NTL:Telewest offers Ethernet WAN VPN service

NTL:Telewest's Ethernet VPN service is built around Alcatel-Lucent switches

NTL:Telewest Business has launched a new service enabling UK customers to build a virtual private network (VPN) connecting sites using its wide area Ethernet service. Customers can scale up their bandwidth as required, and keep control over their own IP routing, according to the firm.

Available immediately, the new Ethernet VPN service is built around Alcatel-Lucent Virtual Private LAN Service switches in NTL:Telewest's core network, providing Layer 2 connectivity to securely transport voice, video and data between sites.

The service brings Ethernet out of the local area network and onto the wide area network, allowing customers to manage IP routing and make changes to virtual network infrastructure, such as adding sites and users when required, according to the company.

"We recognise that businesses want to have more control over their network and be able to make straightforward changes. By aligning the communications infrastructure with the needs of the business, Ethernet VPN whole-heartedly addresses this requirement," said NTL:Telewest commercial director Andrew McGrath.

Service costs are highly customer dependent, and vary based on the number of connections and distance, the firm said.

NTL:Telewest explained that the new offering is backed by comprehensive service level agreements that allow organisations to define either mission-critical or standard data priority to meet stipulations.