2008 - Link3 introduces MPLS VPN

MPLS VPN is an effective technology capable of providing secure Layer 3 or Layer 2 VPNs over shared WAN/MAN.  It can easily be used to replace dedicated circuits such as Frame Relay or ATM, reducing cost.  Layer 3 MPLS VPN WAN service allows subscribers to migrate away from the traditional “hub-and-spoke” design, enhancing scalability.

Link3 begun testing it’s MPLS network (see coverage map) from mid-2007, and has gone live on February 2008.  At present, Link3 offers Layer 3 MPLS VPNs, and will be providing Layer 2 MPLS VPNs by early 2009.

MPLS Features in brief:

Quality of service
MPLS support for end-to-end quality of service (QoS) helps ensure that the network prioritizes critical traffic that are time sensitive.

Routing and routing convergence
Most routing protocols (including eBGP, OSPF, EIGRP, RIP, and static routes) are supported by Link3.  CE-to-CE IPsec or GRE tunnels also are supported. Linking to the edge router is quite straightforward, needing little or no new functionality.

Complete security
MPLS VPNs provide the same level of security as Layer 2 VPNs, equivalent to that of private circuits. MPLS VPNs offer address space and routing separation, and they are resistant to attacks and label spoofing. In an MPLS environment, a VPN customer may perform IP-source address spoofing, but because there is a strict separation between VPNs and between the VPN and the core, this type of spoofing remains within the VPN where it originated.

LINK3's IP Backbone using MPLS Technology:

Keeping pace with the technological trend to provide latest and varied value added services to its customers, LINK3 harnesses IP Infrastructure based on MPLS Technology to offer world class MPLS VPN services. MPLS is an acronym for "Multi Protocol Label Switching".

MPLS VPN is a technology that allows a Service Provider like LINK3 to have complete control over parameters that are critical to offering its customers service guarantees with regard to bandwidth throughputs, latencies and availability. The technology enables secure Virtual Private Networks (VPN) to be built and allows scalability that will make it possible for LINK3 to offer assured growth to its customers without having to make significant investments. LINK3 would now be geared to provide Bandwidth on demand, Video Conferencing, Voice Over IP (VoIP) and a host of other value added services that could revolutionize the way a corporate business works!

MPLS based VPNs reduce customer networking complexity, costs and totally do away with the requirement of in-house technical work force. Rather than setting up and managing individual point-to-point circuits between each office using pair of Leased Lines, MPLS VPN customers need to provide only one connection from their office router to a service provider edge router. 

LINK3 has tied up with various Networking solution providers to provide end-to-end solution to its valued customers, including Customer End (CE) routers and other networking components.

What advantages does MPLS VPN have over other Technologies:

LINK3's primary objectives in setting up the BGP/MPLS VPN network are:

(i)       Provide a diversified range of services (Layer 2, Layer 3 and Dial up VPNs) to meet the requirements of the entire spectrum of customers from Small and Medium to Large business enterprises and financial institutions.

(ii)      Make the service very simple for customers to use even if they lack experience in IP routing.

(iii)      Make the service very scalable and flexible to facilitate large-scale deployment.

(iv)      Provide a reliable and amenable service, offering SLA to customers

(v)      Capable of meeting a wide range of customer requirements, including security, quality of Service (QOS) and any-to-any connectivity.

(vi)      Capable of offering fully managed services to customers.

(vii)    Allow LINK3 to introduce additional services such as bandwidth on demand etc over the same network.