IP VPN – MPLS with Colt

In our last article, we looked at products related to Ethernet Site Connectivity with Colt. Today we take a closer look at Colt’s MPLS product, called IP-VPN. Unlike the Ethernet products, Colt’s MPLS product is managed “end to end”. All networking is realized via a private secured network that has no points of contact with the Internet.

Variants of IP VPN

The Colt IP VPN product is available in two versions: IP VPN Access and IP VPN Plus. Access is the “small” MPLS solution. It is primarily aimed at companies that want to use their own managed routers at their sites. IP VPN Plus, on the other hand, gives you the option of setting up a global MPLS network for locations distributed around the world.

Both have the following key data: Colt IP VPN Plus Colt IP VPN Access Transmission technology MPLS Managed router Yes No Protocols IPv4 & IPv6 Service bandwidth 2 Mbit/s – 10 Gbit/s Service classes 5 Routing protocols RIP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, static Data encryption 3DES (optional) Multi-VPN Yes No Customer interface Ethernet 10/100BASE-T, 1000Base-F, 10G Base-For cable only for Colt IP VPN Access If the technical key data are still fairly similar, there are many differences, especially in the options: Colt IP VPN Plus Colt IP VPN Access Global MPLS Yes Classes of service Yes Yes Multi-VPN Yes DHCP relay Yes Multicast Yes Prioritization on access Yes Private IP address space Yes Yes LFI below 1 MBit/s Yes Network-based Internet access Yes Yes Online evaluations Yes Yes

Access variants

The product offers global network coverage. Colt can offer a connection via MPLS with its own fiber optic network as well as with 155 strictly tested partner networks. If neither Colt’s own connection nor one via a certified MPLS partner is feasible, there is also the option of accessing an external Internet line and thus connecting to the MPLS network. For this purpose, a CPE router managed by Colt is connected to any Internet connection (DSL, SDSL, LTE, etc.). A so-called tunnel is then set up via a secure IP Sec connection between the CPE router and the Colt network access point. This includes installation, management, peering bandwidth and service gateway.

Security

In the area of security, Colt takes care to prevent intrusion attempts, label spoofing and DoS attacks. IP VPN Access and Plus offers here:

• Separate address spaces per VPN
• Inherent separation of MPLS routing instances
• Firewall protection of Internet access
• Filtering of physical ports (avoidance of label spoofing)
• IPSec via the MPLS network (additional option with IP VPN Plus)

Classes of service & QoS

The service availability is 99.99% and can be extended even further with various additional options. Service Option Explanation Dual Entry Two fiber optic feed lines to the building, with self-healing rings. DSL Backup Additional CPE router managed by Colt with automatic emergency switchover to DSL backup line. Dual Access Two Colt CPEs on two access lines, with Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) and automatic emergency switchover. Internet backup Additional CPE router managed by Colt with automatic emergency switchover to backup Internet connection. Mobile communications backup Access via 3G cellular in the event of main access line failure to the Colt IP VPN service. The Colt MPLS offers five classes of service as follows:

Conclusion on IP-VPN

A Colt MPLS network offers companies an attractive option for both national and international Site Connectivity. A carrier-managed MPLS network is a good solution for medium-sized companies that have no or only one focused IT department and prefer to buy in an SLA rather than manage a network themselves. Due to the sharp drop in the cost of MPLS networks, this can now be realized at a very low cost. The experts at Savecall will be happy to advise you on the various networking options without obligation. Independent of technology and provider. Do you have questions about Colt or another provider or technical solutions? Please feel free to contact us!