The search for the right packet transport technology: MPLS or PBT?

With its ubiquity, simplicity, speed, and economics, Ethernet has become the technology of choice for packet transport networks.

However, native Ethernet, with its roots in the enterprise, lacks the scale, reliability, and performance that are essential for its successful transition from the LAN to the MAN/WAN. Carriers today are faced with using two alternative ways of making Ethernet carrier grade: MPLS and PBB-TE (PBT).

This paper goes beyond the marketing hype and look closely at the underlying concepts behind MPLS and PBT.

• Enabling next generation transport and services using unified MPLS
• Packet network's Swiss Army knife
• Use of MPLS technology in mobile backhaul networks
• Use of MPLS in LTE
• Two worlds collide