PS MPLS is expensive and can be replaced by RED technology.
Disagree with you somewhat on that statement Bob. [:)]
RED can usually replace MPLS, but not always. RED will always be limited by the Hub & Spoke design and the internet path between locations whereas MPLS is usually on a separate backbone with performance guarantees and topology options.
RED is certainly cheaper then MPLS and for most types of traffic, makes sense. The fact we have two RED sites with four more on the way, but only one MPLS line, kinda illustrates my point. Most of our traffic doesn't need the guarantee's MPLS offers.
MPLS gives you more flexibility in how you setup your WAN and depending on your needs, the provider can do some amazing things with MPLS that you can't do with RED. I've seen MPLS offered where the provider will offer reduced rates for bulk traffic that isn't latency sensitive.
MPLS also offers a more flexible topology so you can run the MPLS lines in hub & spoke, full mesh, partial mesh, whatever you need. With full mesh & OSPF or EIGRP, you can route internet traffic through HQ but maintain a secondary site so if HQ goes offline, you can reroute the internet through the secondary site. Ditto with internal servers.
PS MPLS is expensive and can be replaced by RED technology.
Disagree with you somewhat on that statement Bob. [:)]
RED can usually replace MPLS, but not always. RED will always be limited by the Hub & Spoke design and the internet path between locations whereas MPLS is usually on a separate backbone with performance guarantees and topology options.
RED is certainly cheaper then MPLS and for most types of traffic, makes sense. The fact we have two RED sites with four more on the way, but only one MPLS line, kinda illustrates my point. Most of our traffic doesn't need the guarantee's MPLS offers.
MPLS gives you more flexibility in how you setup your WAN and depending on your needs, the provider can do some amazing things with MPLS that you can't do with RED. I've seen MPLS offered where the provider will offer reduced rates for bulk traffic that isn't latency sensitive.
MPLS also offers a more flexible topology so you can run the MPLS lines in hub & spoke, full mesh, partial mesh, whatever you need. With full mesh & OSPF or EIGRP, you can route internet traffic through HQ but maintain a secondary site so if HQ goes offline, you can reroute the internet through the secondary site. Ditto with internal servers.
