MPLS Vs. SONET – Which Is Better?

Given the dramatic increase in Internet data traffic, network operators began replacing their older SDH/SONET technology with packet-based technologies such as MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching).

MPLS standard is coming into vogue as a way to provide SONET-like resiliency in packet networks. Created to provide more deterministic behavior, MPLS has become the Swiss Army knife of networks. It’s touted as a way to consolidate frame relay and IP networks, deliver VPN services, and guarantee quality-of-service and route around failures.

Let’s explore the two technologies to understand the differences between them.

What is SONET?

SONET or Synchronous Optical Networking is a digital communication protocol that is standardized to transmit very large volumes of data over extremely long distances with the help of fiber optic cables. It was primarily used by telephone companies to ensure high-speed links in layer 1.

How does SONET work?

The hardware for SONET is manufactured to ensure reliable service and better communication to the users. SONET can transfer multiple data streams simultaneously over optical fiber with the help of laser beams and LEDs.

In packet-oriented networks, a single packet normally consists of two parts: the data header and the payload. During transmission, the data header is transferred first, followed by the payload. With SONET, however, a slight change is made. The header is termed overhead and transferred with the payload. In effect, the transmission alternates between the payload and the header until the process is complete.

Pros and Cons of SONET

Synchronous Optical Networking has the following advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

• SONET offers excellent network survivability features and is highly compatible with legacy, existing, as well as future networks.
• SONET offers high efficiency and is capable of transporting all forms of traffic.
• SONET simplifies remote operation capabilities as it can be remotely provisioned, inventoried, tested, reconfigured as well as customized.

Other benefits of SONET setup include easy de-multiplexing, standard optical interference, out of band management system, and very high efficiency.

Cons

• It is not cost-effective for low channel numbers, and bandwidth efficiency is usually problematic at a higher capacity.
• SONET has been on the retreat. No new products of this technology are coming onto the market, and deliveries are mainly limited to extensions of existing networks.

What is MPLS?

Multiprotocol Label Switching was designed in the 1990s predominantly to ensure a unified data service for packet-switching and circuit-based clients offering a datagram service model. Today, MPLS is not only offering traffic engineering and high-performance traffic forwarding but has also evolved into GMPLS (Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching).

How does MPLS work?

MPLS is a technique that works at transferring the traffic across the network based on the path labels instead of long network addresses. The data packets are preassigned labels, and all packet-forwarding decisions are based on the contents of these labels, eliminating the need to examine the contents of the packet. Users can create comprehensive circuits across different types of traffic mediums. Apart from IP packets, MPLS is capable of carrying native ATM, SONET as well as Ethernet frames.

Pros and Cons of MPLS

While MPLS is hailed for its ability to scale, this technology comes with its unique advantages and disadvantages. These include,

Pros

• The biggest advantage of deploying MPLS is that it offers improved uptime by offering alternative network paths.
• It works towards improving bandwidth by allowing multiple traffic types to travel through the network.
• The optional or failover paths for traffic also contribute towards reducing congestion.
• These features collectively contribute to an enhanced user experience at a lower cost of implementation.

Cons

• MPLS does not allow the IT team any control over the physical network. They have to rely on the vendor for that and can only define Quality of Service.
• MPLS does not provide enhanced security features. If security is not implemented properly, it can leave your network vulnerable to security threats.

MPLS vs. SONET Network

Let’s look at how the two networks compare on different performance parameters.

Operation

Layer 1 networking is the most basic layer and contains hardware technologies that transmit data to move it across the network interface. SONET provides layer one features while MPLS works as a Layer 2.5 networking protocol. MPLS sits between Layer two and Layer three and can provide additional features of data transportation across the enterprise-wide network.

Scalability

SONET is difficult to scale because more devices need to be added as the network grows.  Load-sharing and load balancing needs to be manually configured. Scalability in MPLS setup is more advanced as organizations can scale up without adding additional hardware with vendor help.

Security

Security features are not inherent in SONET technologies. MPLS can provide additional security via VPN tunneling.

Reliability

While SONET is reliable,  MPLS management is outsourced to external service providers that guarantee network uptime in the form of SLAs (service level agreements). It is considered more reliable since it is set up as a private network.

Ease of Operation

SONET is highly complex to operate. The network management in MPLS remains with the service provider. The customer is only responsible for defining the SLAs. However, it is essential to make sure MPLS is implemented properly, and the right vendor is selected.

Cost

SONET technology is expensive as it requires dedicated internet access circuits and hardware. MPLS, on the other hand, is implemented to reduce the overall capital and operations expenditures. Further, it does not require any costly hardware to function and can be scaled up easily across multiple offices.

How can I upgrade my network?

MPLS-TP is the ideal packet transmission solution for companies to cope with increasing data volumes. MPLS-TP is virtually the packet-based alternative to “good old” SONET technology. This packet-based technology offers the same qualities of network stability and settings as SONET. By significantly reducing complexity, MPLS-TP makes life easier for network administrators.

At CarrierBid, our experts can assess your existing setup and recommend a future-focused solution that will grow with your business. Contact us today for a free consultation on ways to upgrade your network.