C H A P T E R 1

Overview

This chapter provides a general overview of the Cisco Service Control solution. It introduces the Cisco Service Control concept and the Service Control capabilities. It also briefly describes the hardware capabilities of the Service Control Engine (SCE) platform, as well as the Cisco specific applications that together compose the total Cisco Service Control solution.

This chapter contains the following sections:

The Cisco Service Control Concept

1-1

Cisco Service Control Capabilities1-2

The SCE Platform 1-3

Management and Collection

1-4

 

Service Configuration Management

1-5

The Cisco Service Control Concept

The Cisco Service Control solution is delivered through a combination of purpose-built hardware and specific software solutions that address various Service Control challenges faced by service providers. The SCE platform is designed to support classification, analysis, and control of Internet/IP traffic.

Service Control enables service providers to create profitable new revenue streams while capitalizing on their existing infrastructure. With the power of Service Control, service providers have the ability to analyze, charge for, and control IP network traffic at multi-Gigabit wire line speeds. The Cisco Service Control solution also gives service providers the tools they need to identify and target high-margin content-based services, and enable their delivery.

As the downturn in the telecommunications industry has shown, IP service providers' business models need to be reworked to make them profitable. Having spent billions of dollars to build ever larger data links, providers have incurred massive debts and rising costs. At the same time, access and bandwidth have become a commodity where prices continually fall and profits disappear. Service providers have realized that they must offer value-added services to derive more revenue from the traffic and services running on their networks. However, capturing real profits from IP services requires more than simply running those services over data links; it requires detailed monitoring and precise, real-time control and awareness of services as they are delivered. Cisco provides Service Control solutions that allow the service provider to bridge this gap.

Cisco SCE 2000 4xGBE Installation and Configuration Guide

 

OL-7824-04

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Cisco Systems SCE 2000 4xGBE manual Overview, Cisco Service Control Concept

SCE 2000 4xGBE specifications

The Cisco Systems SCE 2000 4xGBE is a robust solution designed to optimize IP networks and enhance service delivery. As a member of Cisco's Service Control Engine (SCE) product line, this device is particularly suited for service providers looking to manage network traffic, improve service quality, and provide a suite of advanced management features.

One of the standout features of the SCE 2000 is its ability to process and analyze network traffic in real-time. This capability allows operators to gain insights into user behavior, application usage, and overall network performance. By utilizing deep packet inspection technology, the SCE 2000 can identify different types of traffic, enabling network managers to enforce policies and prioritize critical applications effectively.

In terms of interface capabilities, the SCE 2000 offers four 1 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) ports. This versatility allows for easy integration into existing network infrastructure while ensuring ample bandwidth for data transfer. The device supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, making it future-proof and suitable for evolving network demands.

One of the significant technologies employed by the SCE 2000 is Service Level Agreement (SLA) management. This feature ensures that service providers can meet their commitments to customers by monitoring performance metrics such as latency, jitter, and packet loss. The ability to generate reports based on SLA compliance allows for better customer engagement and transparency.

Additionally, the SCE 2000 facilitates dynamic resource allocation, enabling service providers to adapt network resources based on current demand. This elasticity is crucial in managing peak loads and ensuring a seamless user experience. Furthermore, the device’s support for Quality of Service (QoS) policies ensures that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and resources dedicated to maintaining operational efficiency.

The SCE 2000 also emphasizes security with features such as intrusion detection and prevention capabilities, helping protect the integrity of the network. This combination of performance monitoring, traffic management, and security makes the SCE 2000 an invaluable tool for service providers.

In conclusion, the Cisco Systems SCE 2000 4xGBE is a powerful network management solution that excels in providing real-time traffic management, SLA compliance, and security features. Its capabilities make it an essential component for service providers aiming to optimize their networks while delivering high-quality services to their customers.