The core routers within Smartdc are the heart of the i3D.net network. Core routers are responsible for controlling data traffic within a network and act as the backbone of a network because the router connects all network devices. These routers are optimized for sending high bandwidth volumes through the network.
More bandwidth
The demand for bandwidth is still growing. This does not only concern the cabled internet connection but with the prospect of the 5G network, also mobile internet traffic. “The result is that developers and publishers actually want to use the bandwidth that is continuously increasing because of the needs of the end-user,” says Stefan Ideler, CTO at i3D.net. i3D.net expects the interaction within games, virtual reality, and cloud game streaming to increase in the upcoming years. “We must not only ensure the lowest possible latency but also ensure that the volume is adequate for the new games being developed.”
Therefore, the router upgrade was necessary with an eye to the future. Not only do organizations and consumers use more and more data, but i3D.net also needed to anticipate future construction of the 5G network in the Netherlands. With a 5G network, larger amounts of data will have to be processed, stored, and distributed for which a higher bandwidth is required. The expansion to 100 Gbit ports with the possibility to further expand to 400 Gbit ports was, therefore, necessary in the data center. The Juniper MX10008 offers improved performance and flexibility which are needed for this development.
Network requirements
The old core routers within i3D.net’s data center Smartdc had been operational for quite some time. The continuous technological improvements combined with the rapid growth of i3D.net accelerated the urge for replacing the core routers. When looking for new routers i3D.net also looked at efficient power consumption, less rack space, and automation options in the selection process.
“i3D.net is constantly expanding and improving its own network in order to create the best experience for gamers.”
Edwin Verwoerd, VP of Engineering at i3D.net
i3D.net and Juniper Networks
When looking for routing solutions, the choice ultimately fell on Juniper Networks. The cooperation between Juniper and i3D.net started in 2017, when i3D.net suffered from application attacks in a certain region. i3D.net was looking for a way to implement and manage advanced firewalls in different locations, without having to send special hardware to the location. A solution was sought together with Juniper Networks. i3D.net implemented a Juniper vSRX Virtual Firewall to deliver a complete and integrated virtual security solution with automated management capabilities.
Benefits of the Juniper MX10008
The new Juniper MX10008 offers many benefits for both i3D.net and the data center Smartdc. The cost aspect also played a role in the decision making. The new generation of routers is more energy efficient, which means that Smartdc can somewhat counteract the rise in electricity costs.
One supplier, One platform
The previous supplier that supplied routers and other network equipment to i3D.net was taken over by various parties in 2017. This forced i3D.net to work with different suppliers for firewalls, switches and routers, which proved to be inefficient. These suppliers each work with different Operating Systems (OS) and this requires different types of certifications.
This has now been reduced to one supplier. Working with one supplier is more efficient and ultimately costs less because you only need to certify for one OS. Juniper works with one generic OS, called Junos. This OS is used on all Juniper equipment. This means that staff certification courses apply to the entire Juniper portfolio. This allows all employees to work with Juniper, which means that any bugs can be traced faster. Because Juniper consists of one ecosystem, employees can handle all devices so that customers can be served better and faster.
Better, faster, stronger
The i3D.net global network is specially built for games and their player base. It is focused on ultra-low latency. However, i3D.net is constantly growing with an eye on emerging markets. With the new MX10008, i3D.net can meet the technological and business demands that are placed on the services that are offered. The old equipment in the other data center locations will also be replaced in the short term by equipment from Juniper Networks in order to give gamers around the world the best gaming experience possible.
