IntelsatONESM utilizes IP/MPLS technology. Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) can be described simply as attaching a label to each IP packet that describes a level and quality of service for the packet, which in turn determines the route and time for the packet to traverse the network. The packets can be part of a digital file containing data or video content or part of a digital stream carrying linear video feeds and/or audio/voice streams.
Within the network, packets are forwarded along a Label Switch Path (LSP), which is determined by a network of Label Switch Routers (LSRs). Through the use of advanced, intelligent routers, the packets can be transported through a network in accordance with its specified quality and priority levels, which in turn enables the services carried by those packets to achieve and exceed specific SLAs.
MPLS effectively pulls together the best of two different networking worlds. It allows an IP network to be operated in a controlled manner as if the network were partitioned off to each application running through the network- in a similar way to legacy ATM, DTM and other network technologies- while maintaining the flexibility and versatility of an IP network, where multiple services and applications can share the same network and share bandwidth to optimize efficiency.
MPLS networks will meet and exceed quality and reliability levels of legacy networks, while opening up a whole new world of networking flexibility. |
