MPLS network is a carrier-grade solution that offers many advantages over traditional networks. This type of network has been around since the 1990s, and it’s still a popular choice today because of the wide variety of benefits it offers to businesses. In this article, we will examine how MPLS benefits companies. But before getting into that, let’s learn what MPLS networking is.
What Is MPLS Networking?
MPLS stands for Multi-Protocol Label Switching, a network technology that provides a fast and cost-effective way to connect networks. MPLS was invented by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) in 1995 as an evolution of the Layer 2 technology known as ATM. The main difference between ATM and MPLS is how they treat packets traveling through their respective networks.
MPLS sites can run on different network speed circuits. However, most of them are on 1.5 Mbps circuits. MPLS uses labels instead of forwarding addresses when routing data across different networks, making it possible for multiple companies to use the same infrastructure without changing hardware or software configurations on their endpoints.
In this way, MPLS allows customers with different infrastructures, such as private clouds or hybrid environments comprising cloud and on-premise resources, to communicate seamlessly without requiring extensive changes at either endpoint.
MPLS is the foundation of the IP world and the fastest-expanding communication network that will increase network efficiency and scalability. It helps properly utilize network bandwidth. To leverage MPLS, you must find the right service providers. MPLS providers can help you with installing the hardware required for seamless connectivity. They will have the expertise and resources to help you scale your network seamlessly.
6 Advantages of MPLS Networks:
1. Improved Quality of Service
MPLS networks are designed to provide a high-quality of service. MPLS networks can be used to guarantee bandwidth and latency and prioritize traffic. They offer this high speed because of lower overhead counts. According to the data, encapsulation of the MPLS overhead is only 4 bytes per header. The number is significantly smaller, reducing the core network latency, thereby increasing speed.
This means you’ll have better control over how your data travels through the network, which can help save time and money. For example, suppose you’re using MPLS for VoIP or video conferencing services. When transferring calls between locations or devices, these applications must work seamlessly without delays or drops in audio quality.
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2. High-Speed Connectivity
The main benefit of MPLS networks is their speed. They’re faster than traditional connections, so you can quickly send and receive data. According to GTT, MPLS offers high-speed connectivity to your branches worldwide. The company also states it is the ideal path to your SD-WAN journey because of its end-to-end SLAs.
In fact, MPLS networks have lower latency and can support more traffic than other types of connections, making them preferable for large businesses that require high-speed connectivity.
MPLS networks also offer more excellent reliability because they use redundant paths between two locations or devices. Suppose one path goes down or becomes congested with traffic. In that case, the other way remains open, so you can still communicate with your remote sites or clients without interruption from network problems like congestion or equipment failure on either side of your connection’s path.
3. Better Management of Costs and Resources
MPLS networks provide centralized network management. This means that all of your network traffic is managed by one provider, which can be helpful for companies that have multiple locations and need to maintain consistent service quality across them all.
MPLS networks also ensure consistent service quality because they offer a single point of contact for service providers and end users. Suppose there are any issues with your MPLS connection. In that case, you’ll only have one place to go, the company that provides your connection/service, rather than dealing with multiple vendors or contractors.
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4. Enhanced Security and Reliability
As a result of their private nature, MPLS networks are inherently more secure. When you use an MPLS network, your data is sent through a private network that only you and your partners can access. This means that your information cannot be shared with third parties or accessed by hackers who may be trying to gain access to it. IEEE 802.1q can be used to secure MPLS networks. It separates traffic on the same VLAN, which adds to the security.
MPLS networks also provide more excellent reliability than traditional broadband connections because they use a single path for all data traffic instead of multiple paths like DSL or cable modems do.
With this type of connection, if something goes wrong with one link between two Internet points, all traffic will automatically route itself through another path without interruption. This is something that is not possible with other types of broadband connections like DSL or cable modems.
5. Efficient Routing
MPLS networks are capable of routing traffic more efficiently than traditional IP networks. This is because MPLS networks can route traffic based on the speed and quality of service required by the application, as well as the geographic location of the user.
For example, if you’re trying to send an email from your home office in New York City to your colleague in London who is visiting family for Christmas, most traditional IP networks would route this message over landlines until it reaches its final destination a process that could take days depending on how busy those landlines were at any given time.
However, with an MPLS network installed between these two locations, messages can be sent directly between them without going through other countries first. This means faster delivery times.
6. Centralized Network Control
Centralized network control is one of the most essential benefits of MPLS networks. With centralized control, you can manage your entire network from a single location and make changes to it in real-time. This means you can monitor every aspect, including performance and security issues, without manually checking each device.
Suppose there’s an issue with any part of your network, such as latency problems or dropped packets. In that case, you’ll be able to identify precisely where these issues occur so that they can be resolved immediately instead of wasting valuable time trying different things blindly until something works or, worse yet, not knowing why something isn’t working.
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Conclusion
MPLS is a flexible solution that can adapt to your changing needs over time. It’s easy to implement and maintain, so you won’t have to worry about costly upgrades or system maintenance when your business grows or changes location. MPLS networks offer high-speed connectivity and reliable service with centralized network control for better security. Consider switching over today if you’re looking for an affordable way to improve your business communications.
