What is MPLS?
Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a networking technology that speeds up and secures the way data moves across a provider’s backbone. Instead of routing each packet individually, MPLS assigns labels to data packets, sending them along predetermined, optimized paths. This reduces congestion and improves performance.
Why businesses use MPLS
Private connectivity – MPLS creates secure virtual private networks (VPNs) over a shared provider infrastructure, ensuring your business traffic stays isolated.
Application prioritization – Voice, video, and other critical applications can be prioritized with Quality of Service (QoS), while less urgent traffic like email is routed efficiently in the background.
Reliability – MPLS offers predictable performance, making it ideal for real-time applications like video conferencing and VoIP.
Traffic engineering – Providers can optimize traffic paths across their global backbone, minimizing bottlenecks and improving uptime.
Scalability – MPLS can connect multiple offices, data centers, and remote sites into one consistent, managed network.
MPLS vs. other network options
Compared to traditional WAN technologies, MPLS offers:
Higher reliability and uptime guarantees
Greater security than standard internet-based VPNs
More efficient use of bandwidth
Better performance for time-sensitive business applications
How MPLS is delivered
MPLS can be accessed over a variety of last-mile connections, including:
Fiber Ethernet – for high-bandwidth, high-performance locations
Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) – when you need both internet and private MPLS connectivity
TDM or legacy circuits – still supported in many areas for businesses with older infrastructure
Is MPLS right for your business?
MPLS remains a strong solution for businesses that:
Need secure site-to-site connectivity across multiple offices
Run critical applications that cannot be interrupted
Want centralized control over how traffic is routed and prioritized
Ready to explore MPLS options?
Find real-time business internet pricing first, then compare providers that also support MPLS private networking. Start here.