Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)) is a mechanism in high performance telecommunications networks which directs and carries data from one network node to the next. MPLS makes it easy to create “virtual link” between distant nodes. It can encapsulate packets from various network protocols.

Wananchi Telecom core network is Multi-Protocol Label Switching enabled, MPLS gives IP networks simple traffic engineering the ability to transport Layer 3 (IP) VPS’s with overlapping address spaces and support for Lauer 2. In an IP network with MPLS Traffic Engineering routing, constraints such as RSVP bandwidth of the traversed links can also be considered such that the shortest path with available bandwidth will be chosen.

Advantages: Cost effective solution with QOS capabilities, Increased response time and improved application performance through reduced “hops” between network points, less or no downtime as redundant paths are made available in the MPLS cloud which allow quick traffic re-routing, providing continued application availability.