MPLS (multi-protocol label switching) is a technology that makes it possible to connect different sites together through a private tunnel within a service provider’s cloud. It offers several benefits to both customers and service providers. In this article, we will explain how MPLS works and the benefits it offers.
From the customer’s perspective, MPLS offers interface independence. This means that the customer can connect their sites to the cloud using different connection types. For example, one site may use a T1 line, while another may use a fiber optic connection or Metro Ethernet 100 megabits or thousand megabits per second. This makes it possible to fully mesh all the sites together, regardless of the connection type.
MPLS also offers a one-to-many connection, which allows all the sites to communicate with each other. Previously, customers had to buy separate T1 lines between each site, which was not cost-effective. With MPLS, all the sites can be connected to the cloud, and the customer has the power to decide who can communicate with whom.
Quality of service is another benefit of MPLS. With VPN technology, which is commonly used to connect sites together, there is no guarantee of quality of service. MPLS, on the other hand, allows the customer to tag their packets with certain markings, which the service provider can use to prioritize traffic. This is especially important for voice over IP, as it ensures that the quality of the call is not compromised.
From the service provider’s perspective, MPLS offers several benefits as well. The packets are tagged with MPLS labels, which act like shipping labels. This means that the service provider does not have to open the packet to determine where it’s going. Instead, they can simply look at the label and ensure that the packet gets to its destination. This makes the process more efficient and cost-effective.
In conclusion, MPLS is a technology that offers several benefits to both customers and service providers. It allows customers to connect their sites together using different connection types, offers a one-to-many connection, and ensures quality of service. For service providers, MPLS allows for more efficient and cost-effective packet routing.