What defines WAN optimization?
WAN optimization improves the capacity and speed of a wide-area-netwerk connection. It does so, not by upgrading the connection itself, but by applying several different techniques, such as TCP optimization and byte caching.
Why use WAN optimization?
More output with less effort: WAN optimization proves to be popular amongst CIO's during economically trying times. WAN optimization may be applied for several reasons:
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Cost efficiency by postponing extension ofconnections and devices.
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Improving return on prior investments in ERP, CRM and other software.
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Improving performance for storage centralization and virtualization.
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Boosting end user satisfaction by improving performance of applications.
Why is WAN optimization necessary?
On the one hand, in the past network protocols and applications never were adapted to or even designed to be used outside of a Local Area Netwerk (LAN). Using protocols, such as TCP-IP and CIFS, latency on a connection causes delay. A trans-atlantic Internet connection of 1Gbps therefore actually offers a much lower throughput.
On the other hand, a bulk of information that hardly ever changes is being transmitted back and forth from one location to another. This causes delays effected by unnecessary data traffic.
The former will require improvement of throughput by applying TCP optimization. The latter will use byte caching in order to effect exchange of altered data exclusively.
Daily use
Not only trans-atlantically but also when using national connections WAN optimizations proves to be effective. Qi ict has acquired measurements of daily operating results saving between 85 and 90%. Vendors such as Riverbed and Blue Coat (having recently incorporated Packeteer) specialize in WAN optimization.
X-Factor
Would you like to know what possible effects WAN optimization may have on your company? We advise you to try the X-Factor Estimator. Using Google Maps, an latency estimate is calculated, giving you insights into the possible gain of performance.