Virgin Media are an SD WAN and SASE service provider, offering solutions based on Versa Networks and Fortinet. They offer cloud access services based on AWS and Azure, with managed and DIY services for SD WAN and SASE.
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Virgin Media is suited to businesses that require fully managed SD WAN and SASE security services at a competitive price. They offer end to end managed services as well as DIY for SASE, cybersecurity, and both the SD WAN underlay and overlay. This solution has offerings for any size enterprise either global or domestic and also provides services for businesses within the public sector. The Virgin Media SD WAN offering utilizes Versa Networks solutions and Zscaler security, both of which are Leaders in the Gartner Magic Quadrant. This provider’s offering is available at competitive rates though previous users note a lack of granular control relative to some competitors. Virgin Media’s solution is also limited by the use of single SD WAN and SASE vendors. Though this helps keep their price point lower, it also restricts customer choice of vendors and should be taken into consideration when evaluating potential providers.
About Virgin Media Business
Virgin Media Business (a subsidiary of Virgin Media Ltd.) was launched in 2010 and has its Head Office in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom. In June 2021 Virgin Media merged with Telefonica’s O2 to enhance their respective mobile and broadband offerings.
What are the Pros & Cons of Virgin Media Business SD WAN & SASE Cybersecurity?
List of the pros and cons associated with Virgin Media SD WAN and SASE security.
Virgin Media Pros & Cons
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:59 PM | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:59 PM | ✓ Scalable Solutions: Offers solutions for small, medium, and large enterprises, with options for scalability. | ❌ Aggressive Pricing: Virgin Media are very aggressive from a price point of view. However, some previous clients have reported that their service is not as granular as other offerings. |
| 2 | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:59 PM | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:59 PM | ✓ Strong DIY Option: Provides a self-serve portal, useful for firms that need to self-manage to adhere to legal and regulatory requirements. | |
| 3 | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:59 PM | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:59 PM | ✓ Low Cost for Standard Requirements: A good fit for low-cost solutions if your requirements are standard. | |
| Pros | Cons |
Comparison: Virgin Media vs BT SD WAN & security
Consider the points below to compare Virgin Media vs BT SD WAN and SASE security.
Virgin Media vs BT Comparison
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Virgin Media | BT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:57 PM | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:57 PM | Virgin Media is a good fit for low-cost and DIY solutions. | BT can focus on small/medium enterprises as well as large corporations. |
| 2 | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:57 PM | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:57 PM | Virgin Media claims to have 330 Ethernet PoPs across the UK with 38,000 street cabinets. | BT has a high PoP density across the UK connecting to their global IP backbone. |
| 3 | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:57 PM | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:57 PM | Virgin Media offers DIY and managed services. | Does not offer co-managed or DIY SD WAN. |
| 4 | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:57 PM | hyelland | 04/11/2024 03:57 PM | Virgin Media offers a SASE framework via their partnership with Zscaler. | Does not offer full SASE. |
| Virgin Media | BT |
What are Virgin Media's Solutions?
- Business Broadband: Virgin Media offer their Voom Fiber broadband as a super fast broadband solution for business, including 4G Start-up and 4G Back-up. This comes in a number of packages.
- Internet Leased Lines (DIA): Clients are offered Internet leased lines with a dedicated Internet connection direct into client sites. The solution comes with integrated Cisco cybersecurity, constant monitoring from Virgin Media’s in-house engineers and symmetrical upload and download speeds.
- Connecting Sites and VPNs: Virgin Media’s VPN solution is designed to allow clients to secure applications (such as intranets) across multiple sites. The service is offered UK wide direct from Virgin Media and globally via partners. VPN solutions can connect to IPVPN, SD WAN, Ethernet VPN and Ethernet Point-to-Point.
- Voice over IP (VoIP) Solutions: Virgin Media will move communication tools to the cloud, integrating them with existing infrastructure.
- SIP Trunking: SIP trunking optimizes secure data connections such as IP Virtual Private Networks or Managed Internet Access, meaning that only one connection is required for data tasks and voice calls.
What is the Virgin Media SD-WAN solution?
Virgin Media’s SD WAN solution is based on Versa Networks, providing both overlay and underlay as a fully managed bundle. The software overlay features include routing, firewalls, load balancing, encryption, resilience and application optimization. A number of hardware difference devices such as network terminating equipment, modems, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) with Layer 2 routing, storage and switching are included in the offering.
Because Virgin Media’s SD WAN solution includes managed services for both underlay and overlay, as well as offering optimization and support for deployment. Virgin Media deploy SD WAN in three stages, allowing them to provide granular support throughout the entire process. First, clients can choose between an online demonstration, or a full SD WAN trial at chosen client sites, allowing Virgin Media’s engineers to configure an architecture in line with business needs. Second, the SD WAN engineers will support clients as they migrate to SD WAN and move applications to the cloud and finally Virgin Media will provide continuing support for the SD WAN network, with constant monitoring and online support from the SD WAN Knowledge Base for online advice and how-to guides. Because the solution is single-vendor, clients can communicate with Virgin Media as a single point of contact without the need for multiple providers and vendors.
What is Virgin Media's SASE solution?
Virgin Media is partnered with Zscaler to create a SASE framework powered by the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange. The SASE solution includes a cloud firewall, Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), cloud sandbox and Cloud Data Loss Prevention (DLP), with secure remote access functions. Further cybersecurity features include advanced protection, URL filtering, file type controls, cloud app control and antivirus. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange improves migrations to the cloud by working across SD WAN, IPVPN, WAN, public Internet connections and mobile. Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) offers clients data protection and secure branch connectivity for the Internet using local Internet breakouts.
Virgin Media SD-WAN Features
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Virgin Media SD-WAN Network Solutions | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | Virgin Leased Lines | High-Speed Internet: Up to 10Gbps standard speeds and options for up to 100Gbps |
| 2 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | Speed and Reliability: Symmetrical upload and download speeds with a service availability of 99.995% | |
| 3 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | Dedicated Connection: A private internet connection for consistent performance | |
| 4 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | Security: Options for enhanced security measures, including Next Generation Firewalls | |
| 5 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | Virgin Broadband Services | Voom Gig1: 1000Mbps download and 100Mbps upload speeds, dynamic or 5 static IPs |
| 6 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | Voom 400: 400Mbps download and 40Mbps upload speeds, dynamic IP | |
| 7 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | Voom 600: 600Mbps download and 60Mbps upload speeds, dynamic or 1 static IP | |
| 8 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:14 AM | Essential 100: 100Mbps download, 10Mbps upload speeds, dynamic IP | |
| Virgin Media SD-WAN Network Solutions | Features |
Virgin Media with Velocloud
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | VeloCloud Feature | Alignment with Virgin Media Internet Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | SD-WAN: Optimised Performance | VeloCloud’s SD-WAN enhances Virgin Media’s high-speed broadband and leased lines, ensuring optimised application performance and efficient remote site connectivity. This integration supports Virgin Media’s commitment to providing fast and reliable network |
| 2 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | SD-WAN: Cloud Network Integration | The cloud network integration capabilities of VeloCloud’s SD-WAN complement Virgin Media’s services, facilitating seamless cloud access and improving overall network efficiency for businesses leveraging cloud computing. |
| 3 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | SD-WAN: Dynamic Multipath Optimisation | VeloCloud’s dynamic multipath optimisation aligns with Virgin Media’s diverse internet service offerings to allow businesses to maximise network performance and reliability by leveraging multiple Virgin Media connections. |
| 4 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | SASE: Unified Network and Security | VeloCloud’s SASE solution helps businesses with distributed workforces and cloud dependencies. |
| 5 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | SASE: Enhanced Security Posture | The integration of VeloCloud’s SASE cybersecurity features with Virgin Media’s internet services strengthens the overall security posture for businesses. |
| 6 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | SASE: Zero Trust Network Access | VeloCloud’s Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) works well with Virgin Media’s internet offerings by providing secure, identity-based access control for businesses with remote or hybrid work models. |
| 7 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | SASE: Cloud-Delivered Security Services | The cloud-delivered security services of VeloCloud’s SASE offers scalable and efficient security solutions for businesses with extensive cloud usage. |
| 8 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:15 AM | SASE: Simplified Management and Deployment | VeloCloud’s SASE solution provides simplified management and deployment, aligning well with Virgin Media’s user-friendly internet services. |
| VeloCloud Feature | Alignment with Virgin Media Internet Services |
Virgin Media with Fortinet
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | FortiSASE Feature | Alignment with Virgin Media Internet Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | SD-WAN: Better Application Experience | Aligns with Virgin Media’s high-speed broadband and leased lines. Connectivity and application performance for businesses are enhanced. Improved remote site connectivity and cloud integration, meeting Virgin Media’s need for a fast and reliable network in |
| 2 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | SD-WAN: In-House Development and Security | Virgin Media’s network complements Fortinet’s SD-WAN, enhancing security with Fortinet’s Next-Generation Firewall capabilities. This combination is beneficial for businesses needing an integrated approach to network management and security. |
| 3 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | SD-WAN: Scalability and Usability | Virgin Media’s offers various internet service options that align with Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN. This allows businesses of all sizes to efficiently scale their network as they grow, and utilising Virgin Media’s network reliability and speed. |
| 4 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | SASE: Simplicity and Consistent Security | Virgin Media’s business internet services are known for being reliable and fast. Fortinet’s SASE solution, simplifies security policy management, and ensures consistent security for both on-site and remote users. This is important for businesses that rely |
| 5 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | SASE: Real-Time Threat Protection | Virgin Media provides fast and stable internet services combined with Fortinet’s real-time threat protection. |
| 6 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | SASE: Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) | Virgin Media’s broadband and leased lines can be optimised with Fortinet’s FWaaS, ensuring secure internet access and comprehensive cloud-based firewall services. This combination provides exceptional malware protection. |
| 7 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | SASE: Secure Web Gateway (SWG) | The Fortinet SASE SWG enhances Virgin Media Internet Services by providing advanced web security, ensuring safe browsing and consistent policy enforcement across an organisation. This is of benefit to businesses with a significant online presence or who a |
| 8 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | SASE: Basic User Subscription Features | Features include SSL inspection, antivirus, and IPS are provided by Fortinet SASE . These solutions integrate with Virgin Media’s business internet services, for organisations needing corporate internet security with high-speed and reliable connectivity. |
| 9 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | SASE: Centralised Management | The centralised management provided by Fortinet from FortiManager, FortiAnalyser, and FortiClient are used with Virgin Media’s business internet services to deliver simplified management of both networking and security aspects. |
| FortiSASE Feature | Alignment with Virgin Media Internet Services |
Virgin Media with Meraki
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Cisco Meraki Feature | Alignment with Virgin Media Internet Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | SD-WAN | Virgin Media’s broadband and leased line services are optimised by using Cisco Meraki’s network resiliency and bandwidth efficiency. |
| 2 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | Dual-Active VPN Uplinks | Cisco Meraki SD-WAN enhances Virgin Media’s broadband and leased lines by allowing concurrent VPN tunnels for enhanced connectivity. |
| 3 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | Policy-Based Routing | Virgin Media’s diverse internet offerings are improved by Cisco Meraki SD-WAN by the prioritisation of the VPN paths based on traffic types. |
| 4 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | Dynamic Path Selection | Virgin Media’s network can dynamically select the best path based on performance criteria when integrated with Cisco Meraki |
| 5 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | Performance Probes | Cisco Meraki SD-WAN can analyse Virgin Media’s network conditions to optimise path usage for each traffic flow. |
| 6 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | Failover Times | Cisco Meraki provides quick recovery and minimal disruption on Virgin Media’s network during failovers. |
| 7 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | Tunnel Recovery | Enhances the resilience of Virgin Media’s internet services by re-establishing VPN tunnels automatically. |
| 8 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | OSPF Route Advertisement | Compatible with Virgin Media’s routed network modes for advertising routes to VPN subnets. |
| 9 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | Cisco Umbrella Secure Internet Gateway | Integrates between Cisco Meraki and Virgin Media’s broadband provides deep security, including DNS Security, Secure Web Gateway, etc. |
| 10 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:16 AM | Direct Internet Access (DIA) | Virgin Media’s DIA is secured by Cisco’s SASE solutions to ensure robust cloud security. |
| Cisco Meraki Feature | Alignment with Virgin Media Internet Services |
Virgin Media with Versa Features
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Versa Feature | Alignment with Virgin Media Internet Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | Simplified Networking and Security Integration | Virgin Media high-speed internet benefits from Versa’s convergence of networking and security. |
| 2 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | Robust and Adaptive Infrastructure | Virgin Media’s reliable internet infrastructure can be optimised using Versa’s infrastructure to support mission-critical applications. |
| 3 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | Operational Efficiency through Automation | Virgin Media’s network operation efficiency can be enhanced by Versa’s automated and centralised network management capabilities. |
| 4 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | Scalable Architecture | Versa’s scalable architecture aligns with Virgin Media’s broadband and leased lines – businesses can scale their network infrastructure as they grow. |
| 5 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | Hardware-Agnostic, Standards-Based Solution | Versa’s hardware-agnostic approach complements Virgin Media’s flexible internet solutions. |
| 6 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | Integrated Security and Networking on the Same Stack | Virgin Media’s internet services can leverage Versa’s integrated security and networking – cybersecurity is enhanced. |
| 7 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | Full Suite of Network Security Capabilities | Versa’s comprehensive security suite offers deep protection of Virgin Media’s broadband and leased line connections. This includes secure access to cloud applications and remote work solutions. |
| 8 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | Advanced Security for Growing Attack Surface | Virgin Media’s internet solutions can benefit from Versa’s advanced security features to mitigate increased cyber risks for remote workers. |
| 9 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | Embedded Security Functions in Network Stack | Versa’s security functions integrate deeply into the network stack to provide enhanced security for Virgin Media’s internet connections, including hybrid working environments. |
| 10 | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | hyelland | 29/10/2024 11:18 AM | Rapid Deployment and Easy Integration | Versa’s solutions support quick deployment and integration to streamline the setup process. |
| Versa Feature | Alignment with Virgin Media Internet Services |