Many North American telecom companies are gradually decommissioning Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) equipment and replacing the legacy technology with Internet Protocol/Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP/MPLS) infrastructure. This article explores the basic technical principles of each technology and details the key advantages of software-defined IP/MPLS over its predecessor. It also discusses the challenges of maintaining, operating, and repairing IP/MPLS networks, explaining why many telecom companies are turning to managed service providers (MSPs) to optimize efficiency and reduce operating expenses (OpEx). Lastly, the article highlights how Fortress Solutions helps telecom companies cost-effectively outsource and customize IP/MPLS management, empowering them to focus on developing and launching revenue-generating services.
From TDM to IP/MPLS Networks
TDM enables the transmission of multiple signals over a common signal path by dividing the channel into fixed-duration time slots. Although still reliable, aging TDM infrastructure can’t efficiently or cost-effectively support modern bandwidth requirements and applications. Consequently, many North American telecom companies are gradually decommissioning their TDM infrastructure and migrating to IP/MPLS technology.
Deployed in the late 1990s and now considered the backbone of many modern communications networks, IP/MPLS was initially developed to address IP routing limitations and improve network efficiency, while also serving as an alternative to Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology. By enabling high-speed switching, IP/MPLS provides a more efficient and flexible method for forwarding packets through the network.
Protocol-agnostic and capable of running over multiple physical mediums, IP/MPLS offers increased capacity and scalability for technologies like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and 5G backhaul. By enabling dynamic bandwidth allocation, IP/MPLS streamlines service delivery through centralized management, efficient traffic engineering, and redundant paths. Granular Quality of Service (QoS), dynamic traffic prioritization, and advanced security measures further differentiate scalable, software-defined IP/MPLS networks from their legacy hardware-based predecessors.
Maintaining, Operating, and Repairing IP/MPLS Networks
IP/MPLS networks continuously evolve to support applications like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud platforms. Though mature and stable, IP/MPLS requires advanced technical support, as well as professional field and repair services, to ensure uninterrupted service. For example, monitoring Label Forwarding Information Base (LFIB) entries, router and control processor resource utilization, and analytics helps maintain optimal performance, while VPN management and security updates enforce network isolation, ensure compliance with encryption and authentication protocols, and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Beyond monitoring and predictive maintenance, telecom companies must quickly resolve common software-based IP/MPLS issues, including label switching errors, routing loop inconsistencies, improper IP/MPLS VPN configurations, and QoS misconfigurations. Other software troubleshooting typically involves malfunctioning Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) route reflectors, IP address conflicts, and Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) mismatches.
As with software, hardware troubleshooting and repair often result from upgrades, repairs, or aging infrastructure. These issues typically include power supply failures, thermal system malfunctions, and connectivity disruptions caused by loose or damaged cables. Network interface card (NIC) and physical port failures on routers, switches, and access points (APs) can also disrupt service, with physical layer issues—such as signal degradation or interference—affecting label-switched paths and further impacting reliability. Lastly, faulty Central Processing Units (CPUs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and memory devices require analysis and replacement, often leading to rebuilding or sourcing hard-to-find components.
Optimizing Efficiency and Reducing OpEx
To optimize efficiency and reduce operational (OpEx) costs, many telecom companies outsource advanced IP/MPLS technical support, as well as professional field and repair services, to managed service providers (MSPs). These MSPs maintain specialized in-house operation centers and labs staffed by subject matter experts (SMEs) with decades of IP/MPLS experience. SMEs continuously monitor key network analytics, implement firmware upgrades, and apply security patches. This ensures optimal bandwidth and traffic prioritization to meet key performance indicators (KPIs), maintain service level agreement (SLA) compliance, and proactively detect label switching errors or hardware issues.
Operation centers and labs also play a crucial role in delivering remote Tier 1, 2, and 3 technical support, professional field services, and hardware repair. SMEs minimize downtime and maintain stocks of various hardware components, including line cards, switching fabrics, and optical transceivers. They work directly with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, and distributors to procure hard-to-find legacy components like ASICs, CPUs, and memory modules.
During failures, upgrades, and routine maintenance, MSPs implement 1:1 hardware redundancy protocols to ensure service continuity with backup control processors and other crucial hardware components. Automated failover systems ensure switchover times under 60ms for voice traffic, with minimal impact on data traffic. Established label switched paths (LSPs) are maintained during component failures or swap outs, while backup routes prevent traffic interruptions. Importantly, MSPs optimize testing flows and reactivation procedures to further bolster network resilience and service continuity.
The Fortress Solutions Advantage
By efficiently and cost-effectively maintaining and managing IP/MPLS networks, Fortress Solutions empowers telecom companies to focus resources on developing and launching revenue-generating services for their customers. With FortressOne, telecom companies create highly customized bundles to meet the unique requirements of their IP/MPLS networks. Our comprehensive solutions include:
- Advanced Technical Support: Minimizes call wait times while quickly troubleshooting and resolving Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 IP/MPLS support issues across over 170 telecom platforms. Our team provides direct support for data center and IP networking equipment, IP video and voice systems, and smart network applications.
- Signature Repair: Tests, repairs, rebuilds, and procures over 40,000 SKUs, maintaining optimal inventory levels while restoring, testing, and reintegrating refurbished components. This includes IP/MPLS components such as ASICs, CPUs, line cards, wireline systems, routers, radios, cable headend equipment, rectifiers, and power supplies. All services are backed by TL9000-certified quality and an exceptional warranty.
- Global Logistics: Operates a 360-degree return merchandise authorization (RMA) process in close collaboration with Signature Repair. We receive defective IP/MPLS components and systems, rapidly shipping replacement parts from 30 global warehouses that support 4-hour and 12-hour delivery windows.
- Professional Services: Provides IP/MPLS network element monitoring, software upgrades, router migration, decommissioning, and board harvesting. Our expertise encompasses nearly every communication technology, including wireline and wireless networks, as well as connected devices.
- Field Services: Provides a wide range of IP/MPLS-related field service solutions, including pre-configuration, installation, and on-site skilled labor to support kitting, build, and deployment. We also offer maintenance, support, and consultation services.
- Fortress Assure: Optimizes IP/MPLS network performance, manages dark fiber and edge data services, and provides telecom software management and support. By continuously monitoring key network parameters, our team helps prevent incidents, outages, and performance issues.
- Analytics & Reporting: Tracks and archives IP/MPLS network logs and performance statistics to verify KPIs and SLAs. Granular reporting offers in-depth insight into individual component performance, spanning routers, switches, APs, small cells, line cards, CPUs, and ASICs.
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