Enterprise WANs can consist of various combinations of wired and cellular wireless components that traverse many geographic areas. While a large service provider can support these needs, multiple providers must also be considered based on enterprise risk policy, total costs, and geographic coverage requirements. Network managers should consider the following points as they deliberate the value of using single versus multiple service providers for WAN requirements:
- Cost of multi-provider WAN services versus a single provider.
- Risks and rewards of a single versus a multi-provider solution.
- Future enterprise needs versus WAN provider capabilities.
Large service providers such as AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon can provide both wired and wireless WAN services. However, the key question is whether a single or a multi-provider solution provides the best enterprise value proposition.