Tele2 tested SD-WAN technology in salons

2021 SD-WAN Testing

Tele2 tested SD-WAN technology (software-defined distributed networks) in the salons. The solution allows you to flexibly manage data transfer between the head office and retail outlets. This was announced on August 26, 2021 by Rostelecom. The technology redistributes the load on point of sale communication channels and increases the fault tolerance of digital services and cabin equipment. SD-WAN minimizes the risk of internet inaccessibility, which eliminates the possibility of malfunctioning cash registers, incorrect display of information on digital panels and queuing. The operator plans to implement the technology at other points in its retail network.

Tele2, together with the office of promising products of the corporate and state segments of Rostelecom, implemented a pilot project to introduce a system for supporting wired network channels. It helps to redistribute the load to communication channels within the network. According to Tele2, even minor interruptions in the communication channel at the outlet can lead to the loss of up to 5% of customers. SD-WAN technology reduces this risk to zero: the solution provides reliable Internet access and uninterrupted operation of digital equipment. In case of problems with the Internet, SD-WAN allows you to dynamically, in real time, check all available communication channels at the point and route traffic along the optimal path.

Tele2 transforms traditional points into digital salons of a new format, however, the use of technologies creates a load on communication channels. The digital cabin system consists of virtual storefronts, self-service terminals, electronic price tags, a smart video analytics system, guest Wi-Fi. Tele2 uses a digital approach to laying out the goods: the buyer can familiarize themselves with smartphones, study their characteristics and read online reviews using an interactive showcase. These services and digital equipment of Tele2 salons require high-quality Internet. At the same time, it is important to ensure uninterrupted operation of communication channels in remote outlets. All these tasks are solved by SD-WAN technology.

Testing was carried out on the basis of Brain4Net Service Platform using Bulat equipment and Tele2 SIM cards. For the pilot, salons were chosen in remote settlements, where stable wired Internet is not always available. According to the results of testing, it was decided to scale the project to other communication salons of the company, where the load on communication channels is growing.

{{quote 'author = said Denis Goleshchikhin, Director of Tele2 Retail. |

The project was the next stage of the IT development strategy in our retail network and the result of synergy between Tele2 and Rostelecom. Within the framework of a strategic partnership, we are developing convergent solutions. The operation of digital salons in the 3.0 format requires modern approaches and technologies. Our network is located in different parts of the country, so it is important for us to ensure the uninterrupted operation of communication channels in remote outlets where the necessary technical infrastructure is not yet available. We want our customers to be able to appreciate all the advantages and amenities of the salons. The application of SD-WAN is an example of the integration of two operators and an important step that reveals the joint capabilities of Rostelecom and Tele2,}}

{{quote 'author = noted Hamid Nurgaleev, director of the office of promising products of the corporate and state segments of Rostelecom. |

Our expertise and understanding of Tele2's needs made it possible to complete SD-WAN testing as soon as possible. During the implementation of the project, Rostelecom digital solutions demonstrated reliability at all stages of work. Our IT solutions increase the efficiency of business processes, which allows you to achieve sustainable growth in the long term. We plan to continue to help implement advanced digital solutions in the Tele2 cabin network,}}

Based on SD-WAN technology, Tele2 introduced the Network-as-a-Service. NaaS is the concept of providing network connectivity services in a comprehensive form without capital material investments. The service covers the entire range of network services: from connecting offices between each other and public networks to connecting employee workstations.

The use of NaaS in pilot salons ensured the high quality of the main and backup communication channels, stable Internet, reliable operation of the cash desk, virtual windows and other equipment in the salons. This had a positive impact on the work of the staff and ensured the highest quality of service to visitors.