Virtual Network Operator
A virtual network operator or virtual network operator uses the infrastructures and technologies of various telecommunications providers to put together individual network solutions for companies without having their own network infrastructure.
The companies benefit from networks that are optimally tailored to the circumstances of their locations. These network operators are called “virtual” because they offer network services without having the physical basis of the data lines themselves.
Basics
A VNO usually networks worldwide locations of a company in the area of wide area networks ( WAN ) in order to guarantee the secure transmission of data packets between the individual locations. For this service, the independent VNO can fall back on the infrastructure of various infrastructure owners ( carriers ). This differentiates the independent VNO from carriers who also offer managed network solutions but can only use their own network. A VNO selects the optimal one for its customers from a multitude of infrastructures of global carriers. He combines these partial solutions into a virtual network .
history
Originally, only the carriers were the sole providers in the bandwidth business. The deregulation in the field of telecommunications (TC) changed the global telecommunications market drastically. Already in autumn 1996 z. For example, the preferred position of Deutsche Telekom in Germany in the area of network infrastructure fell and in 1998 they also lost their monopoly position in voice telephony. The increasing number of competitions resulted in a massive drop in prices around 2000. Coupled with the recession at the time, this led to an economic slump for carriers. Large investments by telecommunications providers in expanding their infrastructure increased their economic problems. This situation gave the VNOs a competitive advantage worldwide. They rent the carrier's infrastructure and do not have their own depreciable networks.
functionality
Global site networking can be achieved through seamless Multi Protocol Label Switching ( MPLS ) networks from different carriers. This guarantees the transmission of data packets in a connectionless network. A VNO like mitcaps offers IP Secure VPNs as the safest variant of networking . These are highly secure virtual private networks that are implemented over IP networks with encrypted tunnels ( IPsec ).
service
The services of a VNO include, in particular, the management of all contracts, the selection of suitable carriers, and the support and monitoring of the entire network. A VNO is available to the customer in the entire business area from the conception to the contract to proactive support of the network as a single point of contact (SPOC). In order to increase the transparency of a service contract, SLAs ( service level agreements ) are explicitly agreed for the services . These SLAs are very important for a VNO like mitcaps or Vanco, since the service is the decisive criterion for differentiating them from other providers and carriers.
Further virtual network concepts
Mobile Virtual Network Operator
The first Mobile Network Operators (MVNOs) started operating in Germany around 2004. In contrast to the network operator, an MVNO does not have its own access network with its own radio stations. The MVNO otherwise shares all other services with the network operators, such as the collection of customer data, the creation of invoices, collection and customer care. But he rents the network from network operators.
The “real” MVNO uses the cellular network as a transition route and creates its own basic and value-added services. The network can consist of access networks from different network operators. The hybrid network is not visible to the customer. However, the purchase of transition routes requires an additional level of trade, which means additional costs. The MVNOs can still offer cheaper tariffs because they save on sales expenses. Thanks to internet sales without your own shops and reduced customer support services, you save the additional costs incurred in negotiations.
This is what distinguishes MVNOs from VNOs. Because a VNO has a competitive advantage over carriers thanks to its good customer service.
literature
- Jyrki TJ Penttinen, Petri Jolma, Erkki Aaltonen, Jani Väre: The DVB-H Handbook. The Functioning and Planning of Mobile TV, John Wiley & Sons Inc, Chichester 2009, ISBN 978-0-470-74829-9 .
- Otto Carlos MB Duarte, Guy Pujolle (Ed.): Virtual Networks. Pluralistic Approach for the Next Generation of Internet, John Wiley & Sons Inc, Chichester 2013, ISBN 978-1-84821-406-4 .
- Willie Forbes: Mobile Virtual Network Operator. 99 Success Secrets - 99 Most Asked Questions On Mobile Virtual Network Operator - What You Need To Know, Emereo Publishing Verlag, 2014, ISBN 978-1-4888-1388-7 .
- Ana Pont, Guy Pujolle, SV Raghavan (Eds.): Communications. Wireless in Developing Countries and Networks of the Future, Springer Verlag, Berlin / Heidelberg 2010, ISBN 978-3-642-15475-1 .
- Luis M. Correia, Henrik Abramowicz, Martin Johnsson, Klaus Wünstel (eds.): Architecture and Design for the Future Internet. 4WARD Project, Springer Verlag, Berlin / Heidelberg 2011, ISBN 978-90-481-9346-2 .