MPLS Networks

MPLS networks join LANs into WANs. Less expensive than private point to point networks, MPLS is the technology of choice for multiple applications and protocols carried over one global wide area network.

What is MPLS?

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a mechanism in high-performance telecommunications networks which directs and carries data from one network node to the next. MPLS makes it easy to create "virtual links" between distant nodes. It can encapsulate packets of various network protocols.

MPLS is a highly scalable, protocol agnostic, data-carrying mechanism. In an MPLS network, data packets are assigned labels. Packet-forwarding decisions are made solely on the contents of this label, without the need to examine the packet itself. This allows one to create end-to-end circuits across any type of transport medium, using any protocol. The primary benefit is to eliminate dependence on a particular Data Link Layer technology, such as ATM, frame relay, SONET or Ethernet, and eliminate the need for multiple Layer 2 networks to satisfy different types of traffic. MPLS belongs to the family of packet-switched networks.

MPLS operates at an OSI Model layer that is generally considered to lie between traditional definitions of Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) and Layer 3 (Network Layer), and thus is often referred to as a "Layer 2.5" protocol. It was designed to provide a unified data-carrying service for both circuit-based clients and packet-switching clients. It can be used to carry many different kinds of traffic, including IP packets, as well as native ATM, SONET, and Ethernet frames.

One of the most widely used features of MPLS allows real-time applications like voice and video to operate with a higher Class of Service giving them priority over non-real-time applications such as browsing and email. Earlier private network WANs used either Frame Relay or ATM network protocols. Most of these private networks are being migrated to MPLS primarily to consolidate all applications over a single IP network.

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Key Benefits when Ordering MPLS from King Communications

• King Communications will quote from as many as 6 highly qualified MPLS network options saving you the time and effort of shopping for the best fit.
• King Communications will help guide you in the selection of MPLS routers and in the specification of your MPLS network.
• After your MPLS network is ordered, King Communications will help expedite the delivery and coordinate the installation of your MPLS ports.
• After your MPLS network is up and running, King Communications will serve as your account manager and interface to the MPLS service provider saving you countless hours of waiting in customer service and trouble management queues.
• We will check your first invoice for accuracy and we will conduct quarterly management reviews to plan for new requirements and to resolve open issues.

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MPLS Key Benefits

• Fully meshed any-to-any virtual connections to all remote locations through the use of IP routing.
• Automatic routing around Interexchange Carrier failures within milliseconds.
• Expand your private MPLS network easily into other countries without expensive mileage sensitive private lines.
• Network managers can alter MPLS router configuration on the fly.
• Combine MPLS charges with other serice provider charges to obtain volume price breaks.

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