WHAT IS MPLS (multiprotocol label switching):  Written by William A Quaglia, GCEC © 2008

MPLS is a technology, designed to speed up network traffic and manage flow.  Each packet is given a label that designates its network path. This helps to order and improve data flow through the carriers' networks. Routers simply pass the packet on, instead of determining a route. The MPLS archetecture sets routes, and priorities.  MPLS is called "Multiprotocol" because it works with multiple standards and Protocols.  It is designed for ease of transmissions to multiple sites within a company's network.

The labels identify the type of traffic (Video, Voice, Data) the assigned priority to each type of when / what order to transmit, where to go, and to arrive,  The labels allow for "from anywhere to anywhere" delivery, equipment neutral (compatible with any equipment) and protocol neutral (will carry any currently existing protocols). 

And what is a Packet?

A "packet" is a single set / string of information / data made up of samples from each OSI platform layer, which includes dictates for transport, security, networking, identification, and obviously contains the intended information to be transmitted.  

What is a Protocol?

Protocols are the particular commands and techniques used in computer networks to create search statements and retrieve citations and other types of information.

A good example of how this works is if you had a large bucket of different colored blocks which needed to be sorted by color and placed in three buckets nearby which were located next to each other but had their own spot on the floor..  You have determined that the red blocks would be sorted first and put in the purple bucket. The orange blocks would be sorted next and put in the green bucket, next to the purple bucket.  And finally the blue blocks would be sorted last and put into the white bucket next to the green bucket.  You do this by gathering all the same colored blocks together and moving them to the appropriate bucket, all at the same exact moment. Next you gather the next set of same-colored blocks and move them at the exact same time.   This is an MPLS circuit! All this "MPLS" sorting and moving happens in split-second timing!!  AND through miles and miles of network connections and switches.  What a marvelous world, isn't it?

Because of of this protocol  transparency, it works over the smallest circuits (DSL) to gigantic multi-location circuits.  It allows for VPN (Virtual Private Networks to be set up at remote sites, such at an employee's home (telecommuting).  It allows ease of addition and removal of sites and thus, brings quick and easy disaster recovery to new temporary locations.

MPLS circuits are fairly competitive with the average pricing at the time of this writing (03/2008) costing around $350-$450 per location. At this price, MPLS is now affordable for companies with as little as two locations .

Link to a list of MPLS Strong-Points

William A Quaglia, GCEC © 2008