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.

A Dynamic T-1 line is pretty much what it sounds like - vigorous and self-motivated. But how does it do what it does and why?

First let’s go back a bit and review some T1 line information.  A T-1 is a digital voice and data line that can transmit 1.544 megabits per second, or be used to transmit 24 digitized voice channels. It can be used for phone service in a commercial building or data transfer on a network, while affording service up to 60 times faster than a modem. It uses 2 pair of copper telephone wire meaning it can be available just about anywhere. Some T-1 lines are set up as private point to point connections between two business locations.

An Integrated T1 combines voice and data services (24 channels with data speed of 64 Kbps each) on the same T1 and configured by splitting off a defined number of channels to voice service, leaving the rest for data or internet.  When configured this way, the bandwidth for the Internet or data never changes.  Integrated has become popular with businesses because of its flexibility. It allows business to run several services such as local and long distance telephone, Internet, and voice over IP (VoIP) over a single circuit at the same time.

A Dynamic T1 is an Integrated T1 with more flexibility.  Dynamic gives priority to phone calls but it re-assigns the bandwidth to speed up your broadband when the phone is hung up. This service adapts itself to your needs on a continuous basis.

A Dynamic T1 is an ideal choice for smaller business that needs both telephone lines and Internet broadband. A larger business may need multiple T-1 lines to accommodate multiple employees, but a smaller business needs services sized for the type of company and priced so that it is affordable.

Is Dynamic T-1 service right for your business?

It's certainly more cost effective than buying separate T-1 lines for telephone and Internet access when that's more capacity than you really need. It can also save you money compared to buying a bunch of individual telephone lines and a separate DSL or Cable broadband service that may not be all that reliable and which is almost certain to have latency and jitter issues. Dynamic T-1 service is highly reliable and an excellent value for the money.

I have been getting a lot of questions lately about T1’s and their price.   The questions mostly have to do with why DSL is so cheap and a T1 so expensive?

Picture an equivalent power force of 672 data and voice wires connecting into one main stream to serve ten people.  We call this a DS3 (digital Signal3) line.  That would be pretty fast speed for all involved.  This DS3 is similar to what the internet connection company purchases to provide your DSL service.  As long as no one is using it, it’s really fast.  There is, however, no guaranteed set speed for your DSL line.  If you don’t believe me, please read your contract.  Because there is no set speed guaranteed for your DSL line the provider of your DSL can share it with as many people as they want to.  If you have 3,000 thousand people in your area who are surfing the internet, downloading music, playing games, checking their email all at the same time it can be pretty slow-going for all of you.  Everyone is sharing a limited resource.

When you have a T1, instead of sharing 672 lines with three thousand other people in your hood you have the use of 28 lines all to yourself.  You basically have your own private connection to the internet.  This is normally going to guarantee that you have 99.9% or higher of your speed to yourself.  The other one-tenth of a percent is uncontrollable by you because you cannot control how traffic flows over the internet.  Another thing, though, that makes a T1 seem faster is that there is no longer equipment between you and the internet as there would be if you were on DSL.

So, if you rely on the internet, closing deals or supporting customers or your email for your business profits, then you will likely get your money’s worth from a T1.  That extra cost is insurance that you will always be able to do the necessary business needed to keep money in your coffers.

Upon looking at what we had set up originally, he stepped back from the computer, faced me, and asked: "so, if this office that we are in right now burned to the ground, what would you need to keep your business running from your hotel room?" I want to tell you, I was STUNNED, like a deer in the headlights of an oncoming car. Just hearing those words burned to the ground, and hotel, triggered rapid heartbeat and quickened breath. I, who answers the call of helping others to set up a secure place for their data, was speechless. I had no idea if I had everything on there that I needed to run my business – nor was I sure where to look for it all in that mass of data being backed up offline in my 'secure' place.

With dry mouth and nothing better to roll off my lips I said, "I don't know".

And then the seriousness of it all evoked the reason for the backup in the first place. After a squeaky little "help me" came out of my mouth our friend suggested we discuss a plan.

First Things First

The first thing to do in a plan of this magnitude is. . .?
To realize it only seems to be a colossal project.

I first looked at my computer. What did I have open that I open every day? That's what I NEED right in front of me. Is that everything that I use to keep things running?

Then, what do I use regularly that is part of my job including those things that I have to make sure others are getting done. Where is it saving? If it's so important, why is it not on offsite backup?

What do I track that is required if someone asks me for a status report? Is that document even being backed up now anywhere?

Where does my income information go? How do I know what payments came from whom, when? How is that being backed up and where is it? Is it easily accessible immediately? Can I find that data easily?

How do I pay people? How do I track what I am supposed to pay people? Where are my checks stored? What is my backup plan for paperwork lost? I realize then, my gosh, my entire business is paperwork!

Divide and Conquer

Where does this all go and how?
What do I do with everything so I can find it quickly?

First, we set up Folders that separated out the different parts of the business. Then we put the tasks associated with each folder into that special place where it can be found easily when you're feeling panicked and have to prove to yourself that you can see your documents.

Second, we searched for documents used recently to try to attach a degree of importance to them from one to ten. Is it just an attachment to the task or is it needed to run the business? Is it a feeling of security or an absolute must to find? Pictures? Well put them on a thumb drive and drop them in the fireproof safe or safe deposit box with the paper documents you cannot afford to lose.

One by one the electronic documents were placed in their respective folders ready to go to their offsite, secure domain.

Then we discussed the server being in a place where we could rip the cords off quickly and just take the box and run. Sounds pretty dramatic but it's something you can touch and feel if it's possible and the situation exists.

Speaking of drama, just think about all of the hard work and years of sacrifice to get this business where it is today. It's like bringing up an extra child! The attachment is huge. So, it may seem like drama but it is reality. Reality that you must think about how you can keep it all safe.

So, let's go back and review.

Tips to Keep Your Business Safe

• Take a look around and identify what is critical to the business. Look at everything from tax documents to customer databases to computer files. Determine what critical elements of the business need to be protected.
• Create a plan to keep things running if something should happen to the business. In the event of an emergency, how will employees know whether or not to report to work? Is the business equipped for employees to work remotely by accessing e-mail and files online? Update the plan and walk through it with employees routinely.
• Safeguard critical business data by backing up. Have a plan in place on how to access important business data should a disaster strike. Back up critical data offsite so it is protected should your building be in jeopardy. All data should be backed up on a regular basis so that you have a copy of the data. Using thumb drives is inexpensive and easily storable in a fireproof box or safe and they have no moving parts like a disc that can stop functioning.

Analog At a Glance

Enter Digital

Why do I care about this information, you ask?