What is a Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) Network?

MPLS is an acronym for Multi-Protocol Label Switching. MPLS is a very versatile solution that is used to address the problems faced by present-day networks - speed, scalability, quality-of-service (QoS) management, and traffic engineering. MPLS has emerged as an well designed solution to meet the bandwidth-management and service requirements for next-generation Internet protocol (IP)–based backbone networks. MPLS addresses issues related to scalability and routing (based on QoS and service quality metrics) and can exist over existing asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and frame-relay networks. It works with IP, Frame Relay, and ATM protocols - hence the name "Multi-Protocol Label Switching".

MPLS is rapidly becoming a favorite son in the IT world. Why is this?
While voice and data communications continue to evolve, aging technologies such as point-to-point and Frame Relay continue to struggle to adapt to evolving IT (Information Technology) demands and to maximize available bandwidth by converging voice and data. The need to prioritize critical data has become crucial to ensure that real-time and high-priority applications perform at, or above, expectations. MPLS provides the answers. Voice, data, internet, even video conferencing - all can be facilitated easily and extremely cost effectively with MPLS. It is easily scalable to boot - adding additional locations is a breeze. Perhaps the best part is that you don't have to "learn" MPLS technology - we will handle it all for you. We also including the routers needed to make your new MPLS solution work.

Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) has been standardized by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) because it has helped the internet by prioritizing Internet traffic and the core network more efficiently. Quality of service (QoS) and traffic engineering functions can address the performance issues that relate to emerging Internet applications such as video streaming and real-time voice, not to mention phone service. Network equipment manufacturers are currently developing new products and solutions that solve many of the problems related to today's Internet applications.

What are the benefits of a MPLS Network?

1. Security. A network solution that protects your company’s sensitive data.

2. Savings. Save as much as 40% or more on network costs vs Frame Relay and Private Line networks.

3. Simplicity. Simplify network management with "any to any" connectivity.

4. Scalability. Easily add new locations. And there's no limit to how many locations you can have.

These are the key benefits. However, it gets very technical rather easily after that. Instead of taking the risk of making your eyes glaze over by bombarding you with technical terms and acronyms, contact me if your operation has multiple locations with voice and data requirements. If you think MPLS might be a good fit for your company, I'll explain it to you in terms you'll understand and show you precisely how it would be of benefit to you. I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss our solutions with you.