MPLS VPN Allows High-Priority IP Traffic Straight Away

Multi Protocol Label Switching is replacing Frame Relay and ATM when it comes to the technology. It is becoming the technology of choice for transmitting high-speed information, data and digital voice in one connection. MPLS offers better reliability and performance, and assures reduction of overall costs by deploying network efficiency. It has the ability to give priority to packets transmitting voice traffic making it the ideal solution for handling VoIP calls. MPLS is essentially a type of protocol than a particular form of service. It is able to deliver any circuit needed by a customer, from IP Virtual Private Networks to optical connectivity. It also has the ability for packet labeling, which means it is able to label data packets. In existing IP networks, packets are directed exclusively on the data network-layer header. When each packet arrives, it forces a router to determine its subsequent move without regarding actual content.

MPLS VPN answers your need for speed. It is capable of speeding up the routing process significantly by labeling every packet once it reaches the network. Every network router stocks data about how to handle diverse packet types indicated by the network layer header label. It immediately translates to a higher efficiency lessening the load carried on the routers and liberating needed resources. The packet transmission speed is increased as the network infrastructure load is decreased. However, not all MPLS traffic is equal. The built-in advantages of MPLS are clearly evident where real-time traffic is organized to be preferred over data packets that do not need the same priority or speed, and other similar situations. With traditional Internet Protocol circuit, all traffic is regarded equally. When bandwidth demand temporarily exceeds circuit capacity, it becomes a serious problem. The single form of prioritization in most existing IP networks count on a first customer basis, where there is no specialized function given to real-time traffic-sensitive applications like video and voice conferencing.

Its prioritization feature is better than anything else. Large file transfers would not receive normal network priority in real-time audio or video conference held likewise by company executives that results to video transmissions and phone calls with inferior quality, since two sources would likely be clashing each other for priority. On the other hand, MPLS network will assign high-priority to real-time video and voice applications straight away. E-mail traffic and similar connections not likely upset by latency are pushed to the back queue of the router to allow for high-priority traffic. This clearly improves the performance and implementation of real-time applications with minimal effect on lower priority traffic results such as e-mail where little delays can be very difficult to detect.

In a few words, MPLS sets your critical high-priority IP traffic maintain a fast track to its destination. All of it can be done without much effort, and at absolutely no interaction required on the customer's part and no major changes to the network infrastructure.


Author is an AT&T master solution provider from Digital Management Solutions who specializes in helping customers make the most out of their communication and network needs. He works tirelessly to provide powerful, efficient and cost effective solutions, such as MPLS VPN services, to address clients' communications needs.

Author is an AT&T master solution provider from Digital Management Solutions who specializes in helping customers make the most out of their communication and network needs. He works tirelessly to provide powerful, efficient and cost effective solutions, such as MPLS VPN.