How SD-WAN can unlock UCaaS benefits
Organizations deploying unified communications as a service want to achieve the full benefits of migrating their communications to the cloud. But organizations that don't evaluate their network configuration prior to deployment risk missing full UCaaS benefits. The wrong network setup can cause issues for communication applications, like voice over IP and video conferencing.
Planning network architecture can mitigate issues such as jitter, call dropping and delays. Understanding what causes these quality-of-service (QoS) issues and how to circumvent them through software-defined WAN can go a long way toward improving the overall UCaaS experience.
What causes QoS issues, and how can you navigate them?
The most common QoS problem that prevents organizations from reaping the benefits of UCaaS is a lack of available bandwidth. Many UCaaS applications are considered high-volume data applications. Voice and video, in particular, are data-rich and need a lot of bandwidth to function without service interruption.
SD-WAN provides the necessary bandwidth by offering more pathways and allowing protocols that dictate a hierarchy for types of traffic. With SD-WAN, voice over IP (VoIP) and video calls can be designated as priority traffic, effectively pushing other nonessential traffic to a different pathway and eliminating the strain on the network.
In addition, SD-WAN can provide real-time failover protocols by allowing an application to switch to a new circuit when the network experiences sudden traffic or service issues. The idea here is the switch should happen quickly, so there is no discernable interference with the applications. It's important to test the speed and frequency of circuit switching, as an overabundance of switching can cause problems with codec matching.
How does UCaaS management benefit from SD-WAN?
One of the UCaaS benefits is its accessibility on a wide range of devices, regardless of their location. SD-WAN doesn't require a physical connection between endpoints, making it a good option for remote and home office environments. SD-WAN also provides simple centralized management that can be applied to a wide variety of devices. Without centralized management for circuits, traffic won't be prioritized, which creates performance and reliability issues.
In addition to centralized management, SD-WAN can eliminate the need for IT specialists for monitoring and configuring network traffic. SD-WAN doesn't require the same knowledge base that most network configurations need to run smoothly and communicate with applications.
Can SD-WAN handle connecting cloud applications?
Oftentimes, cloud-based applications need dedicated network links. Cloud applications like VoIP require multiple links and require a protocol that can handle the traffic associated with the application. SD-WAN is equipped to handle the dedicated links necessary for UCaaS applications, which makes it easier to access the all UCaaS benefits. The links used to connect to UCaaS, however, are open and vulnerable to attack. Deploying session border controllers with SD-WAN brings an additional layer of security to protect those connection points.
Source: searchunifiedcommuications
Industry: Unified communication news
Latest Jobs
-
- Cloud Network Engineer
- Leeds
- Up to £35,000 Base + Bonus + Possible Share Options
-
One of our clients, an exciting UK based start-up is on the lookout for a Cloud Network Engineer in Yorkshire. The Cloud Network Engineer will need current CCNA / CCNP level networking experience (Cisco, BGP, IP etc.), cloud networking understanding (Azure, AWS etc.) and current experience ideally within a client facing / consultancy role. (Cloud Engineer, Network Engineer, Azure, AWS, Amazon Web Services) Reference Number: PG7477
-
- Senior Service Desk Analyst
- Wiltshire
- Up to £32,000 Base + £6,400 Shift Allowance
-
We are currently working on behalf of an IT Service Provider based in Wiltshire who are on the lookout for a Senior Service Desk Analyst. The Senior Service Desk Analyst will be responsible for logging, managing and escalating internal & external incidents and requests. This is an excellent opportunity to join a business recognised for what they do and work with a number of top UK businesses. You’ll be able to manage your career development and gain additional training e.g. certifications etc. This role will include a shift (4 days on then 4 days off) which covers 24/7 12 hour shifts The ideal candidate will be currently working in a IT service desk / IT support role ideally in an IT Services business. Reference Number: PG7476 (Service Desk Administrator, Analyst, Support, Service Desk Support, shift work, traning, Information Technology, Customer service, Customer support)
-
- Data Centre Service Delivery Manager
- Hertfordshire
- Up to £50,000 + Package
-
A Data Centre Service Delivery Manager is needed to join a specialist connectivity provider in Hertfordshire. The company is going through a huge growth programme and this is an excellent opening for someone to join a business who are working with globally recognised organisations. You’ll be responsible for: Supporting the Commercial Director with management of existing and potential customers being the main point of contact. Maintaining and improving the company’s current and new services Customer relationship management Attending customer meetings in order to provide guidance to customers Keeping up a high quality level of service Updating appropriate documentation such as policy and procedures and making sure these are in place and followed Change and Incident management Service Level Agreements Experience required Must have current experience working in a Data centre environment in a Service Delivery role. An understanding of Data Centre technology and terminology. Experience of dealing with people of all levels within a business (Engineers to Board level) In return you'll have the ability to work in a cutting edge environment and work with a variety of well known international clients REF: PG7475
-
- Data Centre Account Director
- London
- Up to £80.000 base with uncapped commission
-
Our client is looking for a Data Centre Account Director, the goal of this position is to be a trusted partner / primary point of contact and to achieve sales and margin expectations. You will also be growing new business and long-term growth across data centre services, Building good customer relationship at all levels for revenue growth and customer retention Working with presales specialists to propose relevant and cost effective data centre solutions for customers Understanding and identifying customers’ needs Leading bids, RFPs and proposals submissions Driving new business 60% of your time to new hyperscalers or enteprise customers. The ideal candidate should possess 5 years’ experience in selling Data Centre services. Self-driven, energetic, resourceful, creative and good account management skills and new business skills Ability to build good customer relationship at all levels, Be able to work independently. Reference Number: BD7467 (Data Centre, Data Center, Data Centre Sales, Data Center Sales)