Is MPLS right for me? Why or Why Not?

Fundamental IT requirements in today's world dictate security, reliability and quality of service (QoS). Many organizations utilize ATM or frame relay technology over traditional circuit-based networks for voice and data traffic. But are companies getting everything out of these older technologies? Furthermore, are they able to incorporate new applications such as streaming video, internet-learning, and virtual private networks into their organization?

What's Reality?

While typically reliable, frame relay and ATM technologies have restricted bandwidth levels, and when factoring in the cell tax, bandwidth levels significantly decrease. These older technologies are not universal, and cause inconsistent bandwidth levels with one hop across the ocean. In addition, they do not offer scalability, flexibility or the means to innovative newer applications such as Voice over IP (VoIP). In short, they are not equipped to handle the complex and diverse needs of today's marketplace.

Is there a solution?

A new world of networking exists, one where multiple network services can be delivered over a shared network infrastructure, all while ensuring flexible bandwidth and QoS. This is called MPLS.

Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is emerging as a key technology that delivers QoS-enabled IP services. Historically, IP services were only able to operate on a 'best effort' platform, meaning that a provider would put forth its best effort to transport a company's data correctly and on time, but could not guarantee it. Now, by Implementing MPLS, Nuvox can now offer a solid platform that provides innovative, customer-focused services along with service level guarantees.

Many operations have multiple locations throughout the country. MPLS allows applications including IP VPN, multipoint-to-multipoint and VoIP. A network that spans the nation can be created without a need for physical connectivity. Offices in L.A., New York, and Dallas can communicate with one another without latency or security concerns, all on one network.

The MPLS Network

MPLS begins with a well-planned underlying Layer 2 network. This underlying mesh network must be in place in order for the IP/MPLS protocols to work. Next, it's important that SONET redundancy be built in for route diversity in the event of circuit failures or fiber cuts. Finally, BGP4 must be implemented on the network, as MPLS cannot function without it. BGP4, which stands for Border Gateway Protocol, is a load balancing protocol ensuring that IP traffic is routed through multiple providers and keeps data packets from becoming backed up.

As with any type of protocol, it's critical to keep a few things in mind. In utilizing MPLS technology, one needs to account for the amount of bandwidth that is being transported. Do not oversubscribe beyond a certain point, and keep in mind that MPLS does not create capacity; it merely prioritizes and efficiently shapes traffic on existing capacity. Adhering to the above guidelines will allow users to reap the maximum benefits of MPLS.

How Does MPLS Work?

In a traditional IP setting, packets of data are routed based on the information contained in their "headers." Each data packet leaves the sender's CPE, is encrypted for security purposes, travels across the public IP network, and is then decrypted on the recipient's end.

With MPLS, the data packets are assigned a "priority" label or tag, stipulating which packets are of highest priority, which packets are next highest, and so forth. Utilizing priority labels results in faster processing of information and faster speeds. With the data prioritized and therefore guaranteed, customers receive the same quality of service previously available only with circuit-based technologies. Thus, MPLS is a method to transport or deliver packets of data and ensure they get to the right place at the right time.

What is the future?

New applications combining voice, data and video will only continue to increase in the future, which implies an even greater need for technologies such as MPLS. MPLS has finally come into its own as a reliable, flexible and capable protocol allowing network operators and businesses alike to realize its full potential.