Introduction
In the last few years, technologies on network connectivity have improved by leaps and bounds. This has aided businesses in carrying out workflows and strategies in different locations of the world. One of the major reasons businesses prefer MPLS is because it is incredibly fast and scalable.
This suits the purposes of digital businesses that operate through real-time apps and Ecommerce platforms. Many businesses that have local and regional offices in different cities or countries use MPLS to help their employees access core data functions and features on a single integrated platform.
In this article, we are going to look at how MPLS works and why a majority of businesses find it beneficial. If you are a business that is exploring better and faster network connectivity options, please read till the end.
Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS): Meaning and Definition
If you have a basic idea about network connectivity, you will be familiar with the term ‘data packets’. MPLS is one of the few options that are available in the data forwarding technology ecosystem. In other technologies, the data packets travel through pitstops according to the routing table.
Think of how you can track a shipment, once you place an order. On the other hand, data with an MPLS system moves through pre-determined labels or pathways. This makes it perfect for applications that require a real-time lookup.
MPLS works with standard Internet Protocol or IP. Additionally, it also works with Asynchronous Transport Mode or ATM flawlessly. This makes it a highly desirable and attractive model of network connectivity for businesses that run digital businesses. MPLS is a telecommunication protocol that is gaining traction in the last few years.
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How Do MPLS Networks Work?
To understand how an MPLS network solution works, let me share with you an example.
Think about your Post Office and how every letter needs to be sorted according to the destination it is addressed to. Similarly, data packets need to travel through different routers (point to point) and then move to their end destination.
- Every time they reach a specific order, they need to wait for command and get guided on to the next point/router. While this is also a fast process, however, some severe delays and lags can be expected.
- With an MPLS network, a data packet does not have to stop at every router and then be guided on its pathway. As we mentioned already, MPLS networks are pre-determined, meaning that the data packet already has clearance to move seamlessly without stopping at any router points.
- This is what helps in making the network flow fast and constant. For applications that require a real-time interface, there is no better connectivity than MPLS networks. The speed is much faster than traditional network connectivity.
- According to experts, MPLS occupies a 2.5 networking protocol. This is above simple IP packets that are distributed through the LAN network. However, it sits below Level 3 protocols that employ internet-wide addressing.
The Benefits of using MPLS Networks for Connectivity
In this section, we are going to look at some of the major advantages of using MPLS Networks-
- Firstly, MPLS networks are scalable. This means that they can be increased according to the capabilities that are required by businesses. This can help prevent server crashes.
- Secondly, using MPLS networks allows a business to avoid traffic congestion. The free flow nature of the network ensures that the end-user experiences zero lags.
- Thirdly, as it is an incredibly fast and responsive network system, the user experience gets enriched. This helps incredibly in applications that need real-time processing.
- Fourthly, MPLS networks are safer and more secure than public networks. Since it is partitioned, it works as a private network and maintains cybersecurity integrity.
- Fifthly, MPLS offers its greatest benefits for video, voice, and applications that cannot afford any lags or latency. It allows for voice and data to be accessed on the same points.
The Bottom Line
In the last few years, companies have been exploring connectivity options that can help them scale businesses. The advent of digital-only business models has made technologies like MPLS and SD-WAN become sought-after. At the end of the day, every business wants a connectivity option that is fast, safe, scalable, and affordable. If you are a business that operates real-time applications or has offices in different regions, you should explore MPLS Network technology.