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Hotelier Technology Update Private Networks iBAHN provides unique capabilities through its private, managed network services. In addition to the monitoring and reporting that is facilitated by managing the network, iBAHN also provides truly one-of-a-kind capabilities not available by using other providers. Many corporations and government agencies need highly secure network configurations to support mobile workers and large-scale off-site meeting needs. The proprietary iBAHN VPN certification program has enabled corporations and government agencies to rely on on-net iBAHN-enabled hotels for their travel, meeting and training needs.
What's so great about a private network, anyway? iBAHN has differentiated itself by owning and managing a private, MPLS network for its hotels. Many of the features are somewhat hidden from the guest and the hotelier, as they are services that make the network more reliable and more secure from hackers, spam and other attacks. From the guest's point of view, the need to authenticate onto the network may even be slightly more difficult than on a completely open network. So, why bother with the security of MPLS and managed iBAHN services? Some hotels have even opted to use iBAHN customer services and support, but still run their hotels on an off-net circuit, to save operational expenses. However, off-net circuits limit the capabilities for the hotel to provide the full range of services available, and, in some cases, it limits which corporations can use their hotels.
Key features of the iBAHN private managed network The iBAHN private managed network provides many features that enable hoteliers to provide a more reliable and secure environment for guests. Many of these features enable hotels to deliver services to large events and groups with the assurance that the network will be able to handle their needs. Here are a few of the features that specifically benefit guests: Connection Security – Because the network is private, external hackers cannot see users on the network. iBAHN translates private IPs to Public IPs when it sends the traffic out, and back again when the traffic returns. External users cannot see the translation, so spam, viruses etc. do not reach end users.
Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation – The iBAHN network enables bandwidth to be added “on the fly” with both (1) short lead times and (2) the ability to install additional temporary circuits with short term contracts. Multi-Casting – Large scale events often want to multi-cast the production..The iBAHN network is designed to support multi-cast events, and has delivered this service for some of the largest technology corporations in the world. Video Conferencing – All hotels on the iBAHN network can seamlessly support video conferencing between locations. Management companies or owners with multiple hotels on the iBAHN network can easily use video conferencing for internal training or communications, with no need for dedicated ISDN connections or complicated set up. Virtually Unlimited IP Addresses – Large scale events require large numbers of IP addresses to get everyone connected. iBAHN dynamically allocates IPs so large events have the addresses they need to get everyone connected.
Why do corporations and government agencies want a private network at hotels? Corporate customers increasingly value the security of their connectivity when on the road. With Sarbanes-Oxley data control requirements, the security of remote computers has become a major concern for large organisations. Recent news stories have covered phishing and spyware rings targeting hotel guests. A key benefit of the private network is the ability to provide full security, so corporations can rely on their corporate security measures to work at your hotel. iBAHN manages a proprietary VPN certification programme, which has certified 500+ corporations and government agencies. With iBAHN, it is not simply a matter of making sure that a Cisco- based VPN system works, iBAHN consults with each corporation to set up and test the configurations so that all travellers from that company have a secure and seamless experience. Here are some examples of how corporations are managing their lodging choices based on security configurations: 1. Lockheed-Martin has stringent security standards, and has certified their VPN security models with iBAHN. Hotels which are on the iBAHN network are the only hotels that Lockheed-Martin recommends for events. Members of Lockheed-Martin staff were planning to switch ongoing accommodations to on-net iBAHN hotels, because of the network security. The hotel, instead, switched to become an on-net iBAHN hotel. 2. Oracle has conducted their training exclusively at secure corporate facilities to ensure strict network security, but has found these site limitations are causing difficulties. They recently certified their cutting-edge “VPN within a VPN” security model with iBAHN, enabling these Oracle training events to be conducted exclusively at on-net iBAHNenabled hotels. 3. The U.S. Coast Guard recently certified their new Mobile Command Centre to be able to set up field operations in any on-net iBAHN-enabled hotel at a moment’s notice, creating a highly-secure operations and lodging centre for the USCG during major events, such as hurricanes. Only iBAHN was able to provide the network configuration needed to ensure the Coast Guard’s ability to move in immediately and begin the task of saving lives.
What does this mean to the hotelier? Private networks enable a higher level of security and the ability to support complex applications being used by major corporations and government agencies. iBAHN is increasingly being asked to provide lists of iBAHN-enabled (on-net) hotels by these corporations and government agencies to enable them to comply with their stringent security requirements.
How does iBAHN help? iBAHN works with major corporations and government agencies to manage complex security configurations, so that these organisations can rely on their network security when they travel, and have a positive guest experience at iBAHN-enabled hotels. iBAHN is continually certifying new corporations’ VPN security settings, enabling them to choose iBAHN hotels for their travel accommodations and meetings.
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