EVPN to Managed AVPN Service Upgrade FAQs

Reuse of the access circuit with installation of a new router

1. Why is AT&T reusing the access circuit but not the router for the migration to AVPN?

AT&T is striving to reuse existing infrastructure where possible to limit the impact on SWIFT end users. If the access circuit qualifies for reuse and the current router is an older model from the Cisco 1700 or Cisco 2600 series (End of Life), the access circuit will remain in place and the router will be upgraded.

2. Why is a POTS line (Plain Old Telephone Service) required? 

Customer responsibilities include provisioning of an analog line (aka POTS – Plain Old Telephone Service).  This customer provided analog line allows AT&T to dial directly into the diagnostic modem which AT&T provides. 

The preferred option is for a dedicated analog line to be provisioned.  This allows AT&T 24 x 7 access in the event we detect a problem or need to complete a requested change to your service.  If there is a problem during the evening for example, AT&T can begin diagnostics and potentially correct the problem before business hours begin. 

3. What if no POTS line is available at my site and none can be ordered?

The migration to AVPN can still be completed without POTS.

However if no analog line is made available for out of band access, then AT&T’s resulting inability to remotely access the router may require site visits for work that could otherwise be done remotely and will delay diagnostics and trouble resolution. AT&T may charge a fee where a POTS line has not been provided and where additional site visits are required.

4. Is there a more modern alternative than POTS for out of band access to the router?

AT&T is working on alternative solutions – including wireless – for out of band access. Until these alternatives are rolled out globally, POTS remains the strategy for out of band access to the router.

5. Will there be downtime at any point during the upgrade?

There will be downtime during the final step of the migration. AT&T will request a 4 hour window to replace the router and apply the AVPN configuration. There will be downtime to the network at the moment the router is physically being swapped. Router installation will be performed by an engineer, sent on site by AT&T.

6. Which activities are performed during LAN migration?

LAN migration consists of router installation and LAN configuration. An engineer will be sent on site to physically install the router and connect it to the existing EVPN circuit. After this, AVPN configuration will be loaded to the router.

The AT&T engineer will then perform testing.

The site contact will be asked to validate network performance after migration.

7. Will IP addresses change when migrating from EVPN to AVPN?

No. The EVPN LAN IP addresses will be reused.

8. Will I receive a new VPN box?

No. The VPN box will be reused.

9. Will the assurance id change?

Yes. The AVPN assurance id will be different from the EVPN assurance id because naming conventions for both services are different.

AT&T will communicate the new assurance id to the site contact.

10. Will a portability order be required?

No. Assurance id will change automatically. It is however important that customers record the new assurance id in all documents.

11. Is there a rollback scenario in case the network does not come up on AVPN?

Yes. If at any point during LAN migration there is an issue, AT&T can perform a rollback to EVPN.

If issues occur after LAN migration they will be handled under the BAU incident process that starts with reporting the issue that you experience to SWIFT customer support. 

12. How about the EVPN disconnect after the upgrade is finalized?

No EVPN disconnect is required as the access circuit is being reused.

13. Is there a link available to a full-version AVPN service guide?

Yes. Please click here: AVPN Service Guide

 

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