Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is the newest technology used by large area and wide area networks for transferring data in an efficient manner. This system is an improvement from other formats such as asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and frame relay, and is designed to increase the performance of your network by prioritizing traffic types such as voice and video applications over e-mail and web surfing. At the rate it’s going, MPLS will soon be responsible for how the majority of the world’s network systems work due to it’s efficient AND cost-effective way of moving traffic across your network.
How does MPLS work?
The easiest way to explain how MPLS works is to use a queue as an example. Your data is transferred in packets along this queue, and as it travels down the line, the protocol decides where each packet goes. In the older formats (ATM being the most prominent), the way these packets are treated is similar to a first come, first served basis. No matter what the content of each packet, all forms of data are treated equally, meaning that bulkier data packets such as voice and video transfers will be treated in the same way as the network treats e-mail requests and casual browsing.
If your network is responsible for moving large amounts of data at any given time, this can be a problem. When your queue tries to squeeze a large data packet with a bunch of lighter data packets through the wire, the quality of your data will be compromised. This can result in video and audio transfers of less-than-desired quality. If you’re holding a video conference, the loss of quality audio and video is unproductive and unprofessional.
What MPLS does is identify and differentiate between the various packets coming in through the wire. The protocol then prioritizes large data packets over those with a lighter load, helping you facilitate the seamless transfer of data without clogging your lines. This means that the speed of transmission throughout your network is increased without putting too much of a strain on your network’s infrastructure.
What can MPLS do for you?
When you require your network to handle large volumes of data transfer without sacrificing the quality, using an infrastructure with the MPLS protocol is your ideal solution. MPLS will ensure that your wide area network is free-flowing and unclogged, helping you move important data with no significant lag in terms of speed and quality, and requiring very little attention and supervision to ensure its continuous function.
