MPLS stands for “multiprotocol label switching” and is a mechanism used in high-performance telecommunications networks which direct and carry data from one network node to another.  By using MPLS, virtual links are created between distant nodes.  The biggest benefit of using MPLS is simple: there is no need to be dependent on any one particular type of technology to achieve your telecommunication needs.

MPLS can replace or enhance many different types of service for voice or data and can save money for the company over the long run.  Calls or other information are bundled into data packets which are then assigned labels.  The packet forwarding decisions are then made based on the label, eliminating the need for the packet itself to be examined at all.  There are four fields of information that are looked at on these labels: a label value, a traffic class field which is based on Quality of Service (QoS), priority and explicit congestion notification (ECN), a bottom of stack field (if this is set, the label is the last in the stack) and finally a TTL (time to live) field.  The time to live information is used particularly for stacks that are time sensitive.

 When these packets of information are received by the router, only the topmost label is examined and a further operation is completed based on the label’s information.  The three options are swap, pop and push.  A swap operation means that the label is swapped with a new label and then forwarded to the next destination with a new label.  A push operation will push a new label on the existing label, meaning a new layer of MPLS.  Finally, a pop operation will read the label and then remove it from the packet, which may reveal inner label decapsulation.  If the popped label was the last of the label stack, that stack will leave the MPLS tunnel altogether.

What does all of this mean for your company?  The routing system that is used eliminates the need to rely on one protocol only.  Think of your telecommunications system: your company probably has phones, mobile phones, computers and possibly other telecom means.  If one system is down for the day, you can still get work done because there are other ways to manage.  On the other hand, if you are only using a landline phone system for your company, you are out if there are problems in the system or during particularly busy times on the line.

Speaking to a managed services provider can be beneficial so that you know the pros and cons of using MPLS, including the cost effectiveness as well as how time efficient the system can be for your company.  No matter what goods or services that you provide, your telecommunication needs are important.  In addition, managed service providers can help you to find the right telecom service provider as well.  The huge advantage of MPLS is simple: there is no need to rely on a single form of technology for your telecommunications needs.