Exponential-e Launches Ethernet Lines

LONDON -- Gigabit Ethernet service provider, Exponential-e today launched PowerNet, a fixed Wide Area Network (WAN) service which promises enterprises the benefits of dedicated private circuits at a similar price point per office/homeworker to that of an Internet-enabled IP-VPN. PowerNet uses Exponential-e’s MPLS enabled Gigabit Ethernet network for hub sites, with homeworkers accessing the network using inexpensive DSL connections that do not touch the Internet.

PowerNet offers a compelling alternative to Internet-enabled IP-VPNs and is expected to be well received by those companies who do not want their mission critical data traffic touching the Internet. The solution delivers the security and reliability expected of a private WAN, but at a similar price point to that which has made Internet IP-VPNs a widely used and affordable solution for remote offices and home-workers. PowerNet is also technically simpler to implement and manage than a VPN because encryption, compression and latency are not a problem.

Lee Wade, managing director of Exponential-e explains: “Private WANs used to be expensive to implement, hence the arrival of the IP-VPN. But while IP-VPNs once offered a cheaper alternative they do have disadvantages. They can be complex to set-up, are prone to bandwidth and router bottlenecks, have security concerns and delivery issues across a public ‘best endeavours’ network supported by SLA guarantees that, by definition, are very difficult to deliver and monitor. Because PowerNet is a real private network, it removes these issues and delivers all the benefits of a private WAN, but at an acceptable price point which can undercut an IP-VPN. Utilizing DSL as a point-to-point leased line, Exponential-e are the very first company in the UK to implement such an innovative use of DSL infrastructure.”

Exponential-e Ltd.