MPLS … or Multiprotocol Label Switching has quickly become the preferred solution for connecting multiple network locations for businesses today. To make sure you are designing the right network solution. And that MPLS should be the backbone of that decision … you need to at least understand the basics.
Multiprotocol label switching is basically a different way of routing data packets. It is unique from standard routing in that it will allow a diverse list of means of connectivity using various protocols, and its basic nature is that it is a mesh network, but not a broadcast domain, meaning that it provides “any to any” connectivity.
The technology that creates an MPLS network is very similar from one provider to another. The world’s largest network is owned by AT&T. Verizon has some advantages over AT&T in Europe, but does not have the network in China or India as an example. Level 3 and Qwest are good providers, but they have more limitations internationally and do not offer customer contact availability in all areas. Tier 3 in particular tends to lean more towards wholesaling, which means they are more of a “carrier – carrier”.
There are differences based on two broad areas: how the network is built (architecture) and the level of service after implementation (in addition to cost).
Operators (providers) can provide links on a given network as a “star” configuration with the links connected to a single core network or the location link can connect to a redundant and diverse “cloud” core. This suggests that the backbone will be designed to route trouble spots and, so to speak, “self-heal”.
Some operators have only a limited amount of linkage between some areas of the provisioning map and others, which could allow for a single point of failure on the network (or a host location on the network), or would require significant construction costs to overcome. . The more flexible architecture must also allow for scalability so that a business can link sites using everything from a broadband connection to an optical bearer ring to connect to the MPLS platform.
Customer value with respect to the level of redundancy or diversity required in the network architecture: Some vendors have the CER (Customer Edge Router) connected to a primary and secondary PER (Vendor Edge Router) and the core of the network has redundant, multiple core routers.
Consideration should be given to the ability to provide “wherever you are” network links, local, state, national or international. Some operators have fewer or more capabilities in this area, and in light of this, the cost of providing the services can vary widely from a few hundred dollars for a link between hosts on the local network to many thousands of dollars for a connection. international in a remote location. . Network management should be considered in the network architecture – some vendors will provide the network links, but not the routing equipment (CPE), and they don’t offer much help in CPE implementation or ongoing management. Other companies will provide an end-to-end experience that will allow users to focus on the core business rather than running a network. Preferences also come into play for this problem; however, if the vendor offers to provision equipment, manage it, upgrade it, repair it, replace it (if necessary), etc., this is often preferable to having it yourself. It also puts the responsibility for making it all work on the back of a single party to reduce “blaming” if there is a problem. No customer really likes the idea of being stuck between two vendors or between a vendor and their own IT department while waiting for a down network link to be fixed.
Which brings me to the service aspect. SLAs are important to ensure you achieve the quality of service that you expect from your provider. If the CPE is included as part of the overall agreement, it must be included in an appropriate SLA provision. The main problem is uptime – if the network is down, it is costing you money. The provider should have a record of its performance with the wider network that it can share with you and perhaps an online “dashboard” that you can observe its performance at will. The SLA must have “teeth” as a lever on the provider so that they experience some financial trouble if they don’t deliver the service they promise. Vendors may tend to say they have the “strongest SLA in the industry,” but it’s worth a careful comparison to make sure customers’ needs are protected. Some SLAs may vary depending on whether it is a national or international service.
The most important point in all of this is to fully understand the customer’s needs. You could have a flawless service experience with the “County Farmers phone company” if their service delivery, expertise and SLA meet your needs. But … if you focus on getting what you need first and price second, you are likely to have a good experience.
For free help finding the right MPLS solution for your network applications, you can get it through FreedomFire Communications.
