Enterprise Network Infrastructure: Design, Performance & Security

Gateway Fiber deploys Perle IOLAN Console Servers

Gateway Fiber, an internet service provider (ISP) serving communities in Missouri, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and North Dakota, USA, has strengthened its remote management capabilities by deploying Perle IOLAN Console Servers across its network. The company operates micro data centres, also known as points of presence (PoP) sites, which are essential for delivering high-speed internet. The IOLAN Console Servers provide out-of-band access, enabling administrators to remotely manage and troubleshoot equipment. This aims to reduce downtime and allow rapid response to service issues. According to Jeff Shilt, Senior Network Engineer at Gateway Fiber, the team had considered Cisco terminal servers with LTE routers but found the approach too costly. The IOLAN units, with integrated cellular connectivity, reportedly offered a more affordable option. “The IOLAN Console Server gives the ultimate back door connectivity,” says Jeff. “When we’ve had a fibre cut or we lose access, we come in via the LTE and use the serial console ports to get into our equipment.” The devices also support maintenance and upgrades. “When we must do firmware updates, we can access the equipment via an LTE interface, as if we were physically there. This makes the process easier and safer,” Jeff explains. They also allow engineers to guide field technicians remotely during hardware changes, intending to reduce travel requirements and associated costs. Gateway Fiber continues to expand its fibre-to-the-home network to meet growing data demands. “Any new cabinet we build is going to have an IOLAN in it for out-of-band access, and they’re awesome for that. I mean, they’re just perfect,” continues Jeff. John Feeney, Chief Operating Officer at Perle Systems, comments, “We are thrilled to support Gateway Fiber in [its] mission to provide reliable, high-speed internet to underserved communities. "Our IOLAN Console Servers are designed to offer robust and secure remote access, ensuring that Gateway Fiber can maintain their high standards of service and quickly address any network issues.”

New internet exchange in São Paulo

DE-CIX, an operator of internet exchanges (IXs), has started to operate its peering and interconnection services in São Paulo, Brazil. The new internet exchange, DE-CIX Sao Paulo, is distributed across three data centres: Equinix SP4, Elea SPO1, and Ascenty SP4. The company is already onboarding the first 20 customers in the region, including TBC Azion Technologies. With the start of operations, companies now have access to local peering, network interconnection, and remote peering, as well as cloud exchange and multi-cloud routing functionalities. Customers can gain direct and private access to cloud providers both locally and remotely, allowing cloud-to-cloud communication and facilitating their digital business with, what DE-CIX claims to be, "low-latency and high-performance connectivity." By joining the exchange, companies can connect directly to thousands of network operators (carriers), internet service providers (ISPs), cloud and content providers, and corporate networks from more than 100 countries worldwide. "With our high-performance, secure, and scalable interconnection services, we enhance local interconnection, creating a more resilient and globally integrated interconnection ecosystem in São Paulo," claims Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX. "Being a part of the global DE-CIX ecosystem offers the potential of an enormous diversity of networks now accessible in the city. "The growing digital economy in Brazil requires state-of-the-art connectivity, ensuring that data exchange takes place fast, efficiently, and securely, as local as possible and as global as necessary. The new IX opens up a complementary offering that further enriches the country as the second largest market in the world in terms of number of networks." The new internet exchange is integrated into DE-CIX’s global ecosystem through connections to IXs in New York, Lisbon, Madrid, and Frankfurt (the largest IX in Europe). The connectivity takes advantage of several transatlantic routes via the Atlantic South-North and South-South connectivity corridors. This will allow connected Brazilian networks to reach thousands of local, regional, and international networks that together form the largest interconnection ecosystem in the world. Rafael Umann, CEO of Azion, comments, "Azion operates one of the most distributed and advanced infrastructures in the world, with a presence in over 100 data centres. Our platform ensures resilience, security, and performance for critical and AI workloads. "Through interconnection with DE-CIX, we guarantee our customers access to the best infrastructure on the market and further expand our global network to deliver low latency and high availability to our clients, regardless of user location." For more from DE-CIX, click here.

Globalgig ranks on Inc. 5000 for sixth year running

Globalgig, a provider of globally managed communication and connectivity systems, has been named on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for the sixth year in succession. The company, which manages communication and connectivity services worldwide, was ranked 3,808, with revenue growth of 99%. It joins a small group of US businesses noted for sustained expansion. Over the past year, Globalgig has expanded its AI-based network management and security services, aimed at supporting distributed workforces and addressing cyber threats. Its updated managed security offering provides organisations with adaptive, data-led networks. The past three years have seen the company widen its service portfolio, improve operational efficiency, and recruit additional staff. A key development has been the launch of Orchestra, an AI platform designed for inventory management and reporting across all services. Orchestra Insight, the analytics engine within the platform, delivers real-time network intelligence across IT systems. Features include contextual monitoring, automation tools, and configurable dashboards, giving a single view of network performance, security status, and risk across legacy and newer devices, cloud services, and security tools. “This recognition reflects our team’s strong commitment to solving today’s challenges while helping enterprises prepare for the future,” says Ernest Cunningham, CEO of Globalgig. “At Globalgig, we focus on delivering outcomes that empower organisations to grow, adapt, and succeed. As technologies like agentic AI continue to reshape the business landscape, we are helping our clients build the capabilities they need to stay ahead. "This includes unifying legacy and modern networks, and providing real-time visibility across devices, clouds, and applications.”

GNM completes 400G infrastructure upgrade in Sofia

GNM (Global Network Management), a backbone internet provider and telecom operator, has completed the modernisation of its point of presence in Sofia, Bulgaria, deploying the Arista 7800R3 - a modular, carrier-grade platform with native 400G capability. The upgrade is part of GNM’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its optical backbone and meet increasing interconnection demands across south-eastern Europe. The Sofia node now plays a key role in supporting high-throughput transit traffic from the Balkans, Turkey, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. With two fully independent DWDM paths - routed via Belgrade and a diverse route through Romania - the site has been engineered to provide path diversity, automated failover, and consistent low-latency performance. It is fully integrated into GNM’s meshed DWDM backbone, which provides onward connectivity to major European hubs including Bratislava, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, and Stockholm. The node also offers access to a full range of services, including high-capacity 100G and 400G DWDM transport, direct and remote access to GNM-IX, IP Transit with BGP community-based policy control, and Layer 2 services backed by strict service-level guarantees. “The Sofia upgrade is an important step in the ongoing development of GNM’s core infrastructure in the region," comments Alex Surkov, Head of Development at GNM. "One of the first customers to use the new platform was a European network operator that provisioned a 100G DWDM service over both available paths, along with a GNM-IX peering connection. "The deployment delivered a measurable reduction in latency to Frankfurt, around 18%, and significantly improved recovery times during incidents. It’s a clear example of how infrastructure investment directly enhances service performance for our clients.”

Comnet releases 720W industrial PoE switch

Comnet, a manufacturer of mission-critical industrial networking systems, has just announced the release of an "ultra-resilient," high-power PoE switch. As the first in Comnet’s new line of IEEE802.3bt-compliant ethernet switches, the CNGE10FX2TX8MSBT switch has been designed to power next-generation devices in extreme environments. With 8 RJ45 ports delivering 90W simultaneously and a total PoE budget of 720W, plus 2 SFP ports supporting up to 2.5 Gbps, the new system has been engineered for high-capacity, high-performance applications like advanced IP cameras, edge sensors, digital signage, and intelligence-driven systems. The switch’s power architecture allows users to install a smaller power supply today and scale up later, aiming to eliminate the need for costly hardware replacements as demands grow. Built for resilience and bandwidth intensive applications, the switch maintains full power output across a -40°C to +70°C temperature range, while ruggedised housing and redundant power inputs intend to ensure maximum uptime. It is designed for mission-critical sectors, including transportation, security, energy, and manufacturing, and features Comnet’s Port Guardian technology, which automatically locks down ports in case of tampering to guard against unauthorised access. “We are proud to introduce our latest product innovation, designed and built in the United States, for harsh environments with high bandwidth and high-power requirements,” says Sergio Resendiz, President, Comnet. “We built this new switch to deliver full 90W power on every port, even in harsh conditions. "Whether you need that level of power today or are planning for tomorrow, the new switch provides the flexibility to scale without compromising reliability or security. It’s built to keep your network connected, no matter the circumstances.” Designed, manufactured, and supported in the United States, the switch meets BABA, NDAA, and TAA compliance standards.

BIGLOBE selects DE-CIX for faster European connectivity

Japanese internet service provider (ISP) BIGLOBE is now connected to internet exchange (IX) operator DE-CIX Frankfurt via GlobePEER Remote. The direct connection to one of the world’s largest internet exchanges seeks to enhance latency and network performance for BIGLOBE’s customers – especially for data exchange with European eyeball networks. As one of Japan’s largest ISPs, BIGLOBE is using the remote peering service from the IX operator to optimise its intercontinental data flows. The Tier 2 ISP connects through its existing access point in Tokyo. Peering at DE-CIX Frankfurt: Controlling data flows and minimising latency “Remote peering enables ISPs across the globe to connect to DE-CIX internet exchanges independent of their physical location,” says Frank P. Orlowski, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at DE-CIX. “This allows for more efficient control of data flows, reduced latency, and significantly improved network stability.” Yuichi Minami, Executive Officer / CNO at BIGLOBE, adds, “By directly connecting to European eyeball and content networks, we shorten data paths and improve service quality – especially for streaming and cloud-based applications. "At the same time, we reduce costs and boost the resilience of our network.” Internet and network services for Japan With nearly 1100 connected networks and an annual data volume of around 45 exabytes (as of 2024), DE-CIX Frankfurt is one of the largest internet exchanges in the world. GlobePEER Remote allows customers at one DE-CIX location to access other internet exchanges within the global DE-CIX ecosystem – including Singapore, New York, Madrid, Dubai, and Frankfurt – without needing additional on-site infrastructure. Headquartered in Tokyo, BIGLOBE provides internet access and network services, as well as content and applications for both private and business users. The new peering connection is part of the company’s international expansion strategy. In its 30th anniversary year, DE-CIX is accessible from data centres in more than 600 cities worldwide. For more from DE-CIX, click here.

Riverbed launches new network observability tools

Riverbed, a US-based provider of network performance monitoring, application management, and WAN optimisation software and hardware, has launched a new range of AI-powered network observability tools, aimed at helping enterprise IT teams manage increasingly complex environments. The latest updates include new hardware, enhanced software, and a more flexible licensing model, designed to support high-performance, AI-ready infrastructure. The new release features the Riverbed xx90 appliance family, reportedly delivering up to three times the performance of previous systems for AppResponse, NetProfiler, and Flow Gateway. The appliances are built for high-throughput packet and flow capture across distributed networks, supporting monitoring at over 50Gbps and offering scalable storage beyond 2.4PB. AppResponse 11.21 now enables real-time analysis of encrypted IPSec ESP tunnel traffic and cipher hygiene, while the new version of NetProfiler (10.29), according to the company, brings faster reporting, dynamic flow balancing, and support for Versa SD-WAN. The release also introduces the Riverbed Intelligent Network Observability Essentials bundle, combining key tools for hybrid environments: • Riverbed IQ – AI-powered diagnostics for issue detection and resolution • Workspaces – Role-based dashboards integrating packet, flow, and endpoint data • Grafana plug-in – Allows Riverbed data to be displayed in existing Grafana dashboards • Topology Viewer – Map-based visualisation of networks, applications, and user experience These features are available through the company's Riverbed Flex Subscription. The model, they claim, is intended to improve licensing flexibility, reduce total cost of ownership, and simplify long-term planning. “With today’s launch, we’re introducing next-generation observability systems that align with what our customers need: streamlined toolsets, automation, and cost-efficient performance,” says Dave Donatelli, CEO of Riverbed. “We’re delivering these capabilities with faster appliances, smarter software, and greater flexibility.” Riverbed reports 92% year-on-year growth in observability bookings for the first half of 2025. “As organisations prepare their infrastructure for AI and data-heavy applications, they need monitoring systems that are intelligent and built to scale,” adds Shamus McGillicuddy, Research Vice President at EMA.

AssetHUB, ITS to speed up fibre rollouts in UK cities

Organisations looking to deliver high-speed connectivity in major cities across the UK have been given a boost following a new partnership between asset reuse specialist AssetHUB and full fibre networks provider ITS. The collaboration will allow Altnets and other interested parties, such as enterprise businesses, government units, local council and carriers, to purchase ITS’s dark fibre assets through AssetHUB’s secure marketplace for buying and selling existing infrastructure. The companies say the addition reflects a "shared commitment to enabling faster, more efficient fibre deployments through smarter infrastructure planning and reuse." “Fibre rollouts in big cities often mean weeks of roadworks, noise, and many other disruptions, which frustrate residents and obstruct already busy streets,” says AssetHUB CEO Rob Leenderts. “Through collaboration and sharing of assets in big cities, Altnets and other fibre builders can avoid unnecessary dig costs and overbuild, as well as speed up deployments to businesses and other amenities that require urgent connectivity upgrades. "Having a centralised platform that clearly maps infrastructure or product availability in dense locations and streamlines asset enquiries can also help network builders decrease the time to market of their services.” Kevin McNulty, Strategy Director at ITS, adds, “Our strategic partnership with AssetHUB is an important step in our ambition to scale through collaboration. "By making our infrastructure discoverable to other parties at the point of planning, we’re supporting faster rollouts, reduced disruption, and greater visibility of critical fibre routes in some of the UK’s most in-demand urban areas.” The partnership also enables ITS to utilise AssetHUB’s marketplace as a buyer, sourcing infrastructure assets to support its own build and expansion plans.

365 Data Centers, Megaport grow partnership

365 Data Centers (365), a provider of network-centric colocation, network, cloud, and other managed services, has announced a further expansion of its partnership with Megaport, a global Network-as-a-Service provider (NaaS). Megaport has broadened its 365 footprint by adding Points of Presence (PoPs) at several of 365 Data Centers’ colocation facilities - namely Alpharetta, GA; Aurora, CO; Boca Raton, FL; Bridgewater, NJ; Carlstadt, NJ; and Spring Garden, PA - enhancing public cloud and other connectivity systems available to 365’s customers. Said customers will now be able to access DIA, Transport, and direct-to-cloud connectivity options to all the major public cloud hyperscalers - such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Oracle Cloud, and IBM Cloud - directly from 365 Data Centers. “Integrating Megaport’s advanced connectivity solutions into our data centers is a natural progression of our partnership and network-centric strategy," comments Derek Gillespie, CRO at 365 Data Centers. "When we’ve added to Megaport’s presence in other facilities, the deployments [have] fortified our joint Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and NaaS offerings and complemented our partnership in major markets. "Megaport’s growing presence with 365 significantly enhances the public cloud connectivity options available to our customers.” Michael Reid, CEO at Megaport, adds, “Our expanded partnership with 365 Data Centers is all about pushing boundaries and delivering more for our customers. "Together, we’re making cutting-edge network solutions easier to access, no matter the size or location of the business, so customers can connect, scale, and innovate on their terms.” For more from 365 Data Centers, click here.

Zayo Europe sees network expansion across UK and Germany

Network infrastructure provider Zayo Europe has reported a 61% increase in the total number of route miles it powers during the first half of 2025, compared to the second half of 2024. The growth has been spread across multiple European markets, with notable increases in the UK (241%) and Germany (173%). The company has attributed part of this expansion to its partnership with GasLINE. The figures reflect the momentum built since Zayo Europe became an independent entity in mid-2024. Since then, the company has focused on delivering network infrastructure across Europe’s complex and highly interconnected digital landscape. A major part of Zayo Europe’s current strategy involves increasing connectivity between data centres. The company now connects 600 sites across the continent, supporting digital services used by businesses, enterprises, and consumers. Alongside network expansion, Zayo Europe has also grown its workforce. Headcount rose by 10% during H1 2025, with roles added across delivery, customer service, finance, and internal operations. Further expansion is expected in the second half of the year, following Zayo Europe’s full acquisition of the Emerald Bridge subsea cable. The system provides G.652D dark fibre and high-capacity wave services between the UK and Dublin, Ireland. In the company's own words Colman Deegan, CEO at Zayo Europe, claims, “We always viewed H1 2025 as a pivotal period for Zayo Europe, marking a full year since we established ourselves as an independent entity. "While growth has always been a key success metric, the pace at which our best-in-class fibre infrastructure is now connecting data centres and points of presence across major European markets is especially encouraging as we look ahead to the remainder of 2025 and beyond. “Our continued network expansion not only enhances our service capabilities but also empowers our customers with greater reach, flexibility, and resilience, enabling them to scale operations, optimise performance, and react to evolving demands with confidence. “The growth achieved so far this year is testament to the strength and dedication of our team at Zayo Europe. Service excellence is in our DNA and is frequently cited as a driving force behind our ability to secure new partnerships and mission-critical connectivity projects. "That said, we’re not standing still. We’re aiming to continue this momentum throughout the rest of the year and well into 2026.” For more from Zayo Europe, click here.