Systems and methods for forming and operating robust communication networks for an enterprise

Abstract

Systems and methods are described for forming and operating communication networks that support the needs of an enterprise. These systems and methods include: establishing a plurality enterprise network nodes overlaid on one or more common carrier networks; establishing independence between the enterprise network and the common carrier networks; designing services provided by the enterprise network to be consistent with the current modes of operation of the common carrier networks and employing existing services of the common carrier networks to transport enterprise data; employing redundancy in communications among enterprise network nodes and in the storage of enterprise data. Compared to current enterprise networks, a network based on these methods and systems is easier to implement, is less expensive, and could be deployed more quickly. This network is not limited by the coverage and services provided by any particular carrier. With the systems and methods of this invention, the impact on the common carrier networks of providing services for an enterprise network are minimized. The redundancy associated with the systems and methods of this invention enables an enterprise network to quickly recover from a disaster and support the continuity of business operations.