Whilst many of us are growing accustomed to using online video conferencing and accessing the corporate network through a virtual private network as the primary source of connections, questions around how the Internet will withstand the new demands that are being made of it remain.
In the past week alone, we’ve seen a 30% increase worldwide in streaming activity, and, according to Virgin Media, twice as much daytime Internet usage in the UK. Streaming content companies including Netflix, Disney and Amazon have removed their highest bandwidth streams or reduced bit rates to alleviate the pressure, but network providers, including BT, have been quick to reassure us that they are more than prepared to meet even the extraordinary needs presented by coronavirus.
For many of us working in technology, particularly Internet technology, we have first-hand experience of just how resilient networks can be. IT and network management are designed to ensure that networks are ready for a huge onslaught in demand, whether it’s coming from unprecedented remote working sessions, or the delivery of Disney+.
The modern companies and forward-looking brands that most organisations are relying on to keep their operations running – those that provide everything from collaboration tools to globally accessible SaaS versions of their products – have either already undertaken their structural evolution, or they’ve built resiliency into every layer of infrastructure. This means that they are able to make intelligent, real-time decisions within the infrastructure to avoid congestion or system overload. By building resilient networks, they are prepared for the unexpected.
Our company sits at the base of this infrastructure, working at the DNS layer to help steer application and Internet traffic, and we have redundancy built in to ensure uptime and a seamless performance. We have back-up, what’s known as always-on secondary DNS and automated failover. If the primary DNS fails, the redundant or secondary system DNS can pick up the load and queries won’t go unanswered causing disruption.
DNS is an absolutely fundamental part of the Internet, but not something that gets talked about very often. Primarily it is the directory of IP addresses which enable people and organisations to connect with the websites or online services that they need, and it is rather an unsung hero, particularly at the moment.
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So, whilst organisations across the world implement emergency operations to protect employees and assets, continue with their operations and serve customers, it is Internet-based innovations like cloud-based apps, virtual private networks and online tools that are making it possible.
Every time you click on a link, start a video conference or stream a movie during this difficult time, spare a thought for the technology infrastructure. It is keeping you online and your business operating seamlessly, despite coronavirus.
Whilst many of us are growing accustomed to using online video conferencing and accessing the corporate network through a virtual private network as the primary source of connections, questions around how the Internet will withstand the new demands that are being made of it remain.
In the past week alone, we’ve seen a 30% increase worldwide in streaming activity, and, according to Virgin Media, twice as much daytime Internet usage in the UK. Streaming content companies including Netflix, Disney and Amazon have removed their highest bandwidth streams or reduced bit rates to alleviate the pressure, but network providers, including BT, have been quick to reassure us that they are more than prepared to meet even the extraordinary needs presented by coronavirus.
For many of us working in technology, particularly Internet technology, we have first-hand experience of just how resilient networks can be. IT and network management are designed to ensure that networks are ready for a huge onslaught in demand, whether it’s coming from unprecedented remote working sessions, or the delivery of Disney+.
The modern companies and forward-looking brands that most organisations are relying on to keep their operations running – those that provide everything from collaboration tools to globally accessible SaaS versions of their products – have either already undertaken their structural evolution, or they’ve built resiliency into every layer of infrastructure. This means that they are able to make intelligent, real-time decisions within the infrastructure to avoid congestion or system overload. By building resilient networks, they are prepared for the unexpected.
Our company sits at the base of this infrastructure, working at the DNS layer to help steer application and Internet traffic, and we have redundancy built in to ensure uptime and a seamless performance. We have back-up, what’s known as always-on secondary DNS and automated failover. If the primary DNS fails, the redundant or secondary system DNS can pick up the load and queries won’t go unanswered causing disruption.
DNS is an absolutely fundamental part of the Internet, but not something that gets talked about very often. Primarily it is the directory of IP addresses which enable people and organisations to connect with the websites or online services that they need, and it is rather an unsung hero, particularly at the moment.
So, whilst organisations across the world implement emergency operations to protect employees and assets, continue with their operations and serve customers, it is Internet-based innovations like cloud-based apps, virtual private networks and online tools that are making it possible.
Every time you click on a link, start a video conference or stream a movie during this difficult time, spare a thought for the technology infrastructure. It is keeping you online and your business operating seamlessly, despite coronavirus.
About The Author
Mark Fieldhouse is the General Manager for NS1 EMEA and has over 25 years’ experience in the software industry. Prior to NS1, Mark managed New Relic’s Northern European business, IBM’s UK Business Analytics division and several start-ups. As NS1’s General Manager for EMEA, Mark’s extensive experience in the software and wider tech industry will enable the business to scale rapidly into new regions and sectors.
