MPLS for Metropolitan Area Networks

The demand for bandwidth in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) and the increased availability of fiber has created a new class of Metro Service Provider (MSP). MSPs are deploying high-bandwidth networks that enable Application Service Providers (ASPs) and content hosting providers to distribute services within metropolitan areas, thus enabling service delivery closer to the metro subscriber. In addition, MSPs are offering customers native data services using Ethernet instead of traditional leased lines. Customers are attracted to these services by the flexibility offered, the low cost of bandwidth, and the fact that they can get these services up and running quickly. At the same time, customers expect the same level of guaranteed bandwidth and Quality of Service (QoS) they enjoy with TDM circuits. But as customers grow in number and as service providers expand across metropolitan areas, scaling these services becomes an issue. Riverstone Network’s hardware-based metro switch routers have enabled MSPs to offer many of the above-mentioned services using features such as VLANs, wire-speed policybased routing/bridging, and rate limiting. The support for Metro-optimized Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) on Riverstone’s switch router platforms allows service providers to scale their existing offerings within a given metro area, extend their services across other metros, and offer new services — while providing reliable and responsive networks. This paper looks at the challenges facing the new class of MSPs as they expand their networks, and examines how Riverstone’s MPLS implementation elevates the MSP’s service delivery capabilities to the next level. for Metropolitan Area Networks Page: 1 of 7