Metro / MPLS. Metropolitan Networks

The problem

The Service Provider is providing customers with Internet access. The customers are running business from several remote offices. These remote offices need to be securely connected into a Layer 2 or a Layer 3 network. The Service Provider is providing similar services for different clients. All of them need their VPN networks to be completely separated. Clients can also be assigned with overlapping IP address space. The solution should be scalable enough to meet a possible further increase in numbers of customers.

The Solution

The Service Provider is not running standard routers at the core layer of its network but Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) routers. Depending on the network needs MPLS functionality can also be extended to the distribution layer. Significant changes at the access layer (at the customer's side) are not necessary. By using the MPLS traffic engineering functionality the Service Provider can guarantee or, if necessary, limit the bandwidth of its clients.