Typically managed by a trusted service provider as a private network, MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a proven way of guaranteeing premium levels of high network performance, quality and availability.
Typically, MPLS is the go-to solution for providers in search of predictable and reliable QoS (quality of service). Its usefulness is reflected in the fact that the world’s managed MPLS market is currently estimated to be over $64bn. It is also still very much in growth mode, with analysts predicting organisational investment in such MPLS Connectivity will climb to $107bn+ by 2032.
What makes MPLS so useful
MPLS is both a highly efficient way of boosting the speed and controlling the flow of data across a network. It does this by pushing the data through something called an LSP, or Label-Switched Path, to create either network-based IP virtual private networks or to route traffic efficiently between two endpoints.
As its simplest, MPLS can be understood as a protocol that uses labels to route packets instead of using IP addresses. That is, labels get assigned to data packets and can be used to represent the route so that the packet need not carry the identity of the explicit route.
Doing so avoids the need for the use of a look-up table—the default way a standard IP (Internet Protocol) based network works—and has become the accepted best way of managing Wide Area Networks (when compared with earlier methods, such as Frame Relay).
Ultimately, using such pre-determined paths therefore radically increases the efficiency of transmission. Subsequent technological advancements have made this less relevant, but MPLS is still favoured as it allows Layer 2 and even Layer 3 service provider-style Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) over the latest version of the standard Internet Protocol, IPv6 (version 6).
As a result, MLPS can be used to carry many different types of traffic, including Internet Protocol packets, native ATM, Frame Relay, SONET and even Ethernet. In terms of the OSI reference model, MPLS can be conceptualised as between Layer 3 (using IP protocols for addressing and routing information over the Internet) and the data link layer, Layer 2 (sending packets over LANs (local area networks) or point-to-point Wide Area Networks/WANs). Because MPLS adds some useful extra features for data transport across a network, it is therefore a ‘Layer 2.5’ networking protocol.
There are two main implementation approaches to MPLS, BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) and LDP (Label Distribution Protocol). One of our core tech partners, Juniper Networks, uses the latter approach, which offers not just all the standard MPLS benefits but also the ability to:
- route primary paths around known bottlenecks or points of congestion in the network
- provide precise control over how traffic is rerouted when the primary path is faced with single or multiple failures
- provide efficient use of available aggregate bandwidth and long-haul fibre by ensuring that certain subsets of the network are not over-utilised, while other subsets of the network along potential alternate paths are under-utilised.
Other capabilities of the Juniper approach to MPLS include being able to enhance the traffic-oriented performance characteristics of the network by minimizing packet loss and curbing any prolonged periods of congestion—plus enhancing the performance characteristics of the network (e.g., loss ratio, delay variation, and transfer delay) required to support a multiservice Internet maximize operational efficiency.
Extending your international footprint via high-quality MPLS Connectivity
Working with Juniper means that SNS MPLS customers will always get the very latest and best performance features, too.
If you are an MVNO, enterprise or service provider looking to scale to capture new opportunities, then using MPLS makes a lot of sense.
This is particularly true for players looking to expand their business internationally, because MPLS provides secure and efficient routing for interconnection with partners.
If you decide to move in this direction, then you should be looking for MPLS Connectivity backed by the right Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for you.
Proactive assurance monitoring for selected IoT and data traffic, from any remote partner network, would also be highly beneficial.
SNS connectivity: based on the latest MPLS and SD-WAN technologies
The good news here is that Swiss Networking Solutions (SNS) offers SLA-backed and proactive service assurance. So ISPs can easily transmit data over an IP network, for example, SNS offers what is known as a ‘Layer 2’ MPLS VPN as a service.
That means you will always get a flexible, personalised solution. And as we’re using our own infrastructure here (and so own the full stack) that means your MPLS service limited by any older/legacy technology.
Please note that we also offer what many commentators see as an emerging alternative to MPLS, SD-WAN—using software to make your Wide Area Networks more intelligent and flexible. Talking to the SNS team will offer the best way to determine which solution is best for both your current and future business needs.
This is part of the reason why SNS’s connectivity solutions offer options for 1Gb/s or 10Gb/s connections.
Move to the next level with SNS MPLS Connectivity
Being able to deploy this kind of MPLS means SNS can quickly help you target new opportunities, based on you being able to always guarantee consistent quality of service.
Even better, we also offer L2 and SD-WAN-based if these options are a better operational fit for your planned business proposition.
And never forget that In addition to connectivity, SNS also offers consultancy services to help you plan and secure the right network connection you and your customers need.
If this sounds like the kind of help you need to move your business to the next level, today is the day you could start by getting in touch with the SNS MPLS Connectivity team.
