Notes

The Real Facts About MPLS Networks (Multi-Protocol Label Switching)
MPLS... or Multi-Protocol Label Switching has fast end up being the solution of choice for connecting multiple network locations for businesses today. To make sure your designing the right network solution. And that MPLS should be the backbone of that decision... you need to at least understand the fundamentals.

Multi-Protocol label switching is basically just a different method of routing data packets. It really is unique from standard routing in that it'll allow a diverse set of connectivity means using various protocols, and its own basic nature is that it is a mesh network, but not a broadcast domain, meaning that it offers "any-to-any" connectivity.

The technology that creates an MPLS network is very similar from one provider to another. Probably the most extensive network worldwide is owned by AT&T. Verizon has some advantages over AT&T in Europe, but does not have quite the network in China or India as an example. Level 3 and Qwest are good providers, but have significantly more limitations internationally, , nor offer quite the customer contact availability in every areas. Level 3 specifically tends to lean more towards wholesale - meaning they are more of a "carriers - carrier."

There are differences predicated on two broad areas- how the network is constructed (architecture) and the amount of service after implementation (apart from cost.)

Carriers (providers) can provision links in a given network as if it were a "star" configuration with the links being tied back again to an individual core network or the location linkage may hook up to a redundant and diverse "cloud" core. This shows that the network backbone will undoubtedly be made to route around troubled points and in a manner of speaking it will "self-heal".

Some carriers have only a limited quantity of linkage between some areas of the provision map and others which might allow a single point of failure in the network (or a host location on the network) - Or would require significant construction costs to overcome. Probably the most flexible architecture must also allow for scalability in order that an organization can link sites using everything from a broadband connection to an Optical carrier ring to connect to the MPLS platform.

Customer value regarding the degree of redundancy or diversity required in the architecture of the network: Some providers have the CER (Customer edge router) hook up to a primary and a secondary PER (provider edge router) and the network core has multiple and redundant core routers.

The opportunity to provision network links "wherever you're", local, statewide, national or internationally, must be considered. Some carriers have fewer or greater capabilities of this type - and in light of the - cost to provide the services can vary greatly widely from a few hundred dollars for a link between local network hosts and several thousands for an international connection in a remote location. Management of the network should be considered in the architecture of the network - some providers provides the netwok links, but not the routing equipment (CPE) , nor offer much assistance in the implementation of the CPE or ongoing management. Other companies provides an end-to-end experience that allows the users to focus on core business rather than running a network. Preferences also enter into play because of this issue; however, if the provider is offering to provision equipment, manage it, update it, service it, replace it (if needed) and so forth - this is often better owning it yourself. In addition, it puts the responsibility of earning it all focus on the back of an individual party in order to reduce "finger-pointing" when there is a trouble issue. No customer really likes the thought of being stuck between two vendors or between a provider and their very own IT department while looking forward to a down network link to be fixed.

Which brings me to the service aspect. Service Level Agreements or SLA's are important to making sure that you achieve the service quality you expect from your own provider. If the CPE is roofed as part of the overall agreement, it ought to be included in a proper SLA provision. The primary issue is uptime - if the network is down, it is costing you money. The provider will need to have a record of their performance with the network overall they can share with you and perhaps an on-line "dashboard" that you can observe their performance at will. The SLA must have "teeth" as leverage on the provider, so that they experience some economic pain should they fail to provide the service they are promising. Providers may have a tendency to say they have the "strongest SLA in the market", but careful comparison is worthwhile to insure that customer needs are being protected. Some SLA's can vary greatly based on whether it is domestic or international service.

The most crucial point in all of this is to grasp the needs of the customer. You could have an impecable service experience with the "County Farmers telephone company" if their service provisioning, expertise and SLA's fit the bill. But .... if you focus on getting what you need first, price second, you will likely have an excellent experience.

If you would like free help in finding the right MPLS solution for your network application(s) you can obtain that through FreedomFire Communications.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including DS3-Bandwidth.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation w here you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the most recent BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.
Homepage: https://east-bigmama.com/how-to-increase-customer-base/