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This paper will focus on an opportunity to revolutionize the way Metro Ethernet networks are built by applying the concept of MPLS Plug-and-Play, a technology developed by Juniper Networks. MPLS Plug-and-Play offers carriers a way to reduce the operating expense associated with deploying and managing MPLS-based Metro Ethernet networks while still enabling these operators to offer all of the cutting-edge services that their customers increasingly expect. This paper will show carriers how to easily map their access MPLS network into their larger core MPLS network, or, if preferred, how to create a completely new architecture.
Although the ideas presented in this paper could also be applied to legacy MPLS networks, the focus of this white paper is on MPLS for Metro Ethernet networks and more specifically on Juniper’s revolutionary MPLS Plug-and-Play technology. Through automated address learning and pre-configuring protocols to run on interfaces, Juniper has already contributed heavily to the success of Ethernet. Now carriers are beginning to build Metro Ethernet networks, and in doing so they should consider the benefits of MPLS. Previous assumptions regarding IP and MPLS have lead some to conclude that MPLS is too cumbersome for the access arena. This belief has been partially fueled by the fact that, historically access networks (Time Division Multiplex, SONET, and so on) have not had IP configuration component requirements, which in the past has made MPLS for Metro Ethernet seem intimidating. However, with MPLS Plug-and-Play from Juniper Networks, carriers can significantly reduce network operations by automating certain time-consuming tasks, lowering operating costs significantly by dramatically reducing the complexities of setting up and maintaining their Metro Ethernet networks. MPLS Plug-and-Play is an excellent cost reduction option for access networks, especially considering that there are so many more access networks than core networks.
Introduction
Today’s telecom service provider arena is more competitive than ever. Pressures from eroding raw bandwidth margins are driving providers to offer enhanced services such as managed quality of service, managed virtual private networks (VPNs), and managed security. At the same time, providers must ensure that customers using these new services are receiving a high quality of experience. Along with these advanced services is the ever upward drive for more network bandwidth by applications such as IPTV and new application business services. To be able to offer the enhanced services that customers expect without risking the financial stability of the company, operators are understandably exploring every opportunity to reduce costs and ease operations.
There are many competing technologies in the access layer today. Many of them make the claim that they are simpler to manage or cheaper to deploy, but they all involve new and sometimes proprietary technologies. New technologies require new training, new provisioning models, and possibly new solutions to sell to customers. Supporting two different technology types—one for the edge and one for the core—creates a larger support challenge for the carrier. At Juniper Networks, we believe the best model is to take technologies that have been successfully deployed and hardened in carrier networks and leverage these models—which have complete customer solutions built around them—to deploy a network that is simpler to manage, end-to-end. The ideas presented in this paper describe the many ways in which Juniper Networks can help drive down the operations costs for Metro Ethernet networks and eliminate costly configuration errors by merging MPLS with the ease of plug-and-play, a concept borrowed from the LAN world.
For the service provider, the first avenue for cost reduction typically focuses on capital expense (CAPEX), specifically the reduction of up-front expenditures related to materials and equipment. For years, advancements in processing power and system scale have helped drive this effort, but due to silicon advancements these types of cost savings have become almost expected in the communications world. As a result, carriers are now looking at changes to the physical connectivity to the customer as a potential new way to reduce their capital expenditures.
Into this landscape comes Metro Ethernet, which allows for the use of more commoditized hardware components to further drive down CAPEX per customer. For years, Ethernet has proven to be an excellent, low-cost data delivery vehicle in the LAN, and now it is expected to do the same for the metropolitan area network (MAN).Ethernet also offers a “ubiquitous knowledge” element not found in some other data delivery vehicles. The general industry knowledge of Ethernet is far greater than that of SONET or other link technologies. This ubiquitous knowledge not only reduces the internal expenses of operating the network (factors such as reduced training, standardized testing equipment, and others), but also has the potential to reduce outage times as more personnel have a true understanding of the internal workings of the system.
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