Capti’s Ethernet Access (EA) service offers flexible configurations that enable businesses to provision multiple services over a single fibre connection. This multi-service approach allows organisations to optimise their connectivity setup, ensuring that various critical services, such as internet, cloud access, and point-to-point (P2P) Layer 2 connections, are efficiently managed and delivered through a single infrastructure. Here’s a detailed look at the options available for provisioning multiple services via EA and how Capti supports these configurations.

1. Types of Services That Can Be Delivered

Through Capti’s EA, businesses can set up different types of services over a single fibre connection, including:

  • Internet Service: A dedicated connection for accessing the internet, supporting business operations and external communications.
  • Cloud Access Service (e.g., Microsoft Cloud): Direct connectivity to cloud providers like Microsoft via Capti Cloud Connect, ensuring low latency and secure access for cloud applications.
  • Point-to-Point Layer 2 (L2) Service: A P2P connection between business sites, enabling secure, high-speed data transfer and communication within the organisation’s network.

2. Provisioning Multiple Services: Available Options

There are multiple methods for provisioning these services simultaneously over Capti’s Ethernet Access. Depending on the customer’s requirements and existing setup, Capti offers the following options:

a. Q-in-Q (Double VLAN Tagging)

If you choose Capti’s managed router solution, we can provision multiple services using Q-in-Q (double VLAN tagging). This approach allows multiple VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) to be encapsulated within a single VLAN tag, effectively segregating and managing different services on the same physical link.

How It Works:

  • Outer Tag (Service Tag): The outer tag is assigned to the overall physical connection, representing the primary fibre service.
  • Inner Tags (Customer Tags): Each service (e.g., internet, cloud, P2P) is assigned an inner VLAN tag. These tags differentiate the traffic for each service, ensuring data is routed appropriately while sharing the same physical infrastructure.

Advantages of Q-in-Q:

  • Efficiency: This method maximises the use of the fibre connection by supporting multiple isolated services over a single link.
  • Scalability: As your business grows or service needs change, additional services can be easily added using new VLAN tags, avoiding the need for additional physical connections.
  • Security and Isolation: Q-in-Q maintains the separation between services, ensuring that traffic for each service remains secure and isolated from other services.

b. Provisioning Multiple VLANs on a Single Fibre Service

Another approach is to configure multiple VLANs directly on the fibre service without using Q-in-Q. This method allows each VLAN to carry a distinct service, such as internet, cloud access, or a P2P link.

How It Works:

  • Capti configures the NTU (Network Terminating Unit) to handle multiple VLANs, assigning each VLAN to a specific service.
  • Traffic from each service is tagged and routed based on its VLAN identifier, ensuring proper separation and prioritisation.

Advantages of VLAN-Based Provisioning:

  • Flexibility: This setup allows businesses to manage each service independently while leveraging the same fibre connection.
  • Simplified Management: Customers with advanced networking capabilities can manage their own VLANs through Capti’s portal, enabling quick adjustments and monitoring.
  • Cost Efficiency: By utilising a single fibre link for multiple services, businesses save on the cost and complexity of deploying separate physical lines for each service.

c. Provisioning Services Using Multiple Ports on the NTU

For businesses that require physical separation of services or have specific performance or redundancy needs, Capti can provision services using multiple dedicated ports on the NTU.

How It Works:

  • Capti configures each port on the NTU for a different service. For example:
    • Port 1: Dedicated for internet service.
    • Port 2: Configured for cloud access, such as Microsoft Cloud via Capti Cloud Connect.
    • Port 3: Provisioned for a P2P Layer 2 connection between business sites.
  • Each service operates independently through its own physical port, ensuring maximum performance and dedicated bandwidth.

Advantages of Using Multiple Ports:

  • Performance Isolation: With each service on a separate port, performance issues or bandwidth spikes in one service do not affect others.
  • Physical Redundancy: This method allows for physical redundancy setups. If one port fails or experiences issues, it does not impact the others, enhancing overall service reliability.
  • Customisation and Flexibility: This configuration supports custom requirements, such as setting different quality of service (QoS) levels for each port or adding additional ports as business needs grow.

3. Which Option Is Right for Your Business?

Choosing the best method for provisioning multiple services depends on the specific needs and configuration preferences of your business:

  • Q-in-Q (Double VLAN Tagging) is ideal for businesses looking to maximise their existing infrastructure while maintaining flexibility and scalability. It is suited for organisations that want to efficiently manage multiple services over a single link and plan to expand services in the future.
  • VLAN-Based Provisioning is a great option for businesses that need flexibility in managing and adjusting their services. It’s perfect for organisations that prefer managing their network setup through a centralised system like Capti’s portal and need a simple, scalable solution.
  • Multiple Ports on the NTU is recommended for businesses requiring high performance, physical separation of services, or redundancy configurations. It’s particularly beneficial for large enterprises or data-intensive environments where isolated performance is a priority.