CtrlS: Driving Future-Ready Reliability with High-Speed Connectivity

Whether it is an enterprise customer or SME player – CtrlS is delivering on the promise of unhindered high-speed connectivity for its customers. The company is employing next-generation technologies in order to drive innovation in seamlessly connecting networks and edge infrastructure for its customer base.

Vipul Kumar, VP-Edge & Network, CtrlS Datacenters speaks with Zia Askari from TelecomDrive.com about the company’s current strategy and its future plans.

What are the key priorities for CtrlS in terms of enabling network and edge infrastructure for its customers?

CtrlS prioritizes high-performance, secure, and future-ready connectivity through advanced fiber optics and networks. The company enables continuous monitoring and strategic partnerships with Tier 1 operators ensure our network's performance and reliability, providing seamless, high-speed connectivity crucial for our clients' mission-critical operations.

How does CtrlS ensure high-speed connectivity within its data centers, and what network technologies are employed to optimize data transfer rates and reduce latency?

At CtrlS, we ensure high-speed connectivity within our data centers through a robust combination of advanced infrastructure, redundant pathways, and state-of-the-art technologies. Utilizing high-capacity fiber optics shortest possible data paths, we optimize data flow and latency. Our metro networks, coupled with edge computing integration, substantially reduce latency. Furthermore, our deployment of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) networks in major metropolitan areas is capable of handling multiple terabits per second, enhances data transfer efficiency. Continuous monitoring and strategic partnerships with Tier 1 operators ensure our network's performance and reliability, providing seamless, high-speed connectivity crucial for our clients' mission-critical operations.

What security measures does CtrlS implement to protect data center connectivity from cyber threats, both physically and virtually?

Our data centers feature a nine-zone security system, including 24/7 surveillance, biometric access controls, and secure facility designs, adhering to a Rated 4 Design standard to prevent unauthorized access. Virtually, we utilize advanced DDoS mitigation capability, deployed across all our facilities, sourced from leading providers, to defend against large-scale attacks and ensure continuous service availability.

Furthermore, our deployment of DWDM technology allows us to provide secure Layer 1 (L1) capacities to our customers, ensuring dedicated and reliable bandwidth. Our network infrastructure is further fortified with cutting-edge firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and regular security audits to maintain the highest level of protection. By integrating these physical and virtual measures, we ensure that our clients’ data and connectivity are safeguarded against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

A lot of SMEs and enterprise face this threat coming from data scraping / automated BOT activities that consume huge bandwidth. How do you deal with such threats for your customers?

CtrlS combats data scraping and automated BOT threats by employing advanced cyber protection measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection, prevention systems, and DDoS mitigation. These tools identify and ensure network integrity. The use of secure DWDM technology provides dedicated bandwidth, reducing the risk of unauthorized data access. Regular security audits further strengthen their infrastructure.

Can customers establish direct connections to major cloud service providers within CtrlS data centers, and what options does CtrlS provide for cloud connectivity?

Yes, customers can establish direct connections to major cloud service providers within CtrlS data centers across our Hyperscale and Edge DCs. We can provide connectivity to all leading cloud providers, enabling access to AWS Direct Connect, Google Cloud Interconnect, Azure ExpressRoute, Oracle FastConnect, Alibaba Cloud Connect, and more. With years of experience in cloud connectivity, we are well-equipped to handle any capacity requirements, whether as small as 50 Mbps or as large as multiple 100 Gbps. Our extensive infrastructure and expertise ensure seamless and reliable connections to support our clients’ diverse cloud needs. In key markets like Hyderabad, we are the first player to offer Google Cloud connectivity services. In addition to these direct connectivity options, CtrlS provides IX (Internet Exchange) Connect services, allowing customers to connect to leading cloud providers via an Internet exchange as well.

How does CtrlS handle data center interconnectivity between its various facilities, and what technologies are utilized to maintain high-speed connections over long distances?

CtrlS DCs are strategically located and offer proximity to major IXs, Cloud and Edge Network nodes and business hubs, which enhances connectivity and reduce latency. For interconnectivity between our various facilities across India, we have built high capacity, redundant network capacities, which rides on leased network of multiple Tier1 operators making it robust and reliable. We rely on technologies like DWDM, MPLS and EVPN to maintain high speed redundant network. By continually investing in upgrading our network infrastructure and staying abreast of emerging technologies, CtrlS remains at the forefront of providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity solutions to meet the evolving needs of their clients in an increasingly data-driven world. By continuously expanding our capabilities and partnerships, we provide our customers with the flexibility and performance needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What level of support does CtrlS offer to customers for managing their connectivity needs within CtrlS data centers, particularly in terms of optimization for performance and reliability?

We provide comprehensive support for managing connectivity needs, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Our network engineers offer 24/7 support, assisting with design, implementation, and management. Each customer is assigned a program manager for personalized service. We conduct regular performance assessments and use advanced monitoring tools to address potential issues proactively. We offer some of the best SLAs in the Indian market and customize them as needed. With scalable bandwidth options, QoS policies, and an extensive network infrastructure, we deliver high-speed, performance and reliable connections. All our facilities are carrier and network neutral, and customers have the options to choose their network partners basis their preference and need. Our proactive approach, dedicated support and presence of reach network ecosystem within our DC facilities, empower clients to achieve their business objectives with confidence.

How does CtrlS adapt its connectivity infrastructure to support emerging technologies like 5G and IoT?

We adapt our connectivity infrastructure to support emerging technologies like 5G and IoT by deploying the latest high-end platforms designed for scalability and future growth. Our advanced DWDM infrastructures are designed with a view to utilize both C-band and L-band spectrums, allows us to support the substantial bandwidth requirements of large 5G deployments for our customers. We ensure our network is flexible and robust, incorporating advanced protocols and scalable solutions to handle the increasing data demands of 5G and IoT. Additionally, we have strategically deployed Edge Data Centers, which play a critical role in hosting 5G ecosystems. These Edge DCs bring computational power closer to end users, reducing latency and significantly enhancing the performance of IoT applications, ensuring seamless integration and optimal functionality of emerging technologies.