What are the challenges and challenges of increasing network security?

• high costs of MAC Sec and IP Sec encryption licenses
• problems with damage to the optical track
• a large number of services provided with different bandwidths and protocols
• devices from different suppliers

What solution do we have?

Transmission systems operate on the layer of the first ISO/OSI model. Security such as IP Sec and MAC Sec are commonly used in networks. But that's not all we can do to improve transmission security. The transmission systems themselves have a number of protections that increase the security of the services provided.

Layer one transmission security levels:

• Protection against unauthorized access

Encryption of data transmission guarantees its confidentiality. In the context of transmission systems, layer one encryption is essential. This approach allows you to simultaneously secure services such as Ethernet and Fibre Channel, as well as centrally manage the encryption of individual services from a single device.

• Fiber failure protection

The fiber optic fiber connecting the extreme locations transmits all services. In case of serious damage to the optical fiber, we lose the entire transmission. How can we protect ourselves from this? The answer is a backup route. Thanks to it, even when a fiber optic break occurs, the entire system will switch all services to the second optical path.

• Layer One Encryption

Transmission systems that use active devices, such as transponders or muksponders, operate on the principle of aggregation of lower bandwidth services. For example, 10Gb Ethernet and 16G Fibre Channel aggregate into a single high-bandwidth interface of 100, 200, or even 400G.

Aggregation is carried out using the OTN standard. Thanks to this solution, we can additionally secure the transmission with layer one encryption. Network devices allow the encryption of individual services, and the user can choose which of the services will be encrypted. The second way is to encrypt the entire line port which guarantees that all aggregated services will be secured.

Active transmission systems, in addition to sending a large amount of data, allow performance monitoring of individual services, thanks to which we have a demarcation point in the network to verify parameters on the line and client side.

• Backup route

With the right equipment, we can protect the services from damage to the fiber optic fiber. In the event of a fiber break or an increase in attenuation, the system will respond automatically and switch all services to the backup route.

• Full hardware redundancy

Full hardware redundancy guarantees the highest level of security, since we have duplicated each of the elements of the system. It does not matter if the failure occurs on the fiber optic fiber or in the connection inside the server room. The system will react to this type of event and switch all services to the backup system, which will guarantee the uninterrupted provision of services.

What are the benefits of transmission systems?

• Better use of infrastructure

Is there a lack of fiber or does the lease of another generate too much cost? The transmission system limits the number of fibers to a single pair. You don't have to worry about the cost of the lease. Now your priority will be to increase the number of services and expand the network, not to fight for additional fibers.

• Saves space and resources

A single optical fiber used by a transmission system can replace many traditional fibers. This saves space and reduces infrastructure costs.

• Scalability and Flexibility

xWDM provides the scalability of your data center network infrastructure. Thanks to the possibility of adding additional channels, without the need for physical expansion, this system allows flexible adaptation to the growing needs of data transmission.

• Installation simpler than it seems

The installation of the multiplication system is reduced to the connection of elements with patchwork cords. The whole process is very fast and error-proof. You can start a passive CWDM system in literally a few hours.

• Installation simpler than it seems

The installation of the multiplication system is reduced to the connection of elements with patchwork cords. The whole process is very fast and error-proof. You can start a passive CWDM system in literally a few hours.

• Absence of formalities

In case of expansion of the transmission system, you skip the formalities related to reporting to the UKE or preparation of the executive project.

• Security

Transmission systems make it possible to secure services on many levels. The first is to protect services against physical damage to the system, e.g. against cable damage or loss of one of the power sources. At this level, we achieve this by applying a backup route or full hardware redundancy. The second level is to directly protect the transmission from unauthorized access with layer one encryption.

• Ethernet and Fibre Channel in one fiber

If you have Ethernet services running on your network, Fibre Channel with different bandwidths, you can also use a transmission system. Systems such as CWDM and DWDM support virtually the entire range of protocols. Most interestingly, they can work in the same optical fiber.

Leave the layer first for us!

• Creating a data center transmission system — where do we start?

We know that every company or institution is different, so we offer solutions tailored to individual needs. We start each project with a free consultation, during which we will ask you what your network looks like, what goal you want to achieve and what you plan for the future. After a 20-minute conversation, we will be able to determine what technology to use and present some of the best solutions.

The next stage is measurements. If during the consultation, we notice that for the correct operation of the system it is necessary to check the optical fiber track, then we will tell you how to do it.

Don't have the right tools? It doesn't hurt. We'll check it out for you

• Can I rent equipment for tests?

We want you to be 100% sure that the investment in the transmission system will meet your expectations. After the consultation stage and deciding which of the presented concepts will be right for you, we have two options to check it in action. The first is to reproduce a fragment of your network with us in the laboratory, where we can present the operation of the system, and the second is testing with you in a production environment.

• How long does it take to implement a transmission system? Who makes them?

Most solutions for connections between locations rely on passive devices that do not require power or configuration. The system is strapped by patchcords. This eliminates the need for fiber welding. That is why the installation is simple and fast enough that customers decide to start on their own. If the system requires the involvement of a specialized engineer, then Salumanus ensures the implementation, configuration and commissioning of all designed services. Depending on the size of the implementation, it usually takes 1-2 working days.

• How much does a data center transmission system cost?

To answer this question, we need to clarify what can make up the price of a transmission system. The determination of the solution technology, the selection of devices or the creation of a connection diagram is free of charge as part of the consultation.

The costs are:

1. optical modules
2. passive-patchcord devices

Optional:

1. measurements
2. implementation

As you can see, there are many constituent parts of the final amount. Here we will not give you the cost of implementation directly, but we can use some comparison. According to T-Mobile estimates, the average cost of downtime caused by an IT outage is about $88,000 per hour. (Source: https://testerzy.pl/baza-wiedzy/artykuly/ile-kosztuje-awaria-w-it)

Undertaking the implementation of a transmission system that:

1. will guarantee you safety
2. reduce the costs associated with the traditional construction of a fiber optic tract
3. will reduce the cost of expansion with subsequent transmissions only to the purchase of modules
4. Enabling more efficient use of available infrastructure
5. will allow possible encryption of the transmission in layer one

You will invest about ¼ of the costs that a failure would consume. Estimate the transmission system for your needs.