What Does MPLS Stand For?
MPLS stands for Multi-Protocol Switching Network. MPLS networks are privately owned "cloud" networks that use special tag switches and routers rather than IP addressing to determine source and destination. The multi-protocol aspect means that nearly any data protocol can be transported, making MPLS networks highly versatile.
How MPLS Replaces Frame Relay Networks
Frame relay has been a popular private WAN networking service to link multiple locations. MPLS is the replacement service that offers more flexibility, higher bandwidth and lower costs.
Why Use Private WAN Network Solutions?
A private network has inherently better security and can be structured to guarantee important parameters such as bandwidth, jitter, latency, and packet integrity.
What is Latency?
It is the time delay in the network. In other words, how long it takes to get a packet from node to node. The lower limit is set by the speed of light, which equates to 1 msec per 186 miles in a vacuum.
MPLS Network Speeds
MPLS networks can run at any network speed and are being adopted by major carriers as the multipoint to multipoint technology of choice. For this reason, MPLS is fast replacing Frame Relay.