The MPLS network is one of the best thing to happen in telecommunications in a long time. An MPLS network can replace your frame relay service, point to point circuits, etc. and give you a much more robust, redundant, and secure network.
The main thing to remember about an MPLS network is that it is a procedure, not a service — so it can be used to deliver anything from IP VPNs to Metro Ethernet services. Although carriers build MPLS backbones, the services that users buy may not be called MPLS. They could be called anything from IP VPN to Metro Ethernet. The main concept behind an MPLS network is that of labeling packets. In a traditional routed IP network, each router makes an independent forwarding decision for each packet based solely on the packet’s network-layer header. Thus, every time a packet arrives at a router, the router has to “think through” where to send the packet next.
In an MPLS network, the first time the packet enters a network, it’s assigned to a specific forwarding equivalence class (FEC), indicated by appending a short bit sequence (the label) to the packet. Each router in the network has a table indicating how to handle packets of a specific FEC type, so once the packet has entered the network, routers don’t need to perform header analysis. Instead, subsequent routers use the label as an index into a table that provides them with a new FEC for that packet.
This gives the MPLS network the ability to handle packets with particular characteristics (such as coming from particular ports or carrying traffic of particular application types) in a consistent fashion. Packets carrying real-time traffic, such as voice or video, can easily be mapped to low-latency routes across the network — something that’s challenging with conventional routing. The key architectural point with all this is that the labels provide a way to “attach” additional information to each packet — information above and beyond what the routers previously had.
Whether you are looking to replace your old network, optimize your existing network, or just starting service, TelSolutions telecommunications consultants can set you up correctly.
Give us a call at 888 587-8271 or use the contact form and one of our consultants will be glad to help review your needs.
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