WHAT IS MPLS (multiprotocol label switching):  Written by William A Quaglia, GCEC © 2008

MPLS is a technology designed to speed up network traffic and manage information flow.  Each packet is given a label that designates its network path.  This helps to order and improve data flow through the carriers' networks.  Routers simply pass the packet on, instead of determining a route. The MPLS architecture sets routes, and priorities.  MPLS is called "Multiprotocol" because it works with multiple standards and Protocols.  It is designed for ease of transmissions to multiple sites within a company's network.

The labels identify the type of traffic (Video, Voice, Data). Each type is assigned a priority instruction describing when / what order to transmit, where to go, and to arrive,  The labels allow for "from anywhere to anywhere" delivery, they are compatible with any routing equipment, and are protocol neutral (will deliver any currently existing protocols). 

What is a Packet?

A "packet" is a single set / string of information (data) made up of samples from each OSI Platform (Open Systems Interconnection)  layer, which includes instructions for transport, security, networking, identification, and, obviously, will contain the intended information to be transmitted.  

What is a Protocol?

Protocols are the particular commands and techniques used in computer networks to create search statements, retrieve transportation instructions and other types of information.

A good example of how this works is if you had a large bucket of different colored blocks which needed to be sorted by color and placed in three buckets nearby which were located next to each other but had their own spot on the floor..  You have determined that the red blocks would be sorted first and put in the purple bucket. The orange blocks would be sorted next and put in the green bucket, next to the purple bucket.  And finally the blue blocks would be sorted last and put into the white bucket next to the green bucket.  You do this by gathering all the same colored blocks together and moving them to the appropriate bucket, all at the same exact moment. Next you gather the next set of same-colored blocks and move them at the exact same time.   This is an MPLS circuit! All this "MPLS" sorting and moving happens in split-second timing!!  AND through miles and miles of network connections and switches.  What a marvelous world, isn't it?

Because of of this protocol  transparency, MPLS can work over the smallest circuits (DSL) to gigantic multi-location circuits.  It allows for VPN (Virtual Private Networks) to be set up at remote sites, such at an employee's home (telecommuting).  It allows ease of addition and removal of sites and thus, brings quick and easy disaster recovery to new temporary locations.

MPLS circuits are fairly competitive with the average pricing at the time of this writing (03/2008) costing around $450 per location. At this price, MPLS is now affordable for companies with as little as two locations .

SIMPLE MPLS APPLICATION GUIDE:

When is MPLS a fit for your business? 

•        Businesses having 2 or more locations.
•        Businesses concerned about deployment, design, or network management.
•        Businesses who want to prioritize applications or locations.
•        Businesses running VoIP, Video, SAP, Oracle, or Citrix.
•        Businesses who are adding or changing locations.
•        Businesses whose Frame Relay or ATM systems are 3 years or older.
•        Businesses looking to remove the spoke and hub architecture. (single point of failure opportunity)
•        Businesses concerned about upgrading expensive CPE equipment (Frame Relay).
•        Businesses who have various types of CPE’s which slow down their networks.
•        Business which need prioritization for Voice, VoIP, Video, SAP, Oracle or CItrex. systems.
•        Businesses needing to add more applications to their network without increasing their bandwidth. 

What are the benefits of a TRUE MPLS solution?

·         Combine multiple applications on one pipe (circuit)

·         Totally secure circuits on the provider’s sole network.  No public access.

·         Extremely scalable, changeable and flexible architecture.

·         Customer chooses which packets to prioritize (Example:  All Video packets; All packets to San Diego Office).

·         Customer chooses how much bandwidth to allocate to which priorities.

·         Efficient bandwidth usage and real-time monitoring.

·         Will support various router protocols.

·         No need the change your LAN settings (Allocation Tables).

·         Easy prioritization for Voice, Video, and other mission critical applications.

·         Anywhere to anywhere connectivity, including telecommuters on private network.

·         Fully meshed architecture.  No single point of failure risks.

·         Networks are custom designed for individual customers.

·         Overall cost reduction to maintain your network.

·         Complete “Privacy- compliant” network (HIPPA, etc).

What is a TRUE MPLS? 

• Fully meshed network:  Packets stay together all the way to destination and not just through the customer’s edge router. (Not LAN Queuing)
• Customer does not need to reprogram their equipment to accept MLPS.
• Works over ALL Router Protocols:  RIP, RIPv2, OSPF, IGRP, BGP, Static, and eIGRP

What is not an MPLS opportunity? 

• Looking for faster bandwidth
• One site operation
• Budget is less that $150/mo per location.  Avg price is $450 /month, (Loop included)
• Does not need Class of Service or Quality of service priorities

 

MPLS Strong Points:

·         Cost Effective:  Supports multiple access types thus reducing cost of deployment.
·         Efficiency:  Supports prioritization of critical applications
·         Latency:  Supports quality of service reducing transmission time.

·         Voice Stability:  Predictable VoIP performance

·         IP Addressing:  Easy, simple site additions and moves

·         Dynamic Routing:   Reduces complexity of disaster recovery.

·         Security:  Private and immune to the public internet.

·         Scalability:  Cost-effective and transparent addition of more bandwidth.

·         Investment:  Low total cost of MPLS ownership. Average of $450 per location

By:  William A Quaglia, GCEC © 2008