When it comes to multisite networks, MPLS has long been the technology of choice. Yet the growing availability of VPLS means it’s no longer the case that one-solution-fits-all.
So how can you ensure that you are using the right technology for your business? Simple, says Tom O’Hagan, Managing Director at Virtual1. Understand the individual needs of your business.
VPLS is often heralded as the simpler, cheaper and frankly sexier successor to the now positively ancient MPLS. Indeed, research from Forrester* indicates that nearly 40% of European businesses are already deploying carrier Ethernet services, specifically VPLS – an astonishing statistic considering the relative immaturity of the Ethernet market.
But consider this. The deployment of MPLS solutions in the same marketplace has also grown. Why? Because when building a network, it isn’t about using the latest technology, it’s about using the right technology for your business.
So what are the real differences between what the two technologies offer – and what sort of considerations should be taken into account when making a decision? These are some of the key questions you should consider for your network:
How many sites does your network cover?
What is their geographic spread? Because of technical limitations on how a VPLS network core handles unique addressing for each end-point, a large multi site network can be problematic. If your solution will require 30+ sites – now or in the future – an MPLS solution is the better choice.
It is also worth considering the geographic location of your customer’s sites. VPLS is widely available across the UK but if you have international requirements, it may be more cost effective to use MPLS, which has comprehensive coverage even in more remote locations. That said, the considerable customer demand for VPLS means carriers are continuing to invest enabling local nodes as VPLS PoPs; this, combined with new interconnect developments which include Ethernet Exchanges and Ethernet NNIs, makes this a diminishing concern.
Is security a business priority?
Network security is, of course, a priority for every business – recent research from CNET and ZDNet identifies network security as a top area of expenditure for IT professionals. MPLS and VPLS both offer highly secure network connectivity but there is a key difference in how they are managed. Using Quality of Service policies, MPLS allows a business to police its traffic within the network before it leaves the core. However, this policy must be written and co-ordinated with the Service Provider, and any changes must be implemented by the Service Provider. This makes undertaking any changes a slower, more laborious process and removes control from the customer.
As a Layer 2 technology, however, VPLS enables you to retain full control of IP routing and configuration. It also allows you to isolate individual user groups within the network – ideal for businesses which store commercially sensitive information within their internal network. So VPLS not only allows you to manage your own networks effectively, it also makes it ideal for businesses or institutions – such as financial or governmental bodies – which need to adhere to regulatory compliance standards.
Is internal network management a business priority?
Managing their own network may seem like the ideal choice for you. But network management can be time consuming and – even when using familiar Ethernet technology – it still requires a considerable level of expertise. This means it is important to determine if internal network management really is a priority for your business, or if a managed/outsourced solution is more appropriate.
These questions, then, provide a starting point from which you can begin to understand the needs and priorities of your business, and more importantly, how each technology can – or can’t – support the delivery of your core business goals.
CCT offer a wide range of Network Services including Network Connectivity. We can talk you through the whole process and ensure you make the right decision for your business.
For more information, visit our Network Services section of our website or contact a member of the CCT Team on 0844 880 1902.
* Market Overview: European Ethernet Services. VPLS Growth Drives Momentum As 40% Of European Firms Adopt Carrier Ethernet. Forrester Research. 23 June 2010.