In response to the rapid growth of cloud-based tools and the increasing shift towards remote work, Services Australia has announced its plan to replace its network infrastructure for the first time in over a decade. The upgrade, known as the Telecommunications Services Program, will be based on a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) architecture. This significant transformation aims to enhance network performance, improve connectivity reliability, and bolster security measures for Services Australia and its partner agencies, including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Social Services.
The Telecommunications Services Program
The Telecommunications Services Program, based on SD-WAN architecture, marks a critical milestone for Services Australia. With this upgrade, the agency seeks to meet the evolving needs of its workforce, which increasingly relies on cloud-based tools and remote work arrangements. The new SD-WAN infrastructure will support not only Services Australia but also its partner agencies, ensuring efficient and reliable telecommunications services across the board.
The shift to SD-WAN
The decision to transition to SD-WAN reflects the changing work environment, where remote work days for Services Australia employees are now uncapped. The agency’s existing wide area network (WAN) architecture, developed over a decade ago, no longer aligns with the demands of a modern workplace. Legacy corporate networks often struggle to provide users with adequate network performance, reliable connectivity, and effective security measures, hindering productivity and the delivery of essential services.
Challenges of legacy corporate networks
Legacy corporate networks have become a hurdle for government agencies and organizations around the world. Outdated infrastructure, limited scalability, and the inability to handle the complexities of cloud-based technologies have led to performance issues and security vulnerabilities. Services Australia’s decision to replace its network infrastructure is a proactive step towards addressing these challenges and ensuring a robust and future-proof telecommunications framework.
Replacement of VPN functionality
As part of the upgrade, Services Australia has procured subscriptions for Zscaler products to replace the virtual private network (VPN) functionality provided by Cisco. Zscaler’s advanced cloud security solutions will offer enhanced security measures, ensuring secure and seamless connectivity for Services Australia’s employees. This shift not only simplifies the network architecture but also provides a scalable and cost-effective solution for secure remote access.
Network Transformation Scope
The chosen network transformation provider will be tasked with delivering onboarding services and facilitating network transformation for SD-WAN, SD-WLAN (software-defined wireless local area network), and SD-LAN (software-defined local area network). By incorporating these technologies, Services Australia aims to optimize the performance of their entire network infrastructure, including their wireless and local area networks, enabling a seamless and secure user experience across all locations.
Transition Plan
Services Australia is planning to commence the transition from its existing networking provider as early as next year, with the aim of having the new network infrastructure fully implemented by December 2024. This phased approach will ensure a smooth migration process, minimizing disruptions to services while maximizing the benefits of the upgraded telecommunications services. With a well-executed transition plan, Services Australia projects significant improvements in network performance, connectivity reliability, and security measures for its employees and partner agencies.
The decision by Services Australia to replace its network infrastructure with a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) architecture demonstrates a commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of a modern workforce. The Telecommunications Services Program will significantly enhance network performance, ensure reliable connectivity, and strengthen security measures for Services Australia and its partner agencies. By embracing cloud-based tools and supporting remote work, Services Australia is primed to foster productivity and deliver quality services to the Australian public efficiently and securely.