WHat is MPLS?

MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) is an ISTF standard that blends the individual strengths of OSI layer 2 (like ATM) and OSI layer 3 technology (like IP) into a simple cost effective Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution.

MPLS provides an integrated network that can simultaneous handle multiple types of network traffic, including voice, data and video. It has application awareness, so it can prioritise traffic based on user set definitions (bandwidth and delay).

MPLS allows the creation of virtual LANS, creating the ability to create so-called closed user groups. It provides ultimate scalability as it does not impose any speed limitations within definition, limitation are simply there because of router physical scalability.

MPLS is fully independent of the underlying access, in other words it works on standard DXX leased lines, SDSL and SDH etc.

The MPLS Basic Concept (The Principle)

·   An end-to-end label switched path is established and guaranteed before IP packets are switched through the network (defined Quality of Service)
·   Each IP packet send by the CE router is assigned a label by a PE router
·   The P routers along each point in the network forward the packet based on the MPLS label
·   The MPLS Label is removed by the PE router and forwarded as an IP package to the CE router
·   An MPLS network does not perform any routing based on IP addresses
·   MPLS labels are not published outside the Omantel network making MPLS as secure as Private Lease Line and ATM networks.

IP MPLS Managed VPN Service
Typical Customer Profile

The Omantel MPLS VPN Managed Service is ideal for small and medium enterprises and multi-national businesses with nation wide locations that has existing and or future requirement for

þ      Any-to-any connectivity
þ      The ability to priorities different business applications
þ      Different performance levels for different application types
þ      A network that can expand and contract easily in line with their own expansion strategy
þ      LAN-to-LAN or WAN-to-WAN connectivity over private networks
þ      Reduced network infrastructure costs and improved speed-to-market for its products

Key Benefits

  &   Flexibility
    Easily deploy new applications on your network

    &   Rapid Deployment
   rapid network configuration, provisioning and deployment

     &   Nation Wide Availability
   coverage and support across the Sultanate of Oman 24  x 7.

     &   Performance
   prioritisation of traffic into different Application Classes

     &   Single Network, Single Source
    “any-to-any” connectivity with bundled CPE

 &   Security
    As secure as Private Lease Line and ATM Services

 &   Reliable
    The MPLS VPN Network is monitored and proactively managed 24 x 7

     &   Professional Service
   Assistance in defining a detailed your network based on your requirements

MPLS Benefits and Advantages

MPLS  is  a standards-based implementation of label switching technology. The development of standards result in an open environment with multiple manufactures' products all being interoperable. MPLS use of label swapping gives Omantel tremendous flexibility in the way that it assigns packets to Forward Error Correction (FECs). Packets can be assigned to an FEC based on unlimited number of policy-based considerations – the source address alone, the application type, the point of entry to the MPLS network, the Class of Service (CoS) conveyed in the packet header, or any combination of the above.

 MPLS supports explicit routes. Explicitly routed Label Switched Paths are far more efficient than the source route option in IP. Explicitly routed paths also have attractions as 'opaque tunnels' where they can carry all types of traffic (e.g. SNA, IPX etc.) that the two cooperating tunnels agree on. Because the intermediate Label Switching Router (LSRs) that 'carry' the tunnel use only the labels arbitrary traffic can be carried in packets sent on the tunnel.

 Omantel can construct customized Label Switched Path (LSPs) that support specific application requirements. LSPs can be designated to meet certain bandwidth requirements, bypass potential points of congestion, or simply force traffic across certain nodes in the network. The label switching forwarding component is not specific to a particular Network Layer (e.g. IP, IPX). Label switching can operate over any Data Link Layer protocols (although the initial emphasis is on ATM). The 'Multi' in MPLS applies above and below the label switching layer. One of the most important benefits of the label-swapping forwarding algorithm is its ability to take any type of traffic, associate it with an FEC, and map the FEC to an LSP that has been specifically designed to meet with the FEC's requirements.

 The deployment of technology offers Omantel precise control over the flow of traffic in the network. This unprecedented level of control results in a network that operates more efficiently and provides more predictable service. MPLS keeps a clear separation between the control and forwarding functions. Each part can evolve without impacting the other part, which makes the evolution of networks (which use the MPLS protocol) easier, less costly, and less prone to errors. MPLS provide a more complete separation between inter and intra domain routing. This improves the scalability of routing processes and, reduces the route knowledge needed within a domain. MPLS can support all types of forwarding: unicast,  unicast with type of service, and multicast packets. Furthermore MPLS can permit the IP header in a packet to be encrypted since all that must be available to the LSR is the label. In this way the source and destination are not observable while in transit. MPLS can be used with Quality of service (QoS) attributes that, in turn, allow different classes of Omantel access service to be defined.

Specification

Pricing

þ      One-off installation Charge per tail-end and per CPE Installation.
þ      A per site monthly Service Level Charge
þ      Contract period 3 years for access lines below 2 Mbps and 5 years for access lines above 2 Mbps

Services delivered by Omantel and NCR

•          Infrastructure management services
–        Automatic rerouting based on type of Event
–        Automatic actions based on Event Id. (reset, reboot, reload)
–        Event Management
–        Performance Management
–        Analysis and recommendations on a monthly basis
–        Security, Access
–        Password control
–        Management of the NCR management environment used for service delivery

•          Pro-active fault management

•          Operational Management services
–        Management of  Interfaces between the different locations and infrastructure
–        Backup and Recovery
–        Asset Inventory and version control

•          Platform management services (Multi Vendor Multi Protocol)
–        IOS & configurations
–        Access Lists
–        Routing
–        Configuration Management Services