A discounter needs to keep its costs to a minimum and ensure streamlined, fast processes. This means that chain stores need to be controlled, managed and, of course, supplied from a central location. The solution provided here involves an IT infrastructure which securely connects all network users with each other at minimal expense. Netto as a brand discounter uses a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for this connection. In total, 1,200 routers of the type ADSL 1200 II were installed in the individual Netto markets and are operated behind the ADSL modem of a DSL provider. The network solution connects each chain store to the head office and transmits information such as order data, accounting data and EC card information requests quickly and securely. The entire implementation period lasted less than nine months. The system grows with the heavily expanding company: each year, Netto opens some 150 new stores, which can easily be linked to the system without additional cost involved.

Enertrag AG operates wind power plants throughout Europe and has opted for a completely new infrastructure for the transmission of operating data from its high-tech plants which are scattered throughout Europe. Until early 2007, secure ISDN lines made sure that the valuable information reached the head office. Today, the company uses UMTS and GPRS as mobile radio standards. In terms of data transmission technology, Enertrag opted for routers from Funkwerk. The wind power plants are now equipped with UMTS routers at 78 locations in Germany; further locations in other European countries are to follow.

A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG from Mönchengladbach is a leading global supplier of high-quality textile finishing machines. These machines are serviced worldwide using remote access through the Internet. Today, the flexible IP access routers bintec R230a from Funkwerk ensure that the customer network can be accessed quickly and professionally via the Internet whenever service is needed. Acceptance of this new service solution is very high among all involved, as it makes remote maintenance possible from anywhere in the company, on any computer. This not only saves time and travel expenses, the customer can also work more productively thanks to reduced downtimes of their machines.

The Italian fashion group Benetton uses a highly modern, convergent communication network for remote management of its numerous stores in Great Britain. To ensure secure SHDSL or ADSL operation, the company opted for technology from Funkwerk. The head office now features R3400 and R3000 routers, two models that were added to Funkwerk’s extensive range last year. These routers are configured with BRRP (Bintec Router Redundancy Protocol), a technology which allows two devices to be operated as a single unit, i.e. redundantly. Furthermore, the BRRP functions and a reliable VPN with automatic switch-over in case of network problems were implemented in a backup system for the main store. In a last step, the stores were provided with Funkwerk R230a type routers, which replaced the successful predecessor model X2301 and in terms of remote maintenance provides the same range of functions as used in the main branch/store. Here, too, the system is automatically switched over to the VPN backup connection in case of network problems.