MPLS NETWORKS

MPLS (otherwise known as Multiprotocol Label Switching) service

offers businesses around the world a centralized wide area network that can be controlled from the carrier core for enhanced security and performance. Using MPLS technology, businesses can communicate with all locations in a fully meshed network, instead of having different parts of the network communicate separately.

This centralized infrastructure allows for better latency, jitter, and packet prioritization that allows video, voice, and data to travel over the network so that each application will perform at its optimum level. QoS (Quality of service) is a core advantage to having an MPLS network protecting the most important information over the non-essential traffic as well as making real-time applications like voice and video perform at a high level.

MPLS Benefits

• “Smart” Packet Routing: Since the router doesn’t have to determine where the packets are going, the router can more quickly send the packets to their end destinations.
• QoS (Quality of Service): QoS is a method for monitoring and controlling the traffic running over your network, and ensuring that packets are prioritized in the event that congestion occurs. QoS acts like a traffic cop, determining which traffic is more important.
• Supplier Management: The supplier providing the MPLS network is responsible for ensuring that it works properly, which can cut down on your in-house IT costs. It will also free up time for your IT staff to work on other projects.
• Security: MPLS networks offer high levels of security, which is especially beneficial for companies with compliance requirements.
• Scalability: MPLS networks allow an unlimited amount of sites to be added and supported. It can also be used over any medium, which means companies are not limited to specific product sets.

MPLS networks are becoming a standard for companies looking for managed private networking and packet prioritization. Companies that are running real-time applications, such as Voice (SIP Trunking, Hosted PBX) or Video, may choose to have that traffic run over an MPLS network to guarantee that it operates smoothly. Choosing the right MPLS provider is an important decision.

How Does an MPLS Network Work?

An MPLS network ties all of the nodes of the network back to a common host by way of private carrier connections, or private lines. Carriers have multiple access types available to them, including DSL, T1, Ethernet over Copper, Metro Ethernet, and Microwave. Once all of the nodes connect to the host via private lines, the host can be programmed to handle and route traffic as dictated. Internet ports can be opened up and managed at the host, to control the flow of external traffic to and from the network. The host can also be secured with a carrier-grade firewall to make it virtually impossible for a hacker to penetrate the network.

MPLS versus VPN

The primary difference between VPN and MPLS is that VPN encrypts data before transmitting it over the public internet, making it subject to routing delays, jitter, or packet loss. MPLS consists of private line connections to one single host, who can communicate back and forth over one single private carrier backbone network, without ever touching the internet. From the host, MPLS network administrators can open up ports to the public internet for users who need outside access.

Another main differentiator between MPLS and virtual private networks is security. In a VPN scenario, all an intruder needs to do to access the entire network is to compromise one single VPN server at any node on the network. VPN is, quite literally, only as strong as its weakest link. Once a hacker has penetrated one branch office, they have access to the entire network. In an MPLS scenario, every office connects to one centralized host, is housed within the carrier's core network, and is protected by very sophisticated (and expensive) firewall hardware and software.