RE: Ethernet vs. MPLS in the WAN

IP MPLS and Ethernet VPLS services are both based on MPLS technology, and thus are able to meet the needs for a multipoint-to-multipoint converged network. The only difference is that one is handed off as a layer 3 service (IP MPLS) and the other as a layer 2 service (Ethernet VPLS). From our perspective, applications more than security or a desire to control routing seem to be driving the migration to Ethernet VPNs. It's not so much control of routing being a driver as it is not having to deal with another carriers IP network addressing policies. Ethernet end-to-end is simply easier to manage and scale than an IP MPLS network. The top enterprise application drivers for users migrating to Ethernet VPNs include: server virtualization and centralization (bridged SANs), fully-meshed VoIP and video across the WAN (low latency with CoS), collaboration (large files shared over long distances). As more companies globalize and adopt these applications across the WAN, the advantages of global Ethernet VPLS WAN over an IP MPLS WAN will become more apparent: simplicity, scalability, high security and high performance.

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