MPLS VPN with Carrier Supporting Carrier
MPLS VPN with Carrier Supporting Carrier
So, what exactly is carrier supporting carrier? Put simply, it's when one service provider allows another service provider to use a segment of its backbone network. The backbone carrier provides the segment of the network, while the customer carrier uses it to offer services to its own customers.
What Role will Carrier Supporting Carrier Play?
MPLS VPN with Carrier Supporting Carrier (CSC) is a type of VPN service that allows a Service Provider (SP) to use another SP's network infrastructure to provide VPN services to their customers. In this model, the first SP is known as the "customer carrier," while the second SP is known as the "Backbone carrier." The customer carrier provides VPN services to their end-customers, while the provider carrier provides the infrastructure for the VPN service.
For example, let's say you're a customer of a small ISP. That ISP may not have the infrastructure to provide you with high-speed internet on its own. However, by utilizing the backbone network of a larger service provider.
Well, it can be anyone from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to a BGP/MPLS VPN service provider. These customer carriers are able to provide internet services to their customers without having to invest in building their own network.
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| Fig 1.1- MPLS VPN with Carrier Supporting Carrier |
A backbone carrier offers Border Gateway Protocol and Multiprotocol Label Switching (BGP/MPLS) VPN services. The customer carrier can be either:
- An Internet service provider (ISP)
- A BGP/MPLS VPN service provider
What is the purpose of using MPLS VPN with CSC ?
Backbone Carriers
Many client carriers can be accommodated by the backbone carrier, which also grants them access to its backbone. It is not necessary for the backbone carrier to build and maintain unique backbones for each of its client carriers.
The backbone carrier's VPN operations are made simpler by using a single backbone network to service several customer carriers. The backbone carrier employs a standardized procedure to run and maintain the backbone network. In addition, this is more effective and less expensive than maintaining separate backbones.
Scalability is a property of the MPLS VPN carrier supporting carrier. The VPN can be modified by the carrier-supporting carrier to adapt to shifting bandwidth and connection requirements. This feature allows for unforeseen development and modifications. Tens of thousands of VPNs may be set up over the same network thanks to the carrier supporting carrier functionality, which also enables service providers to provide both VPN and Internet services.
A versatile solution is the MPLS VPN carrier supporting carrier functionality. Many client carrier types can be accommodated by the backbone carrier. ISPs, VPN service providers, or both might be accepted as client carriers by the backbone carrier. Customers with carriers that need security and a range of bandwidths can be accommodated by the backbone carrier.
Customer Carriers
The task of setting up, running, and maintaining a separate backbone is taken away from the customer carrier by the MPLS VPN carrier supporting carrier feature. The backbone network of a backbone carrier is used by the customer carrier, however the backbone carrier is in charge of network upkeep and management.
The backbone carrier's VPN services offer the same level of security to customer carriers that Frame Relay or ATM-based VPNs do. For an increased level of security, customer carriers can also utilize IPSec in their VPNs; it is totally visible to the backbone carrier.
Customer carriers can connect the CE routers to the PE routers and the PE routers to the P routers using any link layer technology (SONET, DSL, Frame Relay, etc.). Link layer independence characterizes the MPLS VPN carrier supporting carrier feature. The backbone carrier use MPLS, whereas the CE and PE routers interact via IP.
Any addressing scheme can be used by the customer carrier while still receiving backbone carrier support. The customer's address space and routing data are separate from other customer carriers' address spaces and backbone provider's routing data.
Benefits of MPLS VPN with CSC
Increased VPN Coverage: With MPLS VPN and CSC, service providers can expand their VPN coverage without the need for new infrastructure. This means they can offer VPN services to a wider range of customers and locations, unlocking new business opportunities.
Enhanced Service Offerings: CSC enables service providers to offer a wider range of VPN services, like inter-site connectivity, without investing in additional infrastructure. This means they can cater to diverse customer needs and stay ahead of the competition.
Improved Cost Efficiency: By reducing the need for new infrastructure, CSC lowers capital expenditures and operating costs for service providers. This translates to cost savings that can be passed on to customers, making VPN services more affordable for all.
Scalability: With CSC, service providers can scale their VPN services up or down easily, depending on their customers' needs. This means they can stay agile and responsive to changing market demands without worrying about infrastructure investments.
Better Network Performance: MPLS VPN with CSC offers high-quality, reliable, and secure VPN services. This ensures that customers have an optimal user experience, with no lag or downtime.
Seamless Integration: CSC allows service providers to integrate their networks seamlessly with those of other providers. This makes it easier to offer new services and expand their customer base, unlocking new growth opportunities.
Conclusion
MPLS VPN with Carrier Supporting Carrier (CSC) is a VPN service model that allows service providers to expand their VPN coverage without investing in new network infrastructure. By leveraging the network infrastructure of another service provider, a customer carrier can offer a wider range of VPN services to their customers, such as inter-site connectivity, without additional infrastructure investment.
Overall, MPLS VPN with CSC is an efficient and cost-effective solution for service providers looking to expand their VPN service offerings and reach new customers. By reducing the need for new infrastructure investment, service providers can focus on delivering high-quality VPN services to their customers while also minimizing their operating costs.
We will talk about the configuration in another article defining configurations on Backbone carrier PE routers and Customer carrier PE routers.
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