When communicating with the outside world in your business, you have multiple options. There are VPN, IP, and MPLS networks. One of the newest types is the MPLS, but if you were to ask a technician what it means, you’d probably get some very complex and complicated definitions. MPLS stands for multi-protocol label switching, which really doesn’t tell you much about what it means unless you are well-versed in internet protocols.
Protocols are part of how information is sent throughout the internet. Multi-protocols mean that the method uses different types of protocols in transferring data. In MPLS, data or voice information is assigned a label as it moves through the system. As the packet travels along its route, at each hop, or station, where it stops, information is dropped off, then the packet gets relabeled to move to the next hop until it reaches the end. It’s a system which prioritizes information to get it to the right user and increase performance within your network. An MPLS network provider can help you determine if its right for your organization.
Benefits of MPLS
Packets of data or voice take up bandwidth within the network. Some of these packets may be more important than others. For example, someone wanting to have a conversation with one of your staff members would probably be more important than a document being sent. Thus, different bandwidths could be allotted for faster speed when performing certain tasks. An MPLS network offers quality of service on top of speed.
Network designers can increase performance more effectively with an MPLS system, because it can reduce the number of hops. This increases the way applications handle within the network, for increased response time. With this improved performance is another benefit in that connections can restored quicker after an interruption. Many MPLS have multiple redundancy measures to protect and backup data and be ready to go quicker after a disaster.
An MPLS network offers more security for finance companies or health care providers who have additional industry standards which must be met under Federal Law. When it comes to network security, the MPLS network provider can help your business find the right balance of security to cost-efficiency for your situation. It’s important to be concerned about the bottom line.
Upgrading to Meet Future Needs
MPLS is one of the newest technology systems for networks, which many believe is the wave of the future. Upgrading to MPLS now avoids being left behind as more networks move to these protocols. If you need to update your system, you want to be forward-thinking. Very few providers are investing in upgrades to WAN, and as more technologies advance, VPN networks could also be part of the past.
Look forward and speak to your MPLS network provider about the benefits of MPLS and how it could fit into your business goals and objectives today and into the next few years. Make an investment in your business network to provide the best customer experience and give your staff the tools they need to do their job. MPLS is the future of connectivity.