its Metro Ethernet infrastructure project in November last year. It was the first of such infrastructure in Malaysia that spans nationwide. Built on existing fibre-optic infrastructures along railway and gas corridors which run through major towns in Peninsular Malaysia, the Metro Ethernet network introduces high-bandwidth and high-performance wide area network (WAN) while delivering virtual private network (VPN) services to various enterprise customers. Paneagle has high hopes that broadband usage in Malaysia could increase significantly as the network covers many of the smaller towns across Peninsular Malaysia. Looking back, Paneagle's director of infrastructure integration Anthony Suppiah says the project started to gain momentum once Huawei-3Com (H3C) was appointed as partner in deploying the network in April 2006, after comprehensive evaluation and thorough testing. He recalls, "H3C was selected based on various criteria and its proven track record. It not only offers networking equipment and solutions, it's a people company providing a personal touch. In our view, H3C is able to deliver the vital technology value-added services while investing a lot of time and effort to understand their customer's requirements." BEST-OF-BREED TECHNOLOGY. The project is built on existing fibreoptic infrastructures running from Padang Besar in Perlis to Johor Baru and Segamat in Johor to Kertih in Terengganu, and many sites within the Klang Valley. The Metro Ethernet utilises longhaul 10GE technology based on the solid platform of S8500/H3C S9500 series switches that support high-speeds interface, non-stop operation and the capacity to support abundant services. "As such, Paneagle is able to deliver improved reliability, complete security and management tools for lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and reduced maintenance costs. These qualities are ideal for the conveyance of data, voice and video continually at high speeds," says Suppiah. The Metro Ethernet network introduces high-bandwidth and high- performance WAN while delivering VPN services to various enterprise customers. The network mainly adopts virtual private LAN services (VPLS) and Q-in-Q technology which enables Paneagle to provide certain services such as Internet access on specific VLANs for specific customers while still allowing for provision of other types of services for their other customers on other VLANs. Completed in November 2006, the network functions on 72 nodes of Metro Ethernet switches built on fully redundant ring topology. Most of the investment utilised in developing this network went to H3C products such as S8500/H3C S9500 10GE Core Routing Switches, some repeaters and routers; and related infrastructure. More than 45 units of S8500/H3C S9500 switches were adopted. LOOKING AHEAD. The project is expected to grow exponentially in the years ahead and Paneagle's customers will be able to easily utilise its services such as VPLS VPN. Owing to the advanced technology found in S8500/H3C S9500, Paneagle is able to satisfy aspirations and requirements for maximum network uptime, comprehensive network security, and scalability and flexible services. "We are confident that this network will meet not only customers needs but will establish the nationwide Metro Ethernet as another successful venture in Malaysia towards becoming a knowledge-driven society," Suppiah stresses. "With H3C products on our partner's fibre-optic network, we will be able to cater to the different needs of customers and the network will be geared for the highest possible transmission quality to give total consumer satisfaction." Suppiah says that Paneagle has just built a network monitoring centre in Plaza Sentral, the first Private Cybercity in Malaysia, to manage the network all over Malaysia. The Network Operations Centre will monitor the fibre-optic network system for performance quality, usage and access security. Copyright 2007 The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad. Source: Financial Times Information Limited - Asia Intelligence Wire. |