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implemented design. For example, automation in the sys-
tem can detect if a network engineer modifies an Access
Control List (ACL) that leaves certain systems vulnerable.
This integrated automation employs a series of probes and
watchdogs that revert the configuration to a properly func-
tioning state that is kept in the backend databases within
configurable intervals. Using the same example, changes to
ACL can be deployed to hundreds, if not thousands, of de-
vices with the click of a button. What makes this even more
powerful is that an engineer can input an ACL rule in a
single format once, and the automation platform can in turn
transform this rule, so that it can be enabled on a variety
of devices in a mixed-vendor environment. Thus, through
network automation and ZTP, operators can eliminate ven-
dor lock-in, increase adoption of new platforms, and reduce
overall network costs.
Strategic
Peering
For organizations
building a global IP back-
bone, strategic PoP place-
ment and peering are essential
to gaining the best possible
performance and routing visibility.
With many choices of carrier-neutral
vendors and facilities available, orga-
nizations can plan their backbone and
network locations within close proximity of
nearly any network needed for interconnec-
tion. The benefits include direct peering with
major transit providers, Internet exchange points,
cloud service providers and direct cross connects
with customers, business partners, CDNs, etc.
When combining strategic PoP placement and
peering, organizations can effectivity shorten the cable
between their network and customers, along with any
networks needed for building resources, such as cloud
service providers and CDNs. As an example, a network
can be built in major markets on both coasts. On the East
Coast, PoPs built in the New York and Washington D.C. met-
ro areas offer many options for establishing peering to net-
works of choice. Likewise, adding PoPs in the San Francisco
Bay Area and Seattle are examples of West Coast coverage.
These locations can be interconnected with transport ser-
vices to complete the backbone for your organization.
Today, peering sessions can be built in each major metro
area of the backbone in order to announce networks that
can be locally served in those areas. This example essen-
tially shortens the path. Network services can be built and
replicated at each location, thereby increasing the likelihood
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