aql, like many of the corporates who approach NetSumo, operated their network via a third party transit provider.

Like most dynamic companies, aql were growing at a rapid rate.  They were increasingly deploying solutions for high profile clientele, such as Stagecoach Group Plc, Boots plc and Cartier.

aql were considering the benefits of upgrading their network and taking advantage of techniques such as multi-homing, but needed to understand the advantages and disadvantages of migrating their network away from a single provider and taking consideration of the management overheads.

aql director Dr Adam Beaumont explains further “We found ourselves needing network resilience across several sites and to try to mitigate as many points of failure as possible - many of our clients demand a 100% SLA.  As our range of services grew to encompass VoIP, we found we had an increased need for reliable, tier-1 IP transit…..and lots of it!”.

aql are a specialist, secure telco, with many security cleared staff and offer a wide range of services, from VoIP to SMS, managed hosting to bespoke colocation, having total control over their ever growing network was becoming a must.

NetSumo was tasked with the job of future-proofing the setup, enabling aql to be fully BGP routed, and self reliant. One of the many requirements was having the ability to privately peer with providers to ensure the best routes possible for VoIP and SMS providers and customers.  This extensive network capability has proven to be a key differentiator between aql and competitors.

To fulfil the requirement, Cisco was chosen as the core vendor, deploying the 7300 series routers, with a Catalyst solution at the core. Since the installation, many failover tests have been carried out, penetration tests and rigorous stress-tests, all of which have passed with flying colours.

Currently, the aql network spans across London and up to Leeds, providing direct access to their network from their Datacentre and offices, including opening up possibilities for customer expansion and services such as Disaster Recovery.  aql are now a RIPE LIR and using this membership to underpin further network expansion.

Beaumont comments, “We chose Netsumo because, like aql, we trust their support.  We know that they will be there 24/7 whenever we need them - I can sleep soundly at night, in the knowledge that if there was a problem, it will be fixed both promptly and professionally.”