MPLS Service

Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is reliable, cost efficient, and the technology of choice for carrying high-speed data and digital voice on a single connection. Now rapidly replacing frame relay and ATM, MPLS is an ideal solution for eliminating traffic across your network because it has the ability to prioritize mission-critical traffic – including voice, video and data applications – over less urgent applications like email and web browsing.

MPLS Overview

MPLS is not a specific type of service, but a form of protocol that can be used to deliver any kind of circuit – from Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPNs) to optical connectivity, depending on customer requirements – and to label data packets. In terms of conventional IP networks, packets are routed depending on the data’s network-layer header.

MPLS has the ability to enable the routing process to accelerate as it labels each packet arriving on the network. As indicated on the header label, each network router retains information on handling different packet types. Simply put, it lightens the load of routers and minimizes the use of necessary resources. Once the load on the network infrastructure is lightened, the packet transmission speed is significantly improved.

The advantages of MPLS are best seen in circumstances where real-time traffic is organized to be given preference over data packets that do not require the same amount of speed or priority. The usage of a traditional IP circuit becomes a critical dilemma as all traffic is handled equally. Problems arise as the demand for bandwidth temporarily surpasses the circuit capacity, and the router starts to discard packets. Less urgent applications such as email receive the same network priority as real-time video or audio conferences. When all applications receive the same network priority, phone calls or video transmission quality declines because the two sources battle for priority. Employing an MPLS network instantly assigns prioritization of real-time voice and video.

The bottom line: MPLS gives top priority to your urgent, mission-critical IP traffic, enabling it to reach its destination promptly. In addition, application is effortless and does not require you to make major changes on your network infrastructure.