When most broadband-based Internet service providers encounter problems with bandwidth capacity, the most common remedy is to open the company checkbook and purchase more. But what is most common might not be the best solution.
CrossKeys System Corp. thinks it has a better solution, offering a software program for growing multi-access ISPs that allows them to better manage the bandwidth they already own
According to CrossKeys, its Dyband software dynamically manages an ISP’s bandwidth across all transport mediums-including digital subscriber line, wireless and cable-allowing more customers to be supported on existing connections. The company also noted the software allows service providers to offer unlimited tiers of service and provide real-time and historical visibility into service performance.
The software uses industry-standard network management protocol and runs off a standard personal computer running Windows NT, allowing instant control over the distribution of bandwidth without having to overhaul the system.
“The key to CrossKeys Dyband software is its dynamic bandwidth management, which automatically evaluates the state of the network 100 times a second to shape traffic based on usage patterns, predetermined service levels and dynamic priorities,” explained Steve Getz, vice president of Broadband Access Products for CrossKeys. “It controls network congestion, limits packet loss and eliminates congestion-related outages.”
Congestion control is one of the key features of Dyband that CrossKeys is promoting to smaller ISPs that only have so much bandwidth to deploy. If a customer is using more capacity than they have subscribed to, the rest of the system suffers, leading to inconsistent service and ultimately customer churn. Dyband allows the big users to get the bandwidth they need, but prevents the smaller users from being completely shut out of the system.
As Ransom Southerland, president of ClipperNet Corp., a multi-access broadband service provider, noted, “When the network is more stable and people are getting what they pay for, they’re much more likely to continue to buy services and that reduces customer churn while improving the overall customer relationship environment.”
