MPLS or Multiprotocol Label Switching is a technology that’s been around for some time now. First proposed in the late 1990s, it has been implemented in various communication networks and is hailed as a powerful tool for delivering faster and more reliable connectivity. Traditional networks like Frame Relay and ATM have been replaced as MPLS provides greater flexibility and scalability while featuring advanced traffic engineering options. Nowadays, MPLS is used for connecting data centers, business branches, and office locations. In this article, we take a closer look at the real-life applications of MPLS and discuss its success stories.
MPLS and VPNs
One of the most common applications of MPLS is in the creation of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs allow remote workers to securely connect to their company’s network over the internet while using encryption protocols to safeguard data transmissions. MPLS-based VPNs work by creating a virtual circuit between different endpoints of the VPN, ensuring that the data is routed directly and securely. The VPNs also separate traffic streams and achieve better Quality of Service (QoS). MPLS-based VPNs come in two flavors: Layer 2 VPNs and Layer 3 VPNs. While Layer 2 VPNs focus on transparent transport of the data packets between two or more customer sites, Layer 3 VPNs provide the flexibility of routing different IP addresses making them more suitable for larger enterprise networks.
MPLS and Bandwidth
Another major application of MPLS is in addressing bandwidth-intensive activities. MPLS ensures faster, more consistent delivery of bandwidth to the end-users while allowing businesses to better manage network capacity, prioritize applications, and track performance. MPLS-based services allow enterprises to get more out of their existing infrastructure and resources, expanding business capabilities without overburdening IT. With MPLS, a company can scale effortlessly, with on-demand network connections that can be added or taken off-line quickly, ensuring greater continuity, flexibility, and control. The use of MPLS also allows for the integration of different transport modes such as Ethernet, Fiber, and DSL, offering a more rounded out connectivity solution.
Success stories of MPLS
MPLS technology has been applied in various sectors and has brought tangible benefits. Melbourn Software offered an example of deploying MPLS network to connect their office locations in the UK, the USA, and Asia Pacific. This allowed for a fully integrated, scalable network that brings cost savings and greater control of data traffic. The use of MPLS allowed for centralized control and management of the entire network from a single location and ensured rapid response times, reducing the time and cost of managing IT processes.
Another success story is that of Pace System Technolgies who switched to an MPLS service to better manage their VPN. This resulted in bandwidth efficiency, speed, scalability, and performance control, in turn leading to customer satisfaction, reduced costs, and increased revenue.
Conclusion:
As businesses rely more and more on technology, MPLS is becoming the next-generation solution for addressing network connectivity and capacity. MPLS-based solutions provide higher bandwidth, faster speeds, greater control, and can significantly reduce WAN costs. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from MPLS offerings that allow them to grow cost-effectively and provide better customer experience. MPLS has proven its worth as a powerful and versatile technology, ensuring flexible and fast network connections for organizations and individuals alike. If you’re considering implementing MPLS for your business network, the benefits are endless, and the success stories are numerous.