The Benefits Of MPLS Networks
MPLS stands for Multi-Protocol Label Switching, and this is a method that helps to ensure that data packets get to where they are supposed to – via a route option that makes sense – while also being prioritised as they pass through the network. There are a number of benefits you receive from using MPLS Networks, and here we are discussing the various reasons why Multi-Protocol Label Switching could benefit your business.
Uptime & Bandwidth
Two of the biggest advantages of MPLS networks for businesses is the fact that they can improve uptime and also improve bandwidth utilisation. In terms of uptime, MPLS can help to send data over a new, alternative path in less than 50 milliseconds, as long as the second path exists. This can help to reduce manual intervention that your MPLS provider has to deal with when creating a WAN. This means that human error is far less likely to bring down your circuit.
In addition to this, MPLS Networks can help to improve bandwidth utilisation, as they are able to put multiple types of traffic on a single link and let high priority traffic borrow capacity when required from lower priority traffic streams. This then allows lower priority traffic to use more than its normal amount of bandwidth when there is available capacity that is not being used by high priority traffic streams.
Carrier Networks & Wide Area Networks
If your looking for a solution to better prioritise some types of traffic over others when sharing a number of data connections, then MPLS can help. If uptime is the main importance to your business, then MPLS can allow key locations with multiple connections in order to ensure that paths always exist. This can also help to connect many different locations, while ensuring that network congestion on some connections no longer occurs. Through this, you can help to manage traffic easier while helping to ensure multimedia platforms run smoothly.
Hiding Network Complexity
An MPLS connection between two sites can essentially act as a long Ethernet cable. Within this, the hops are generally hidden from view and this can help to make the network connection far more private. The way that it hides network complexity leads to it occasionally being known as a Virtual Private LAN Service.
Improving User Experience
User experience is an extremely important part of any connection, particularly when it comes to running a business. MPLS networks help to prioritise traffic, meaning that the most important things get to where they need to go as quickly as possible, particularly when it comes to time-sensitive traffic like VoIP. There are a number of classes of service, which means that you can adjust the settings on the different traffic types to prioritise what you need to prioritise.
Generally, MPLS is used by telecoms companies but is also a popular option for a number of other businesses. MPLS is now one of the backbones in the world of broadband communication and offers similar security and performance levels as the traditional ATM or Frame Relay networks, while helping you to save money. If you’re considering installing an MPLS network in your business, get in touch with an expert member of our team today!
