MPLS (Multi-protocol Label Switching)
MPLS is today's high-demand, high security, network connectivity product for banks and financial institutions, multi-location medical and pharmaceutical operations, and a host of other business where regulatory compliance and uncompromised data integrity are an absolute must. From a security perspective, to date no private MPLS network has been "hacked" yet the associated cost is much more favorable than the venerable Frame Relay networks they are rapidly driving into extinction.
An acronym for Multi-protocol Label Switching, MPLS is a standardized protocol used to enable high performance IP (Internet Protocol) networks. The protocol uses a technology known as "label switching" to simplify and increase the efficiency of the network. It provides for fast response times for applications running across wide area networks (WAN). It also provides security without scaling problems at lower cost points than predecessor technologies.
Basically, an IP network transmits data “packets” through IP routers, connecting computers to form the network. Each computer is identified by one or more unique IP addresses. Each packet carries the IP address of the sending computer and also the address of the receiving computer. The most complicated task an IP router performs is determining the best "link" (routing) to use to reach every end target in a network. Most IP networks use a dynamic routing protocol to find alternate routes whenever a link becomes unavailable. Dynamic routing allows direction-finding diagrams in routers to change as the possible routes change.
By classifying traffic at a lower network level, less processing has to happen at each waypoint between source and destination. It's analogous to color-coding automobiles on a highway, such as allowing only blue cars to enter at the San Diego on ramp and exit at San Francisco and vice versa. Yellow cars might share the same road from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, but they would enter or exit only on ramps assigned for yellow cars.
MPLS enables the creation of secure, reliable Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) which are easy to manage, uncomplicated to set in motion and which provide Class of Service/Quality of Service (QoS) support which is especially important when voice and/or video packets are transversing the network along with normal data. Sometimes referred to as "Classes of Service", as its name implies, QOS is what assures quality in an application rich environment.
Aside from price, a key MPLS advantage is it allows you to execute VoIP and prioritize your applications and have the reliability and security of legacy technology similar to Frame Relay with the routing smoothness of IP. For use with applications like Oracle, Peoplesoft and other client-server applications, the productivity gains using MPLS vs VPN over the Internet are substantial. If you now use a Frame Relay, MPLS will increase your network flexibility, simplify management and decrease your costs.
Multi-site locations and operations that outsource their IT operations are using Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) with reputable results.
IT managers and technologists looking for a simple way to connect distant LANs turn to MPLS as a solution because it has more predominance and expandability than older products, including Frame Relay.
Limitations of Frame Relay
Frame Relay, until recently, was the preferred infrastructure for many Wide Area Networks.
- It relies on the assumption that not all customers will be using the full bandwidth of their circuits at the same time.
- Frame Relay uses an over-payment model.
- Carriers can sell you a Committed Information Rate (CIR) on their Frame Relay Network with guaranteed bandwidth, but all traffic up to only that point of purchase will be guaranteed for delivery.
- You may burst above your purchased CIR but if there is heavy network congestion any packets you send above the CIR will be eligible for discard by the carrier.
- Frame Relay has no quality of service (QoS) manageability and has virtually been replaced by the more cost effective MPLS VPN Solutions.
- Frame Relay is configured as a ‘hub and spoke’ network.
Why Switch to MPLS?
MPLS is a protocol that uses packet labels to prioritize network packets which optimizes network performance.
- If you have QoS-sensitive applications running across your WAN then you should consider MPLS.
- MPLS is a private networking technology similar to the concept of Frame Relay in that it is delivered in the "cloud".
- The primary difference with MPLS is that you can purchase levels of QoS for specific applications for your WAN.
- During the provisioning process it is determined which applications are important to your business, and then a QoS template will be applied to service those applications on your WAN.
- These applications will be given priority over all other traffic in times of heavy congestion. MPLS is the ONLY technology that will support QoS.
- For applications such as Citrix, SAP, Oracle, Siebel, Peoplesoft, VoIP and Video, performance using the QoS capabilities of MPLS can dramatically enhance quality and productivity.
- If applications work well on a Frame Relay, they will work better using MPLS.
