Nexus MTU “gotcha” with ESX 4+ and Fibre Channel / FCoE

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Nov 212012
 

I’ve stumbled onto another potential trap for Cisco Nexus users using Fibre Channel / FCoE and VMWare ESX. I was asked to look into a stability problem with a customer running ESX hosts with CNA cards on the Nexus. Now I know that Fibre Channel and FCoE payload MTU is 2112 bytes across the switch. If you add the additional 46 bytes for things like FCoE header, FC header, CRC and, FCoE EOF that totals 2158 bytes.

So that would explain this built-in QoS profile:

nexus5k# show policy-map type network-qos

Type network-qos policy-maps
===============================

policy-map type network-qos default-nq-policy
class type network-qos class-fcoe

pause no-drop
mtu 2158
class type network-qos class-default

mtu 1500

Another interesting point about the Nexus is you can’t configure an MTU per interface like you can with other platforms. It needs to be done globally using a “system qos” policy. Even stranger is the MTU you see with the “show interface” is cosmetic and wrong. There is a case with Cisco raised for this:

CSCsl21529, Symptom: An incorrect MTU value is displayed in the show interface command output. The Cisco Nexus 5000 Series switch only supports class-based MTU. Per-interface level MTU configuration is not supported. The switch supports jumbo frames by default. However, the show interface command output currently displays an incorrect MTU value of 1500 bytes.

If you don’t have a system QoS policy configured the built-in network-qos policy above is applied. Now Ethernet has an MTU of 1500 bytes by default. So even though FCoE uses 2158 bytes, it does not align very well. You’ll see hundreds of thousands of jumbo frames recorded on the interfaces connected to your storage cards.

It’s also worth mentioning that if you’re running VMWare ESX/ESXi a fairly significant change was make post version 4. The ESX hosts now support jumbo frames up to 9k. I checked our ESX hosts and they were configured with an MTU of 1500. So why were we seeing a large amount of jumbo frames still? It looks like VLAN tagging might be causing the frames to exceed the MTU.

If you would like to increase your MTU on your ESX hosts this is how you do it:

- Putty onto VMA. Username = vi-admin Password = use usual ESX password

- Get status with:
vicfg-snmp -server -s

- Enable with:
vicfg-snmp -server -E

- Set community with:
vicfg-snmp -server -c

NOTE:would you your ESX FQDN.

While searching for more information on the problem we were experiencing with the CNA cards I found something very interesting in Scot Lowe’s blog:

Gen2 requires ‘switchport mode trunk’ on the 5K. Gen1 doesn’t. Also make sure FCoE VLANs are allowed on the trunk.
In summary:
• If you are using a Gen2 CNA, you must put the Ethernet interface in VLAN trunk mode.
• If you are using a Gen1 CNA, the Ethernet interface may be in either access mode or trunk mode.
• If the interface is in trunk mode, be sure that you have allowed the FCoE VLAN via the switchport trunk allowed vlan command.
• If the interface is in access mode, be sure that you have placed the interface in the FCoE VLAN via the switchport access vlan command.

I seem to being going off on tangents here… in summary there is a solution to the problem. You need to increase the MTU on your Nexus switches. This isn’t very well documented but you’ll find more information on this in the Cisco and VMWare forums. The configuration you need to apply is the following:

Setting a per interface MTU (maximum transmission unit) is not supported on the Nexus 5000/2000 series switches.
If a Jumbo packet is required to traverse a Nexus 5000 series switch , the jumbo MTU must be set in a policy-map and applied to the ‘Sytem QOS’.

Configuration, PRE NX-OS 4.1:
policy-map support-jumbo-frames
class class-default
mtu 9216
system qos
service-policy support-jumbo-frames
!
Configuration with POST NX-OS 4.1:
policy-map type network-qos support-jumbo-frames
class type network-qos class-default
mtu 9216
system qos
service-policy type network-qos support-jumbo-frames
!

All this information I’ve pieced together while troubleshooting and researching how to fix this. I thought it would be worth posting some interesting findings.

Please visit our website:
http://www.lifecycle-ps.com

IT Outsourcing & Workforce Management

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Nov 042012
 

According to Gartner, the IT industry will return to growth with 2010 IT spending forecast to total $3.3 trillion, a 3.3 percent increase from 2009.

Fifty-three percent of organizations in Europe said they will outsource more in 2010, and 40 percent of organizations are planning to increase their external IT services spending, according to a recent survey (“Gartner Survey Shows 40 Percent of European Organizations Are Planning to Increase Spending on External Services in 2010″) from Gartner Inc. on the 7th of September 2010.

The survey also showed that organizations of all sizes and with IT budgets of various magnitudes are now showing an interest in outsourcing. It found that 14.7 percent of organizations with IT budgets of less than €1 million expressed interest in outsourcing, which compares to only 6.1 percent of organizations in this category in 2009.

So you ask yourself why outsource? Well the answer is simple…

You would not have to carry the cost of an expensive IT team where their skill level and experience may not cover all the technologies within your network at a suitable level. Would it not be better and more cost effective to have a pool of expert resources at your disposal to cover every eventuality professionally and in a timely manner? We think so. Lifecycle Professional Services could be your one stop shop covering everything from LAN and WAN networks, security, hosting, datacenters, storage, unified communications, voice, video, mobility, monitoring, tools development, desktops, and much much more.

Our Solution Architects are experts at designing, implementing, operating, and optimising a variety of networks and solutions. In order to cover the vast range of IT technologies and services we work with our trusted partners under our umbrella to cover every eventuality.

To further improve on our offering we are able to tailor a solution to what ever best suits your business and budget. There are a number of options available:

  • You can fully outsource your IT infrastructure to us letting us handle everything for you. This would typically involve us putting one or more Solution Architects permanently onsite or floating between your offices. The benefit of this is we would be able to rotate our staff bringing in experts to handle what ever needs to be done. So what does this really mean to you? You would have a huge cost saving not having to pay the usual overheads associated with permanent staff. Permanent employee salaries are usually the highest business overhead, especially when staff might not be busy all the time. Each employee’s total cost to company including benefits would have a major impact on cash flow, especially when compulsory VAT, NI and PAYE payments are due. Another major benefit of this is you would have access to all our Solution Architects, knowledge and skills to tackle any project.
  • You may be in a situation where you have an IT team which are heavily loaded at specific times or have gaps in their skill set to carry out what needs to be done. We are able to provide a solution to this by providing ad-hoc assistance when times are tough. The real benefit of this approach is we’re able to provide relief to your buckling teams when the work load is heavy avoiding you taking on additional headcount. In addition to this your staff will get to work with the real experts in the industry which will be a great up-skilling opportunity. Another variation of this would be for us to design, develop and implement a variety of tools to monitor and manage your network.
  • The last step really involves us just being an escalation path or a design review authority for your business. You may have the staff and the knowledge but just looking for someone to review design documentation and provide feedback and recommendations or be there in the event that there is a problem and a sounding board to ask questions. This would be really valuable and save your staff wasting days if not weeks of time trying to find the right information to solve a problem. Leave the issue with us and we’ll find you a solution.

So what does outsourcing your IT infrastructure to Lifecycle Professional Services really mean to you?

  • It will help increase your staff productivity and efficiency
  • It will have a positive impact on cash flow and profitability

Give us a call on 0845-262-0060 or email us for more information.

DDoS – A preventable network ill

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Nov 042012
 

With the proliferation of DDoS attacks by hacktivist groups like ‘Anonymous’, the need to protect your network against potential DDoS attacks has never been more important. A rising number of companies and organisations have been hit in recent times by DDoS attacks aimed at application servers that are hosted within their network. MasterCard, Visa, AT&T have all been hit lately with DDoS attacks and more recently the Home Office website in the UK was also targeted with malicious DDoS attack traffic.

The primitive solution to DDoS attacks is black holing. Using black hole to deal with DDoS attacks involves putting in a mechanism on a network that will ensure that all traffic that ingress the network destined to a device that is under DDoS attack is terminated prematurely before it reaches the victim. Most service provider networks use a black-hole variant called Remote Triggered Black holing (RTBH). The problem with the black hole concept in DDoS mitigation is that all traffic destined to the victim, legitimate and non-legitimate never gets to the device. In essence the attackers motive to make the victim server unavailable is achieved albeit by the server administrator.

Arbor has provided a clean solution to DDoS attacks that identifies a wide range of possible malicious attack packets like TCP flood packets and malformed DNS packets and surgically eliminates them before it reaches the victim. This ensures that the victim remains oblivious of the attack and continues carrying out its functions as normal.

From experience, the Arbor concept is very ingenious and the platform seems quite stable. I found some of the deployment options very interesting especially the option that allows you to offramp suspect DDos traffic using MPLS LSP. For DDoS mitigation Arbor comes highly recommended by Lifecycle PS.

Give us a call on 0845-262-0060 or email us for more information.

IPv6 migration and integration

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Nov 042012
 

Many organisations of various shapes and sizes still do not have an IPv6 strategy. This is not so much of a problem right now but when the time comes to expand your external facing network and no IPv4 addresses are available there will be trouble. Many organisations are going to fall into this trap. Strangely enough even the larger providers, not to be named, still don’t offer IPv6 connectivity to 6NET (the new Internet). There is a lot to consider from the network, security all the way to the application level. It’s not only about being able to route IPv6 across your network with a single vendor or in a lab environment. How will your network integrate with IPv6 at the edge? Do you fully understand how operating systems and services like DNS, web, mail, storage, unified comms etc. all work with IPv6? These are all valid questions and ones you probably don’t have the answers to. Luckily we do and we are here to help you.

The term “IPv6 Migration” is bantered around quite a bit but in reality it’s not as scary as it sounds. IPv4 will be around for a very long time to come. At least for the foreseeable future you are looking more at an IPv6 transition rather than migration with both protocols working side by side dual-stacked. If you aren’t familiar with terms like IPv6 ND, EUI-64, manual IPv6 tunnels, automatic IPv4-compatible tunnels, IPv6 using GRE, automatic 6to4 tunnels, intra-site automatic tunnel addressing protocol (ISATAP) tunnels etc. you should start getting educated.

Regardless if you are looking for information on IPv6, requiring assistance with your IPv6 strategy, looking at actively starting the IPv6 transition or having problems with your first attempt we are able to help you. We are able to provide assistance covering strategy, networking, security, operating systems (both Microsoft and Linux), applications, services and troubleshooting.

Give us a call on 0845-262-0060 or email us for more information.

Structured cabling, power, and cooling

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Nov 042012
 

Lifecycle specialises in the installation of structured cabling systems. We are able to offer a wide range of network services including network design, data cabling installation, voice cabling installation, fibre optic cabling installation, system management and support services for IT moves, adds and changes.

The Lifecycle team comprises, data cabling specialists, including network installation Project Managers and Site Supervisors, with individuals having up to 35 years of industry experience.

Our qualified System Engineers can carry out site surveys and if required, specify and design appropriate structured cabling systems. We can provide a network consultancy and project management service for both new structured cabling installations and system upgrades. A team of qualified installation engineers support this process – all with a proven track record for delivering quality work across the UK and Europe. We are proud to say that we have achieved the Safe Contractor accreditation in 2010. This helps to highlight the high standards of health and saftey that we have attained.

We can offer a wide range of building services including provision for buildings, electrical cabling and containment requirements. We can design and install computer rooms including cabinets and racking, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies), stand alone/back up generators, anti-static, false flooring and air conditioning. Our mission is to build a lasting and mutually beneficial partnership.

Structured Cabling Systems (SCS)

We offer a complete SCS installation service from outlet to patch panel, including any host, backbone or racking requirements. We are as comfortable with small-bespoke installs of 1 to 100 cables as we are with high volume work of many thousands of cables. We can also offer a pre-terminated solution controlled from our own pre-term facility. Our pre-term solution can achieve reductions of installation time required onsite of up to 70%. We have the manpower, skills and experience to get the job done, achieving all project deadlines. All of our installation projects are fully tested to industry standards using Fluke DTX cable analysers and will come with 25-year system warranty. Our installation teams are experienced in the latest installation practices of all major vendors. systems including Commscope Systimax, Tyco AMP, Nexans, Panduit, Brand Rex, ADCKrone, Corning and HellermannTyton.

What’s on offer?

  • Cabling audit and diagnosis of your existing structured cabling system
  • Consultation and design of network installation including project management
  • New data cabling installations and data cabling upgrades, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, Cat7
  • Pre-terminated solution (Can save up to 70% of installation time required onsite)
  • Full documentation including operating and maintenance manuals (O&M’s) with as installed drawings (CAD), cabinet and rack layouts, full labelling conventions and electronic test results
  • Network management and support services including adds, moves and changes

Containment

Containment from the most basic mini trunking systems to high volume racking and carrier systems can be built into any project or as a stand-alone design.

Fibre Optic Installation

We have a team of experienced fibre optic cabling installation engineers. We are geared to meet your fibre network requirements regardless what they may be, single mode and or multimode (OS1/OM1/OM2/OM3). We can design and install fibre backbones, LAN or to desk, depending on your requirements. All fibre cables installed are tested and certified and come with a 25-year system warranty.

Fibre Services

  • Fibre network design and installation
  • Pre-terminated solution (Can save up to 70% of installation time required onsite)
  • Fibre cable available supports multimode, single mode and from single pair to multi core fibre
  • Fault finding with existing fibre networks
  • Fibre splicing and terminating to all major connector interfaces
  • Fibre testing to industry standards with Fluke DTX and OTDR

Voice Cabling

A range of telecom specification cable is available for installations ranging from 3 pair to 300 pair multi cores. We can supply and fit Test Jack Frames (TJF’s) floor or wall mounted, including provision for the required number of disconnection strips for cable terminations and capacity for future expansion. All voice pairs will be tested to establish continuity and polarity of the specified voice system. If required we can provide your voice circuits over a structured cabling system. The voice circuits will be presented onto patch panels or 110 frames and configured to run standard analogue (TBR/ER), digital extensions or ISDNII.

Voice Services

  • Multicore voice cable installations
  • Jumpering and patching
  • Hardware installations and configuration (Hand sets and voice switches)
  • Adds, moves and changes on existing telephone system

Wireless Network Installations

We pride ourselves on ensuring that we provide our client’s with proven and secure wireless solutions delivering a first class user experience. This means that our installation service will focus on ensuring that our wireless solutions are:

  • Configured for maximum reliability
  • Secure and stable
  • Integrated fully with the remainder of the network

We achieve this by implementing your solution through our own team of Wireless LAN Installation Engineers. We therefore ensure that we provide an end-to-end wireless solution including a comprehensive technical support service. Our Wireless Team can perform full site surveys to ascertain both viability and integrity of the link prior to installation, ensuring proposed solutions accurately meet your requirements.

Electrical Installations

With a strong electrical engineering background we can offer the installation of power cabling, riser and mains distribution systems with I.E.E. current edition accreditation. We can provide accredited Electrical Engineers to design the correct cabling for your building load. Once installed we can also provide back-up systems, such as industrial UPS’s (Uninterruptible Power Supplies), building generators and intelligent alert systems that let your IT team know what’s happening, wherever they are.

Building Services

We can design, plan and implement a full fit out service on our client.s premises. Encompassing everything from raised floors, suspended ceilings, dry line partitioning, full glass partitioning including decorating, flooring, electrical and plumbing works. All that is needed for a complete turn key operation.

Within in our building services portfolio we offer a full range of fire, security and access services all with recognized accreditation and the facility of full Maintenance and Service contracts as follows :-

Fire Alarms IP Security Systems
Intruder Alarms Nurse Call Systems
Access Control Emergency Lighting
CCTV Gate Automation

 

Audio/Visual

We offer a full range of audio/visual services including video conferencing, overhead projectors and intelligent white boards. We can offer design, supply and installation of this type of service.

Summary of Accreditations

  • Nexans Certified Solutions partner. Accredited to install Fibre and copper systems
  • Tyco AMP Netconnect (NDI) partner. Accredited to install Fibre and copper systems
  • Amptrac IIMS and RIT Patch view consultant
  • Netlink project managers have accreditations including:
    • Systimax Design and Engineering
    • Systimax Installation and Maintenance
    • Systimax I-patch
  • Accredited to install and certify Excel fibre and copper cabling systems
  • Accredited to install and certify Pressac fibre and copper cabling systems
  • Brand Rex Copper and fibre technicians
  • All Netlink Project managers and engineers have Government security clearance at SC level
  • SAFEcontractor Accredited
  • CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Health and Safety cardholders

Give us a call on 0845-262-0060 or email us for more information.

Solution architecture design and implementation

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Nov 042012
 

At Lifecycle, our design process is based on a consultative approach. We follow the Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach to effectively map your business requirements to your technical requirements regardless of the complexity. The Cisco model is a Prepare, Plan, Design, Implement, Operate and Optimise (PPDIOO) lifecycle approach.

The Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach defines the minimum set of activities needed, as determined by technology and network complexity. This aids us to successfully deploy and operate Cisco technologies and optimise the performance through the lifecycle of the network. Although we use this model primarily for Cisco based solutions, the theory and practice can be applied with almost any project.

There are six phases in the Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach and each phase is comprised of service components. Service components are a set of deliverables and activities that are used to manage delivery of a service. This has been proven to improve productivity and reduce risk in deploying and supporting complex technologies.

The Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach provides value in a variety of ways:

  • Helps increase the network’s value and return on investment
  • Helps increase network staff productivity
  • Helps improve network availability, resiliency, security and scalability

By strictly adhering to validated industry standard network designs and best practices, like Cisco SMART designs, we are able to package first class designs integrating a variety of technologies and services including: data, voice, video, unified communications, wireless, mobility, storage, security and virtualization.

Every project is preceded by the creation of a scope of works, defined engagement plan including dependencies, and information about how we’ll provide the required services. We will provide weekly reporting on the progress of the work streams through the solution architect or dedicated project manager to ensure the work streams are delivered efficiently and on time. A comprehensive report will be provided with a clear presentation communicating all of the deliverables including how the services were delivered; what the results were; any assumptions and/or limitations in the results; our conclusions and recommendations; and next steps.

Because we understand that every business is interested in cost saving and efficiency we will work closely with you on an ongoing basis to identify areas of optimisation where necessary. This could take the form of infrastructure upgrades or re-grades, the introduction of new technologies, migration to more efficient technologies or as a last resort re-design.

So what does this mean for you?

As our aim is to always make decisions in the best interest of our customers by providing future proofed and scalable solutions, this means that you can benefit from increased operational efficiency and achieve huge cost savings by avoiding unnecessary costly upgrades.

IT managers usually have had a tough time using limited resources to stay ahead of the IT curve. Cost effective use of IT resources has been a challenge. According to a survey carried out by IDG Research Services, 83% of CIOs expect IT budgets to stay the same or increase in 2011 as compared to the 2010 levels. Focus remains strong on efficiency and effectiveness. The former would relate to cost optimisation and the latter to operational excellence. Achievement of these goals would be driven by tasks and strategies like dash boarding of IT service management, measuring end user satisfaction levels and better process automation.

Virtualization including virtual desktops (VDI), cloud computing, web and mobile applications, application development and support for business continuity are emerging as investment areas. The top priority for any CIO is aligning IT initiatives with business goals. This and other areas like managing expenses, controlling costs, implementing new architectures occupy most of the head space for CIOs. When it comes to designing, implementing, and supporting these new cost effective solutions within budget and on time Lifecycle is who you should turn too.

We offer three implementation options:

  • We provide the detailed design to you for implementation by your IT department. This is an option to be considered by customers that have the resource in-house to implement the design prepared by us. In event of any issues, we will be on standby to offer support services to ensure the implementation goes smoothly and meet timelines and budget.
  • We provide the detailed design document to you and also provide support during implementation. This is an option for customers that have the resource in-house to implement the design but require us to have a solution architect on stand-by in event of any issues. This option is only recommended for projects with flexible timelines.
  • We handle the full implementation end-to-end.

If you are in the process of designing solutions but require an expert to review the design prior to implementation we’re also able to assist here. With our wealth of experience having one of our solution architects to go through your design and provide comments and recommendations will in most occurrences save you money in the event something was missed and goes wrong during implementation.

Give us a call on 0845-262-0060 or email us for more information.

Network, security, application and inventory audits

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Nov 042012
 

Our skilled solution architects are able to provide three types of audits:

  • Network Security
  • Network Usage and Traffic Analysis
  • Network Design and Configuration

These audits have been described in more detail below and can either be carried out as a once off or on a regular basis.

Network Security

The purpose of this audit is to review the network design from a security perspective, identify weak areas and provide an improvement plan. The audit will include a security design review within a defined area, an assessment of the software and configuration of the relevant devices, a process and policy review, and recommendations going forward.

What is the value of this audit?

  • It will reduce the risk of a costly network breach, information theft or liability.
  • It will help you identify and meet the requirements for security compliance.
  • An improved security process and policy will help prevent incidents.

The audit will include the verification of the following:

  • Physical security of the network devices.
  • Logical security of the network devices.
  • Hardware, software and config evaluation.
  • Voice, video and data security.
  • Process, Policy and AUP.
  • Security NME.

Optional options:

  • Ceritified security compliance.
  • Security vulnerability testing.

Network Usage and Traffic Analysis

The purpose of this audit is to identify the traffic currently on your network. There are a number of reasons you would want to carry out this audit including: traffic profiling for QoS, identifying illegitimate traffic, input for capacity planning and preparing your network for a new service. It is recommended to carry out this audit quarterly to keep up to date with your traffic profiles.

What is the value of this audit?

  • It will ensure the network performance and user experience is optimal.
  • It will help you with capacity planning for future network upgrades.
  • It will identify malicious, illegal or non-business related traffic.
  • It will help you with the introduction of new services.
  • It will keep your QoS policy current.

The audit will include the following:

  • A traffic flow capture over a defined time period with analysis.
  • A review of your QoS policy against your business requirements.
  • Bandwidth, Memory and CPU resource health check.
  • Identification of any problems or potential problems.
  • Recommendations for improvement.

Network Design and Configuration

The purpose of this audit is to validate if the network design is following industry best practices, that there aren’t any unidentified single points of failure, that there is a plan in place in the event of a failure and that the configuration and performance is optimal. The audit will identify areas of improvement and recommendations regarding the future of the network. It will also contain and inventory of audited devices for reference.

What is the value of this audit?

  • Improved network reliability
  • Improved network performance
  • Improved business productivity
  • Enhanced network management
  • Foundation for future growth

The audit will include the following:

  • A layer-2 and layer-3 design review
  • A high-level security review
  • Network management review
  • An inventory list

Optional “readiness” options:

  • IP Voice and Video
  • Trusted Computing
  • IP Contribution
  • Virtualisation
  • Cloud Services
  • Multicast
  • IPv6

Give us a call on 0845-262-0060 or email us for more information.

Vendor hardware procurement and support (new and refurb)

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Nov 042012
 

The procurement of IT hardware and software goes hand in hand with IT professional services. That is why it only makes sense that we make your life a little easier by supplying you competitive pricing on over £500 million worth of inventory on a next day service.

Through our trusted partners and experienced resource teams we gain an edge over many other IT suppliers providing you exceptional levels of choice, quality and customer service.

We are able to supply hardware and software to all organisations from the SME all the way up to large Enterprises, including Service Providers. Every client receives their own dedicated account manager, experienced in most aspects of IT distribution. We are specialists in the complete range of products, HP Hardware, Cisco Hardware, IBM Hardware, Apple, Microsoft, end of life/refurb and much more…

The real advantage of purchasing through us is not only is our pricing and lead times some of the best out there but through our professional services offering we are able to assist you with the design, installation and support if need be.

Give us a call on 0845-262-0060 or email us for more information.

MPLS VPN core and edge design, implementation and support

 General Discussion  No Responses »
Nov 042012
 

WAN Networks & Consulting

… from bespoke solution design to cost and quality audits, Lifecycle are well positioned to deliver on all of your data networking needs. With many years of industry knowledge we provide expert advice and support at cost effective rates.

In addition to providing a range of specialist IT services, Lifecycle also offer technical WAN consultancy services.

Our Consultancy Services

  • Review of future business requirements and technology usage
  • Analysis of all aspects of data networking including MPLS networks
  • Cost saving exercises
  • Equipment and service audits
  • Network planning
  • Technology, equipment and service reviews
  • Video and Audio Conferencing
  • Broadcast / Media network design
  • Trusted Computing (TPM)
  • Security Analysis
  • etc.

Our consultants will deliver the following:

  • Detailed technical awareness and market knowledge
  • Detailed understanding of the many business scenarios possible
  • Extensive experience of implementing a range of IT services globally
  • Detailed awareness of many suppliers strengths and weaknesses in the market place

WAN Procurement

The Wide Area Network (WAN) is critical to all organisations. As bandwidth costs reduce and performance improves, customers have an ever increasing reliance on the quality of the WAN. In addition clients are also moving to a centralised IT environment which can further stress the current infrastructure.

Lifecycle have many years of advising, planning and implementing WANs including benchmarking and optimisation.

Running a WAN tender can be very complicated as key questions need to be addressed correctly, namely:

  • Is my current WAN design fit for purpose?
  • What are my growth requirements over the next 3 years?
  • What SLA is available?
  • What is the best technological fit (xDSL, MPLS, Ethernet, 3G etc.)?
  • Which provider can deliver on my international locations?
  • Which service provider is best suited for me (virtual network operator vs direct provider vs value added reseller)?

At Lifecycle we can help you answer all these questions by running a tender from an entry level cost audit to a full managed global WAN procurement.

Give us a call on 0845-262-0060 or email us for more information.

IT Support Services

 General Discussion  No Responses »
Nov 042012
 

Introduction

Lifecycle is an IT professional services organisation specialising in end-to-end IT services primarily across the UK and Ireland. All our support services are split into 2 key areas, ‘IT Support Services‘ and ‘Advanced Technology Services‘. Our services portfolio is designed with our customers in mind, providing a flexible and efficent service.

IT Support Services

Maintenance Lifecycle currently supports over 9000 live hardware maintenance contracts across the UK & Ireland. We provide multi-vendor hardware support across comms and server and desktop technologies.
Installation Lifecycle support engineers are trained and certified by market leading hardware vendors. Our engineers provide a full network installation service, diagnosing and implementing hardware and software issues primarily across the UK and Ireland.
Service Desk The Lifecycle Service Desk provides a 24/7, single point of contact for all our customers. Customers can log all fault calls and place technical queries through the Service Desk in the knowledge that it will be dealt with promptly and efficiently from one of our technical support specialists.
Monitoring Services Lifecycle delivers a remote network monitoring solution which allows our team of technical experts to monitor our customers’ networks remotely in a safe and secure environment 24/7. We monitor a wide range of complex networks and quickly alert customers of potential problems before they have a significant impact on a business.
Pre-sales Support Pre-sales offers support across a wide range of deliverables from Senior Engineering Consultancy, Network Design, Cisco Support, Computer Network Support and Configurations to Project Management. ITIL based service design encompassing architecture and service management are also provided.
IT Disposal Lifecycle IT Disposal services guarantee that all sensitive or secure items, such as hard drives, are disposed of in accordance with the Government’s WEEE directive.


Supported Vendors
Supported Vendors
Advanced Technical Services

Voice & Unified Communications Lifecycle have experience that reaches across many vendors, products and technologies which in turn ensures businesses receive independent advice that has their best interests in mind both commercially and technologically.
Security Lifecycle has a team of security specialists to assist customers across a broad spectrum of network security. These may include firewalls, VPN access, router & switch security and endpoint security all of which require the same high level of technical expertise and industry knowledge.
Wireless Lifecycle pride themselves on their wireless LAN security testing and wireless LAN health checks which provide customers with elements such as penetration testing and performance analysis. These areas coupled with the wireless LAN installation and commissioning services ensure all customers can be confident that no stone is left unturned when setting up a wireless network.
Server & Desktop We provide support and maintenance across legacy, current and emerging products and technologies which all form a substantial part of Lifecycle support base today. Wintel through to enterprise such as low end Proliants to high end Sun and storage equipment are all supported and maintained.
Routing & Switching Lifecycle will assist you in making sure your routing and switching networks remain optimised to support your business objectives. We share our technical knowledge and leading operational practices.

Give us a call on 0845-262-0060 or email us for more information.

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