What is MPLS and How It Works

The demand for faster and bigger bandwidth sparked the network revolution in our modern digital age. Both information and communication are two of the most significant strategies used in almost all types of businesses. Today, almost all enterprises utilize a substantial amount of technology such as computers, smartphones, telephones, and other types of communication tools.

With the growing demand for faster internet, protocols such as MPLS or Multiprotocol Label Switching are instrumental to the speeding up and development of network traffic flows. If you have plans to move to this technology, read the article first to know more about MPLS.

MPLS Defined

Understanding the definition of MPLS is important to figure out how it works. Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a protocol used to increase the speed and flow of network traffic. The protocol is a type of data-carrying technique used for routing traffic within the network of telecommunications. The process involves the traveling of data from one network node to the other. MPLS technology is nothing new as it has been around since 2001. Since then, both ISP and enterprise network engineers have recognized the importance and benefits of the technology to the business world.

How It Works

In Multiprotocol Label Switching, the packets are delivered through the network at level two (the switching level) depending on the assigned label. Each of these packets is labeled as they pass the service provider’s network.  Accordingly, these packets then go to their predetermined path through the network. The routing process allows the assignment of priorities and differing Quality-of-Service or QoS characteristics to the right data flow. In this way, the forwarded packets won’t be lost and will always be assigned to their network paths.

Benefits of MPLS

Multiprotocol Label Switching has several benefits worth checking out. Since its development in 2001, MPLS service providers emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the technology. Check out some of the benefits of MPLS.

1. Cost Savings – According to MPLS vendors, the technology can help reduce cost by 10% to 25% depending on several factors such as network configuration and applications. In fact, MPLS pricing from various MPLS providers shows cost saving can go up as high as 40%.

2. Improved Performance – Network designers can improve the response time and application performance thanks to the any-to-any nature of MPLS services. In reducing the number of “hops” between the network points, the designer helps increase the overall performance of the network.

3. Assist in Disaster Recovery – In case problems are encountered in the future, the service includes disaster recovery. The technology offers WAN managers several features for a network-wide disaster recovery plan. As a mesh technology, the service eliminates the single point of failure that is common with WAN technologies.

It is also worth mentioning that MPLS technology includes MPLS IP VPN. With more than a decade of success, the flexibility, adaptability, and neutral nature of MPLS are instrumental to its accomplishments. If you are looking forward to experiencing any of the benefits of the service or the advantage of using an MPLS VPN, contact a reliable provider of the technology. GTT offers one of the best MPLS services in the country. Call today, and find out how the service can improve your enterprise.