Covad Boosts Wholesale Network With MPLS
Covad Communications is adding MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) to its wholesale network to help operator customers deliver the quality of service required for applications such as voice and video over IP.
More than bandwidth, carriers and their business customers are demanding that applications run smoothly over IP (Internet Protocol) networks, according to Young-Sae Song, vice president of marketing at Covad Wholesale. MPLS uses tags on packets to distinguish the traffic of one application from another so each can be transported as customers expect.
A longtime business DSL and leased-line provider, Covad operates access networks that can reach more than 50 million homes and businesses around the U.S., Song said. Behind those networks are metropolitan fiber rings and a national backbone. In addition to selling its own business broadband services, the company lets ISPs (Internet service providers) and carriers offer their own services over its metropolitan networks and last-mile connections. Those home and business services typically include T-1, T-3 and DSL (digital subscriber line).
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