MPLS or Multiprotocol Label Switching is a data-carrying mechanism that is often used in large enterprises and service providers. Despite its widespread use, many people are still unaware of its full capabilities and benefits.
Here are the top 10 things that people don't know about MPLS, but need to.
1
MPLS is more than just a routing protocol
MPLS is often mistaken as a simple routing protocol, but it is much more than that. It provides a mechanism for forwarding data packets based on labels, which can be used to prioritise traffic, provide Quality of Service (QoS), and create VPNs.
2
MPLS enables faster and more efficient data transfer
MPLS utilises label switching, which allows for faster and more efficient data transfer compared to traditional routing protocols. This is because MPLS eliminates the need for a router to perform a complex routing table lookup for each packet.
3
MPLS VPNs provide secure and private network connections
MPLS VPNs allow for the creation of secure and private network connections between sites. This makes MPLS a popular choice for large enterprises and service providers looking to secure their data transfers.
4
MPLS can be used for a variety of applications
MPLS is not just limited to routing and VPNs. It can also be used for applications such as traffic engineering, video and voice over IP (VoIP), and service level agreement (SLA) monitoring.
5
MPLS can support multiple networking protocols
MPLS is a multiprotocol technology, meaning it can support multiple networking protocols, such as IP, Frame Relay, ATM, and Ethernet. This makes it a flexible solution that can be tailored to meet specific networking needs.
6
MPLS is not just for service provider
While MPLS is commonly used by service providers, it can also be used by large enterprises. This allows for the creation of private network connections between sites, enabling faster and more secure data transfers.
7
MPLS can be used in conjunction with other networking technologies
8
MPLS has a low overhead
MPLS has a low overhead, meaning it does not consume a large amount of network resources. This results in more efficient data transfers and better overall network performance.
9
MPLS has scalability to grown and evolve
MPLS provides scalability, meaning it can grow and evolve as a network’s needs change. This makes it a suitable solution for large enterprises and service providers that need to accommodate growth and change.
10
MPLS is widely adopted
MPLS is widely adopted, with many service providers and large enterprises relying on it for their networking needs. This demonstrates its reliability and effectiveness as a networking solution.
