Is MPLS Causing Frame Relay to be Obsolete?

Written by: Dennis Green - Jan 8, 2009

MPLS (multiprotocol label switching), is only one of many factors that are resulting in a diminishment of demand for frame relay. Other factors include the lower cost of clear channel T1, increased demand for; VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), video conferencing, class of service (CoS), and a tendency toward converged services on one large pipe. At one time, and for many years, frame relay was considered the state-of-the-art broadband technology. This time has now passed. Many substantial businesses continue to rely on frame for their bandwidth and networking needs, but in most cases, this has more to do with procrastination and a lack of understanding about just how easy, and cost effective it would be to switch to a fully managed, any-to-any location network based on MPLS technology. In the not to distant future, virtually all companies will switch from frame, to MPLS based networks. To make this change now is virtually free. Installation is commonly free, the routers, and configuration of routers is often free, the cost of MPLS bandwidth is usually far lower than bandwidth provided with frame relay, and the speed of bandwidth provided with MPLS is often far higher than the much smaller circuits utilized with frame for the same cost. MPLS networks are often completely managed by telecom providers, thus lowering customer costs for networking staff and reducing the workload of often overworked IT personnel. MPLS has far more abilities than frame. For example, with MPLS, many applications can be provided over one circuit simultaneously. This eliminates the need for individual circuits for each application. With MPLS, the need for a multitude of permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) needed to connect various network locations is eliminated. MPLS based networks provide any-to-any network location connectivity without the need for a myriad of PVCs required with frame. MPLS easily facilitates routine data transfer, VOIP, and video conferencing simultaneously with application prioritization. This prioritization, accomplished with CoS, prevents routine data transfer from interfering with higher priority applications such as VoIP and video conferencing utilizing the same circuit.