There is quite an amount of buzz in the telecommunications industry about MPLS. I am able to understand how an MPLS works over an IP network (MPLS L3). But, what is an MPLS layer 2 network and how is it different from an MPLS L3 network?
Some pointers to relevant sites will also be highly appreciated.
I see many articles on line stating that the overhead of Ethernet is 18 bytes (example: http://www.learnios.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=18887)
Looking at this wiki article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet_frame#Structure) 18 bytes is the following fields;
Why do the preamble, start of frame delimiter and inter-frame gap not count towards this, are they not included in every frame? This would take the Ethernet overhead up to 26 bytes.
The original article I linked was with regards to calculating the required MTU for MPLS networks (encapsulating layer 2 traffic into MPLS frames). I want to understand why 18 bytes is being added on to the standard 1500 bytes and not 26 bytes (plus the MPLS label stacks and any do1q tags).
My MPLS provider is giving us a choice to use static routes or BGP for our new MPLS setup.
What are advantages/disadvantages of the 2 choices? What is more commonly used?
Is it possible to terminate MPLS vpn connection on Linux and how? On my side Linux box has fiber ethernet interface and has fiber plugged in. We do not have any other router etc.
After having just spent months setting up a fairly complex VPN, I'm beginning to look at alternatives for the future. Some of my network providers use MPLS to connect to us, and I suppose it works fairly well. I know many ATM (automated teller machine) networks use MPLS, which I suppose it a vote of confidence for its security properties.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPLS_VPN is rather succinct:
"MPLS VPN is a family of methods for harnessing the power of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) to create Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). MPLS is well suited to the task as it provides traffic isolation and differentiation without substantial overhead.[citation needed]
Layer 3 MPLS VPN
A layer 3 MPLS VPN, also known as L3VPN, combines enhanced BGP signaling, MPLS traffic isolation and router support for VRFs (Virtual Routing/Forwarding) to create an IP based VPN. Compared to other types of VPN such as IPSec VPN or ATM, MPLS L3VPN is more cost efficient and can provide more services to customers."
My question is : how cumbersome / expensive is it to set up an MPLS network? Is it the kind of thing where you can buy the hardware and DIY, or do you really need to go to a service provider? I can get "managed" VPN's for $100/month right now (which I have no idea if this is good or bad), my five partner IPSEC "hairpin" topology thereby costs me 6,000 a year. Would that be better invested in MPLS?