Migrating to MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) can offer many benefits for your network performance, security, and scalability. However, it also requires careful planning and training to ensure a smooth transition and avoid costly errors. In this article, you will learn how to train your staff to successfully migrate to MPLS in six steps.
Before you start the migration process, you need to evaluate your current network architecture, traffic patterns, and service level agreements. This will help you determine the best MPLS design, topology, and service provider for your organization. You also need to identify any potential challenges or risks that might affect the migration, such as compatibility issues, bandwidth constraints, or security requirements.
raining your staff is a crucial step to ensure a successful migration to MPLS. You need to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to configure, manage, and troubleshoot the MPLS network. You should also update your network documentation, policies, and procedures to reflect the changes introduced by MPLS.
MPLS can support different types of network services, such as Layer 2 VPNs, Layer 3 VPNs, Traffic Engineering, and Quality of Service. Depending on your network needs, you can choose one or more of these models to implement on your MPLS network. You should also decide whether you want to use a public or a private MPLS network, or a hybrid of both. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, performance, and control.
Talking about traditional model of MPLS, there is no 'correct model'. From my point of view, I prefer: - RSVP to signal the LSP instead LDP. It allows you to implement TE, while this is not possible with LDP. - ISIS because it supports traffic-engineering (TE) natively while the OSPF will need to be adjusted to create TED.?? - CSPF to perform LSP’s computation. For example: in case of failure of the primary LSP, the CSPF is responsible for finding another path that satisfies a list of requirements. I love this??! I use 'link color' (Affinity) on all my backbone transit interfaces. Very useful! - Fast-ReRoute, link and node protection to give H.A for LSPs in case of outage.?? - MP-BGP with EVPN address-family to deliver VPN services! ??
Once you have chosen your MPLS model and service provider, you need to develop a detailed migration plan that outlines the scope, timeline, and budget of the project. You should also define the roles and responsibilities of your staff, the service provider, and any other stakeholders involved in the migration. Your migration plan should include a clear communication strategy, a backup and recovery plan, and a testing and validation plan.
Training your staff is a crucial step to ensure a successful migration to MPLS. You need to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to configure, manage, and troubleshoot the MPLS network. You should also update your network documentation, policies, and procedures to reflect the changes introduced by MPLS. You can use various methods to train your staff, such as online courses, workshops, simulations, or mentorship programs.
Before you switch to the MPLS network, you need to test and validate its functionality, performance, and security. You should use realistic scenarios and metrics to measure the expected outcomes and benefits of MPLS. You should also verify that the MPLS network meets your service level agreements and complies with your network standards and regulations. You can use tools such as ping, traceroute, or show mpls commands to monitor and troubleshoot the MPLS network.
After you migrate to the MPLS network, you need to monitor and optimize its performance and reliability on an ongoing basis. You should collect and analyze data from the MPLS network, such as traffic volume, latency, jitter, packet loss, or bandwidth utilization. You should also use feedback from your staff, customers, and service provider to identify any issues or opportunities for improvement. You can use tools such as SNMP, NetFlow, or show mpls commands to manage and optimize the MPLS network.
Nowadays you should be assessing whether MPLS makes sense for your enterprise network. There are many other technologies (SDWAN, EVPN etc) that accomplish much of what is desirable about MPLS for an enterprise network without tying you down to one provider.