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                                                                   data-driven policies, proactively repair anticipated problems, and more effectively plan for network demands.
Another differentiator for adaptive networks is
the software control and automation layer. The most effective adaptive networks use software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV) and open application programming interfaces (APIs) to simplify network management across the physical and virtual layers. A software-based network also automates the delivery and lifecycle management of network services and can reduce human errors that can cause network outages.
One of the most important parts of any network is security. Ciena’s technology, for example, uses the highest security cryptographic standards available (FIPS-compliant AES256 encryption). Because wire- speed encryption of up to 200G per wave can be built into the network, all in-transit data can be secured
in the transport layer, protecting it as it moves across the WAN without decreasing capacity. Further, Ciena’s Adaptive Network includes separate sets of keys
for authentication and data encryption, with a fast encryption key rotation interval of seconds. Users control those keys via a dedicated portal.
“We do all of the encryption in the hardware and can provide high-speed optical services that have the same basic performance characteristics as standard ones, except that they are secure from tampering and interception,” James Westdorp, chief technologist
for Ciena Government Solutions, said. “That means we can provide ubiquitous encryption across a wide area, and that encrypted waves are no longer a huge impediment in terms of cost or performance.”
CenturyLink uses Ciena’s technology in its network, according to Barnett. “Their technology serves as the foundation at Layer 1 and 2 of the protocol stack and is complemented by our comprehensive portfolio of security solutions, helping agencies to modernize as they protect their networks.”
Because the infrastructure is flexible and adaptable, it can change the characteristics of a network in response to a security event. If a network were under attack and the vectors were identified, for example, the programmable infrastructure could black-hole the
attack traffic, send it to a honeypot, or redirect it to an analysis tool.
REAPING THE BENEFITS
Because adaptive networks are programmable, software-controlled, automated and flexible, it’s easier to adjust network settings to improve performance, reduce bottlenecks, redistribute capacity, and catch and remediate issues before they happen—making operations more agile and efficient. An adaptive network also improves security by giving providers the enhanced visbility they need to manage capacity and pinpoint potential issues, even as they’re changing.
Looking long-term, moving to an adaptive
network helps drive digital transformation—a major government goal. With a flexible, intelligent network in place, agencies will finally have the infrastructure they need to improve processes, embrace cutting-edge technologies like the internet of things (IoT), big data analytics, and deliver more automated citizen services.
When considering adaptive networks, it’s important to look at not only how they approach automation, programmability and security, but how open they
are. That means choosing a network that uses as
much open source technology as possible. This approach helps organizations avoid vendor lock-in while enabling systems to be as simple, cost-effective, customizable, flexible, interoperable and as modular as possible.
Finally, agencies should choose vendors and network providers that stay on the cutting edge of today’s technologies and work with customers to understand current and future requirements. After all, if the goal of adaptive networks is flexibility and future-proofing, then vendors and service providers shouldn’t inhibit those goals—they should go out
of their way to support them. The CenturyLink/
Ciena Adaptive Network is available on GSA contract vehicles Networx, Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions, and IT Schedule 7. The vendors provide network assessments to determine integrated solutions.
For more information please visit: www.transformingnetworks.com
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