MPLS Networking Solution - Overview

Spitfire MPLS allows customers to deploy a private managed data network linking multiple sites directly into Spitfire’s core network using a wide range of circuits, including:

• Fibre Ethernet
• Copper Ethernet
• SDSL M
• VDSL (Fibre Broadband)
• ADSL2+ / ADSL Max

As the circuits connect into a central ‘cloud’ rather than to a specific site the network is more flexible & resilient than using site to site leased lines or VPNs which require expensive routers and configuration. Adding a new site into a network is as simple as just ordering a single circuit at the new address . Spitfire will then connect this into your MPLS network, allowing data to securely route between sites without you having to set up VPNs & firewalls.

What is MPLS?

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a “routing protocol” used in high performance networks. It labels each packet with a virtual “label” which is then used to move packets from one network node to another.

How does it work?

A label is assigned to each packet based on destination. MPLS is currently the fastest protocol available as the forwarding decision is based on the label and not the full IP address lookup.

Spitfire provide our customers with MPLS networks which provide very high security while reducing overall cost of ownership – standard circuit routers are used on site, meaning expensive routers and firewalls are not needed, and nor is any complicated on site customer configuration and management.

Hosted Firewall

An integrated Hosted Firewall service allows Spitfire to provide a centralised Internet connection, for all sites. The MPLS cloud allows all sites to link to each other in a full mesh, and when linked to the Hosted Firewall this provides external access to the Internet – having a single large connection to the Internet, through one firewall reduces the cost of Internet bandwidth, while improving reliability, speed and management control.

The Hosted Firewall service also includes a VPN Concentrator to allow secure VPN access from staff who aren’t connected to the MPLS network, so home or mobile workers can also access your network.

MPLS - Key Benefits

Spitfire MPLS is a fully managed solution and offers some outstanding options and management facilities:

• Sites can access a Spitfire MPLS network using Fibre Ethernet, Copper Ethernet, SDSLM, VDSL or ADSL2+.
• Hosted Firewall solution allows centralised Internet Access.
• VPN Concentrator offers the ability for homeworkers to VPN into the MPLS network using existing Internet circuits.
• Ideal for VoIP and SIP Trunks – lower cost external calls and free calls between sites.
• Network wide SLAs.
• Lower total costs.
• Secure, resilient and flexible multi-site solution.
• Scalable & Flexible.

Full MPLS without external Internet Access

In the above diagram, external Internet access is not included & could be provided by additional standard Internet circuits (of any type) at one or more sites.

Full MPLS with external Internet Access

In the diagram below the Hosted Firewall provides a managed, central Internet connection which all sites can access. There is full control over how the Internet bandwidth is used.