Configure Cisco MPLS L3 VPNs

In this video, Keith Barker walks you through configuring PE routers, from the ground up, to support MPLS L3 VPNs, including route targets, route distinguishers and VRFs.

To take advantage of what MPLS can do for your network simply request a free quote and more information here ....

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MPLS in a Nutshell

In this video, Keith Barker gives a 10 minute overview of L3 VPNS that use an MPLS core.

To take advantage of what MPLS can do for your network simply request a free quote and more information here ....

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Networking 101...What is MPLS?

Why do we care about Multiprotocol Label Switching? Don't let its service provider pedigree cause you to miss its incredible benefits. Circuit-switched networks struggle with the demand for rich media services and QoS. Its connection-oriented control with the flexibility inherent to the IP based connectionless world. Watch this primer to see what MPLS could be doing for you! More TechWiseTV at Tech Wise TV

To take advantage of MPLS for your network simply request a free quote and more information here ....

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The Benefits of MPLS Networks

Chris Newell, a telecom consultant with Global Communications Group, Inc., explains MPLS networks and the features and benefits associated with this wide area network technology.

To take advantage of MPLS for your network simply request a free quote and more information here ....

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Introduction To MPLS

This is kind of a long video .... but there's a ton of useful information about MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) ....both technical and practical.

To take advantage of MPLS for your network simply request a free quote and more information here ....

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MPLS University... FREE MPLS-Related Education

Businesses are demanding more out of the technologies that keep them competitive. FreedomFire Communications is the one to get you there. Don't miss out on the opportunity for expert advice on MPLS technology, always-on connectivity, voice, security, regulatory and compliance requirements, cost control, and more. Check out MPLS University, brought to you by MegaPath, to get free training on all things associated to keeping your business on pace with technology. Visit MPLS University to learn more today.

MPLS University

Going to be at Channel Partners Show Vegas? Come see MPLS University Live and learn more about the MPLS Implementation Timeline from design through installation and How to Build A Private Cloud. Content will also be available on the MPLS U site on-demand after the show.

Examples of On-Demand Courses:

* Getting the Most Out of the Cloud
* MPLS and the Cloud in Action
* The Myths and Realities of Cloud-based Voice
* Get Your Head in the Cloud: MPLS-as-a-Service
* Performance, Security, and Scale are Not a Pipe Dream
* Big Network Dreams on Small Budgets

For free assistance and customized solutions covering all the cost effective network options MPLS can provide you, simply request information here:

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Tips On How To Migrate To A MPLS Network Architecture For Your Business

So your boss has heard of MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) and is all excited about the possibilities it holds for your company's voice and data network. The positives to your network reliability, performance, and cost make it seem to be a no brainer. But...you're not sure how to migrate from your existing traditional WAN (Wide Area Network) configuration to MPLS.

You're tasked with investigating if moving your company's network from a point-to-point T1 WAN architecture to a MPLS architecture makes business sense.

The easy answer here is yes. It most cases of course it does.

But.... why? And more importantly.... How do you accomplish the changeover?

In looking at changing your architecture from Point to Point to an MPLS type of network I suggest starting with the business requirements and tying your network requirements to the business needs. In this manner, you'll have clear business outcomes for comparison when you start getting the cost vs benefits discussion involved when developing your business case for investment.

A robust Total Cost of Ownership model will be needed to understand what the TCO will be going forwards. Also, I'd suggest developing a strong understanding of the costs of doing nothing and also the potential savings or new revenue opportunities for your business so you can develop a Net Present Value (NPV) of your network options.

I would also recommend looking at the interfaces you're looking to support in the network. MPLS does enable you to have a common protocol across all your networks and you can effectively establish an MPLS Cross Connect in your network. This will rely on how your local service providers will provide MPLS services to you, if at all. So you would most likely need to purchase either point to point or point to multipoint based transmission services from your provider. We're seeing that many enterprises and service providers are heading towards ethernet ubiquity as a service interface and then offering multiple services on top of the ethernet interface.

VoIP works well across an MPLS type of network, however it does depend on the services that you purchase off your service provider. As you're looking at MPLS, then I assume that you're looking at buying straight transmission services and then you'll use MPLS to aggregate traffic into your WAN links. Hence, you're business case is going to be driven by arbitrage opportunities so capture as much traffic as possible onto your network and apply QoS at the edge.

From a QoS perspective, ensure that you can also apply policing to the traffic that goes onto your WAN traffic. I recommend applying Hierarchical QoS as this will enable you to dynamically share the bandwidth in your WAN links.

As you can tell, there are lots of issues and questions that need to be addressed so I'd suggest working closely with some trusted partners and driving towards an outcome based business drivers and commercial outcomes.

We have worked with many customers that have migrated to MPLS from old school point to point. There are a few reasons our customers did this, but let me assure you the #1 reason was cost. A good competitive carrier will offer an MPLS solution that is sometimes less costly than the old point to point type solution..... with most of the same or more functionality.

But there are some factors:

1. If the point to points are crossing state or lata boundaries..... or are fairly separated by miles.... you should enjoy considerable savings.

2. If you get a carrier that bundles MPLS with an Integrated Access type solution you will save big money (combination of voice, internet & MPLS delivered on one T1 with quality of service).

Here's some additional points that might help you.

1. Is it redundant? Yes, depending on how you design your network (we can help you of course) sites can network with each other over your wide area network for disaster recovery/ redundancy. Unlike the traditional point to point architecture where you might only be as strong as that single link. We helped a huge national company with a migration from point to point and frame relay to MPLS. The big reason was with so many sites there was an outage almost every day. The network was designed with redundancy as the main driver.

2. Does it work as well? It depends who you ask. Are you talking to a salesman? He will say yes. Let me give you my "consultant" opinion. It works ALMOST as well but there are so many benefits to MPLS that typically motivate a customer to change. For example, if you have Quality of Service (QoS) sensitive applications running across your WAN then you should consider MPLS. MPLS is a private networking technology similar to the concept of Frame Relay in that it is delivered in the "cloud". The primary difference with MPLS is that you can purchase quality of service for applications across your WAN. During the provisioning process the carrier (or your agent-wink wink) will interview you in order to determine which applications are important to your business, they will then build a QoS template to service these applications on your WAN. These applications will be given priority over all other traffic in times of peak load. MPLS is by far the most costly solution between Frame Relay, VPN and MPLS.... but is the only technology that will support QoS!

But let's put the salesman aside and remember one thing. With MPLS we are using the carrier's private network which is infinitely better than creating your own VPN. But because of some "overhead" and the belief that all carriers over-subscribe somewhat I am convinced that it's ALMOST as good.

So if it's almost as good would it be worth migrating if you could enjoy cost savings & redundancy??? Maybe. But these are the things that are making MPLS the hot ticket now.

3. Does this work well with VOIP? Sure. You can get QoS like I stated above.

MPLS is an IP-based framing technology (at OSI layer 3) that inherently meshes your WAN (this is the redundancy you refer to above). MPLS has a feature called QoS or quality of service. This feature allows both your CPE router and the carrier's network to prioritize data based upon your settings or preferences (carrier's level of support of QoS can be broad) and gives you more "bang for your buck" with the bandwidth that you select for the local loop going to each office. MPLS is made for VoIP like RC Cola is made for Moonpies. Because true "toll quality" VoIP requires prioritization across a carrier network, you (or your provider) can tag VoIP traffic with high priority to easily address the jitter and latency sensitivity inherent in the service.

The other huge advantage you have is that you can add locations with a simple routing table update and maintain a fully-meshed architecture, where with Point to Point circuits, you would have had to add a separate circuit to each location you want to interconnect, making MPLS more and more cost friendly the more locations you add.

Finally, MPLS allows you (or your carrier) to configure network objects (such as servers, VPN concentrators, and Network-Based Firewalls) as nodes on your MPLS network. For instance, with a properly deployed Network Based Firewall, you can provide all of your locations with an internet connection over your MPLS network that doesn't rely on a single location to aggregate the traffic. Some carriers even offer redundant firewalls, meaning that you have redundant Internet connections fully meshed giving you more potential up-time in the case of a single failure on your network.

What do you need to consider? In my experience, the biggest things to keep in mind are:

- Stay away from MPLS enabled Frame/ATM networks with committed access rates (CAR), this committed access rate is often a lower bandwidth than your local loop bandwidth, which can degrade your quality and quantity of bandwidth across a carrier's network (its always in the fine print).

- QoS at the "Edge" and across the "Core" - choose a carrier with both.

- QoS recognition across the carrier network - some carriers will allow customers to mark packets with priority, but will not recognize and uphold that priority, don't fall into this trap.

- SLA guarantees - be sure to choose a carrier that provides acceptable service level agreements for the type of service you plan to push across your network

- Customer Service and dedicated sales rep - you want someone you can reach out to with questions that you can trust - this is the most difficult thing to find.

For free assistance designing the right MPLS configuration for your network.... and sourcing the most cost effective provider..... I suggest you take advantage of the resources available at MPLS Networks

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MPLS Networks Are A Good Choice For An International WAN

Choosing MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) may appear to be the hot new technology. The reality is that MPLS networks as a concept really isn't new. For today's international networks it is extremely useful, and it has become very easy to deploy and widely available from a consumer point-of-view. In my opinion, it is the de facto standard for international WANs (wide area networks).

However, more recently VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service) migration is becoming popular. VPLS offers the ability to run layer 2 (Ethernet VLANs) and layer 3 (MPLS) on the same port. This ability can be very advantageous to separate and push secure connections, raw Internet, general WAN, and other connections out to the branch office as needed.

VPLS is flexible and can run over DSL, T-1, T-3, Metro Ethernet, OC-3, etc. like MPLS, but is not yet as widely available as MPLS. Depending on the provider, you can also mix VPLS with MPLS on the same WAN. All offices would then see each other as being on the same MPLS network, but the VPLS offices would be able to share VLANs. VPLS also has the advantage of always being an Ethernet handoff from the WAN service provider to the consumer, regardless of the technology used to reach your site. With MPLS, you may need DSL, T-1, T-3, Ethernet, OC-3, or some other connection in your router depending on the bandwidth and port provided.

I tend to see MPLS as the current standard and VPLS as the future.

For no cost help designing your international WAN using MPLS networks or VPLS, including free rate quote comparisons from multiple providers, simply request assistance here:

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MPLS Networks vs Frame Relay .... Is MPLS Here To Stay?

When considering MPLS Networks vs Frame relay for your network design it's not really a fair comparison.

First, MPLS will not replace Frame Relay. They are not in the same Layer. So let's put that one to rest.

Another way to ask is... what is the future of Frame? It's all but done - there are too many other cost effective ways to transport bits that can maintain an application's throughput requirements.

HOWEVER, there are still active Frame ports out there, and will be for a long time. Just look at how long it took X.25 to fade away.

The FUNNY part is, that the Frame Relay concept is on it's way back; just carried on a lower cost and more accessible transport method.

Of course not all Frame will disappear. Just like some people still have cell phones that have the same basic functionality as they did 15 years ago .... but the rest of us at least have phones with advanced functionality if not smartphones. They may have a very specific reason, or be complacent in upgrading their technology, but that doesn't mean it's a viable product. The carriers want to eliminate those networks because the market has moved to IP and MPLS, for very good reason, and maintaining those old ATM networks are costly.

Another parallel to phones is that the market has moved significantly toward applications (like communication as a service, infrastructure as a service, cloud computing, etc) since MPLS was productized. These applications are the drivers of MPLS networks ... and now VPLS ... and cannot be supported in nearly as efficient, secure or redundant manner with Frame/ATM because of MPLS' QoS, any-to-any connectivity, private network topology, etc.

Frame may not be dead, but it's a dead man walking. Businesses that have it, and agents trying to sell it, need to shift their paradigm. MPLS is here to stay, it's a commodity now for the most part, and the differentiators are what applications and managed services the carriers are running on the network.

For no cost help designing a MPLS network for your business .... including free rate quote comparisons ... simply request assistance here:

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