MPLS Circuits / VPN Services
MPLS based deployments are highly reliable and scalable and are typically used by large service providers to build corporate, ISP or carrier networks. MPLS is an easily scalable data-carrying mechanism that works with any protocol. Because an MPLS network assigns “labels” to data packets, routing and forwarding decisions are made based upon the label assigned to the packets without examining the packets themselves. , data packets are assigned labels. The information that is associated with the data enables provisioning of end-to-end circuits across any transport medium, using any protocol.
Typically MPLS networks are encrypted at the customer premise at the router, or CPE based VPN. Another option is to encrypt the data on the MPLS provider network which is referred to as network based MPLS VPN. We offer discounted prices unavailable directly from from major carriers and bandwidth speeds from over 50? carriers ranging from internet T1 to DS3 with class of service options that can prioritize traffic and route time sensitive data packets, such as VOIP or video.
MPLS WAN
The two most prevalent designs for Wide Area Network solutions are MPLS-based IP-VPNs and Ethernet-based Virtual Private LAN Services (VPLS). Virtual Private Networks are considered network based VPN services. IP-VPNs and VPLS services converge VoIP, video, data and Internet over a single, interconnected network, a distinct cost and operational advantage over ATM and Frame Relay technologies.
IP-VPNs and VPLS deployments generally offer cost savings over leased lines by lowering access costs, and reducing equipment costs associated with legacy systems where multiple leased lines and managing different interconnections add to the operating cost of the network. When considering WAN solutions, There are important differences and distinctions in how they describe their offerings.
Network-Based vs. Premise-Based VPNs
CPE based VPNs (Customer Premise Based VPNs) are provisioned using signalling originating from the customer premise based equipment,and network based VPNs are delivered at the edge of the service provider’s network. Advantages of network based VPN are ease of activation and lower costs to set up, since there are no equipment costs onsite to be maintained and provisioned at the customers expense, and since most customers are not staffed to set up VPN networks on a regular basis leveraging the expertise of the carrier engineering teams that provision the service at the carrier may be more cost efficient.
MPLS vs. Ethernet Technologies
Layer 3 (IP VPN) and Layer 2 (VPLS) VPNs both use MPLS as the underlying protocol. Both IP VPN and Layer 2 (VPLS) offer similar features and functionality, but MPLS IP VPN routes data based upon the IP address and VPLS uses the MAC address of the routers and switches connected to the network. A typical WAN (Wide Area Network) may contain elements of both MAC address routing and IP address routing.
MPLS IP VPN
Unless an organization is in a position to be able to permit the outsourcing of sesitive internal data such as routing tables and allow access to internal IP addresses, a Layer 3 network based upon IP routing may not be secure enough for some businesses.
A Layer 2 network, based upon the OSI model and routed based upon the MAC address to the hubs and routers, bridges and switches associated with a private network is usually appropriate for these organizations that may have to comply with regulations or security standards that are specific to an industry, such as healthcare or defense. These industries typically utilize Frame Relay and various Private Line solutions to control parts of the networks they operate, and use Layer 2 VPLS to prioritize traffic and create class of service routing options that enable Layer 2 networks the flexible routing options of IP based routing networks. Many enterprise network operators are more interested in the ability to outsource WAN management and routing table management and as a result, are deploying Layer 3 solutions to conserve IT resources and staff requirements.
Fast Facts about Layer 2 VPN and Layer 3 IP VPN
- Layer 2 VPN Features
- Data link layer (or Link layer in the TCP/IP Model)
- Ethernet, Frame Relay, ATM uses combination of MAC addresses associated with specific hubs, bridges, switches, routers associated with the network
- Multiprotocol, “protocol aware” network design
- Service providers route and handle traffic without access to routing information in proprietary routing tables managed by client based upon MAC addresses associated with equipment, usually managed by the customer or by a third party systems integrator.
- Layer 3 VPN Features
- Network layer (including the Internet layer of the TCP/IP Model)
- MPLS IP uses routers
- IP Protocol only
- Service provider has access to IP based routing tables to forward traffic
Layer 2 vs. Layer 3 VPN business network deployment decisions often are based upon the degree of control desired by the network administrator over the WAN network and legacy networks in operation that can enable the deployment of a Layer 2 network virtualization scheme. Enterprises that are deploying networking solutions typically evaluate based upon business strategy and compliance issues, security concerns, and the intended use of the network in addition to cost when designing solutions based upon MPLS based IP-VPN or Ethernet VPLS networks.
VPN Service
VPN service or virtual private network service securely connects two or more points by traversing the public internet or over a private IP VPN network.
Cloud and Colocation offers discount pricing from major carriers and can deliver VPN service as T1 VPN, MPLS T1, or any amount of bandwidth required, which in a typical MPLS network is sold as MPLS DS-3 or T1 VPN. Voice, internet, and IP VPN traffic can be integrated into the same VPN T1 or VPN DS3 circuit enabling network operators to make more more efficient use of the bandwidth.
MPLS VPN can be configured to to prioritize time sensitive packets, or data applications via the shortest available paths through the network. By implementing QOS or priority routing to route critical traffic through a network, typical applications include credit card verification and processing, Voice Over IP, remote access, or data backup. QoS technology to prioritize and route time sensitive data applications through the shortest VPN network paths available. Bandwidth speeds offered by our providers range from T1 to DS3 as well as OC-12 and higher.
Managed VPN services are available with 24 hour support and a wide range of route options are available to insure that our clients have access to diverse and redundant networks by leveraging our global supply chain. Our long term relationships with the major carriers enable buyers to compare competitive quotes from reliable sources and order circuits direct from carriers using our negotiated rates.
Cloud and Colocation.com is a carrier broker with access to the best possible data service prices. Our customers have access to volume discounted pricing on over 100 regional and global carriers, making it less expensive to purchase data services through CloudAndColocation.com than purchasing direct from a provider. Whether you are seeking new data services due to relocation or are simply looking for a change in carriers, using our services will undoubtedly improve your bottom line. Let us generate a free quote for any upgraded data services you may need, free of charge.
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