BT is attempting to optimise the performance of the
NHS broadband network by deploying network acceleration devices
from Blue Coat.
The NHS
N3 network, one of the largest virtual private networks in
Europe, is using Blue Coat ProxySG appliances to accelerate
internet content for NHS users. N3 forms a vital part of the
NHS National Programme for IT.
Blue Coat said N3 is benefiting from bandwidth savings of around
30%, which has enabled a greater return on the investment in the
network infrastructure.
The N3 operations centre routes internet traffic to and from
health care provider offices and primary care trust groups through
its internet gateway.
Blue Coat ProxySG appliances are deployed in-line at this
primary gateway to speed content delivery and decrease bandwidth
consumption.
The N3 internet gateway has a current capacity of 1gbps, but it
is expected to scale to 2.5gbps as demand increases.