Service Guides - VPLS
Vaioni Global Communications

Your guide to Virtual Private LAN Service.


What is VPLS?
A VPLS or Virtual Private LAN Service is a Layer2 multipoint to multipoint communication service, delivered using ethernet. It is delivered over an MPLS enabled network and emulates a LAN service, which is also fully meshed.

Why Layer2 VPLS and not Layer3 IPVPN?
VPLS is an enabling technology, so it overcomes the many complexities and limitations that Layer3 solutions inherently have. So for example, with Layer2 you do not need VPN technologies at each site, where with Layer3 you do. This makes VPLS already a much more attractive solution as Layer2 is far more versatile and flexible than Layer3, also reduction in cost is considered here. Also Layer2 VPLS gives you the control to route your IP addresses, where Layer3 does not. So you can implement, change and add your IP addresses without seeking our approval or making changes to the WAN architecture. There are so many further examples as to why Layer2 VPLS is a superior service, but these are some of the most popular.

Do I need special equipment or connectivity to use VPLS?
No. VPLS simplifies the way you communicate across offices. You actually require less equipment as your services are bridged as apposed to routed. Your connectivity will however need to be procured through the VPLS provider like Vaioni.

What are the key advantages of VPLS?
We are in a world which constantly evolves. Hosted services, SaaS, video conferencing, VoIP, all evolve our business. But how do you as a business cope with this across a WAN? VPLS is specifically designed to run multiple applications at the same time, without losing quality or performance, whilst increasing reliability and resilience. All this is done in a simpler fashion than previous, legacy WAN solutions. Layer2 technology allows for QinQ and VLAN's which provides a much more transparent medium for applications to run seamlessly.

Can I use QoS still where required?
Yes you can. In fact QoS on VPLS is far superior than it is on Layer3 IPVPN because now there is the ability to manage QoS end-to-end with precision, which is a flaw in Layer3 solutions and has been for a long time as there was no real management for the last mile in respect to QoS.

How secure is Layer2 VPLS over Layer3 IPVPN
Both VPLS and IPVPN are secure enough, however Layer2 VPLS is not hackable unlike Layer3 IPVPN, because Layer2 VPLS is private as standard. Layer3 travels across the internet in some fashion, exposing the WAN to potential security breaches as standard. So a distinct difference.

Can Vaioni provide VPLS?
Yes. Vaioni specialise in providing VPLS solutions to Corporate Business across the UK and also across the Globe through Next Generation Networks, specifically designed to deliver fully meshed, VPLS solutions.

For more information on our leased lines please visit http://www.vaioni.com/vpls