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If you aren’t well versed on IT networking technology, then you might have assumed that your current network infrastructure functions as well as it can. But really, an IT network is something that can be realized in a wide range of ways, each bringing a whole host of advantages and setbacks.
An MPLS system is a technology that could potentially revolutionize how your business operates; however, if you don’t even know what it stands for, then how can you know if it’s the best investment for your company? How can you be confident you’re finding the right provider – a company that understands your business requirements and can deliver on time?
That’s where we come in – in this article, we’ll explain what MPLS is on a basic level, whether your business is a good fit for this technology, and some of the benefits it can provide your business.
Explaining MPLS
You might find that IT professionals tend to throw around jargon as if everyone understands it, but the acronym MPLS may as well be completely meaningless if you don’t know the actual words that make it up! It stands for Multi-Protocol Label Switching, and although that sounds complicated, it’s actually a fairly straightforward concept.
A protocol is a kind of virtual language that IT devices use when they communicate with one another – actually, it’s more akin to a set of rules that explain how data needs to be dealt with. If two devices are using the same protocol, then data passed between them will be handled in the same way. Therefore, Multi-Protocol just means that an MPLS system can be employed in networks where more than one protocol is being used between devices.
Next, the Label part is very similar to how labels are used in the real world – a digital label that identifies priority is appended to a piece of data as it goes through the network, dictating how the data should be handled.
Finally, the S part of the acronym stands for Switching, because a Label Switch Router (or LSR) is used to understand the label attached to the data, which can then be sent down the best possible path.
How MPLS Improves Your Network
Now, let’s consider how MPLS works in real terms: you can think of it like a traffic management system that creates the most efficient routes available. A network without MPLS is akin to data simply zooming into the next available path, with only bandwidth preventing its travel, meaning that no data has priority and vital applications can be slowed down by less important data being sent at the same time.
Alternatively, with an MPLS system, some more control is introduced into the network. By utilising the labels and route switching system, MPLS ensures that all the traffic in a network is routed intelligently and dynamically, according to its level of priority. For example, if you have a mission critical application that needs to stay up and running, MPLS may take bandwidth from a less important application, reducing the overall impact of congestion on your business operations.
MPLS And Your Business
Although this article will go over a few advantages of implementing an MPLS system, it’s important to consider whether your business will benefit from this in the first place. Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you’re thinking of using this technology:
- Does your network service multiple locations?
- Do you often experience delays with your applications and network congestion?
- Do you rely on real time services in your daily operations?
- Does your network handle multiple types of data?
- Would the ability to bring new sites into your network quickly be helpful?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then an MPLS system may prove extremely useful to your company, and (after you’ve read this article) it may be time to start exploring the tech in more detail with a view toward finding MPLS services that work for you. This process may take some time, but it’ll definitely pay off in the end.
The Benefits Of An MPLS System
So, you’re seriously thinking about MPLS for your network – here are just a few benefits you could see from implementing this technology:
A Simplified System
MPLS systems do a brilliant job of simplifying connections in your network between locations and devices, and as is the case outside of IT, a simpler system is almost always easier to manage. When data is labelled according to priority, it can be fast-tracked through your network, regardless of physical distance, taking away a range of variables that can get in the way of maintenance work your team needs to perform.
Faster Speeds
If your network sees a lot of traffic, then you’ve likely experienced congestion during busy periods. This occurs when the amount of traffic trying to go through the network is higher than your bandwidth, resulting in your network needing to drop some of the data, reducing the quality of your service. Because MPLS can dynamically reroute traffic, all of your data will be delivered quickly without a reduction in quality.
Improved End-User Experiences
Most modern businesses utilise real-time, cloud-based applications in their daily operations, and although there are many reasons why this is an attractive option, the nature of this software leaves it susceptible to performance issues. With an MPLS system’s switching mechanism, you can make sure that these applications are boosted, allowing for a more reliable delivery, and therefore a better experience for end users and customers alike.
More Straightforward Expansion
Expanding a non-MPLS system isn’t an easy task, and can require a huge amount of research, time and planning from your IT team because of the virtual connections that need to be set up between your new location and your current site. These tunnels safeguard your data as it crosses between the locations, but MPLS gets rid of this requirement, meaning that your data will always find the most efficient possible route.
Author Bio – Hi, I am Mohd Zaid Mansoori, a teenage Content Marketer, Designer, Digital Marketer and Tech Enthusiast from Uttar Pradesh, India. I am a student who is also a freelancer and is working on some Awesome Websites.
