MPLS Engineer
An MPLS Engineer configures and troubleshoots Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) in a telecom network. MPLS enables a consistent flow of data traffic in high-performance telecommunications networks. In this technology, data is directed from one node to another along predetermined routes as opposed to a flexible routing table. These highly-trained professionals ensure the efficiency of massive and complex networks.
In the Telecom field, the engineer provides clients with information on how to use MPLS-TE and associated features to maximize their network bandwidth. Traffic Engineering (MPLS-TE) remains essential for backbone service providers such as internet service providers (ISP).
MPLS integrates traffic engineering (TE) capabilities into Layer two and three services. The routing of IP traffic is optimized at this layer. MPLS can compress packets of several network protocols. This is why engineers and administrators describe it as multi-protocol. MPLS supports a range of access technologies, including T1/E1, ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), frame relay and DSL.
Within the MPLS system, the data packets are allocated tags. The packet-forwarding choices are completed exclusively on the contents of their label, without the requirement to assess the data packets. It permits one to build end-to-end circuits through every type of transfer medium, using any protocol.
The main benefit is to remove the requirement on a particular data transmission dependency such as asynchronous transfer mode, frame relay, ethernet to satisfy different types of traffic.
The Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) belongs to the category of packet-switched networks.
The MPLS works at a level which is usually often referred to as a layer 2.5 protocol as per the technical specification. It is aimed to provide a unified data transfer platform for both circuit-based businesses and packet-switching users which delivers a unique service prototype. The MPLS can be used to carry several different kinds of traffic, with IP data-packets, and Ethernet frames.
The MPLS is presently swapping some of the old technologies in the digital marketplace. It is significantly promising that MPLS will replace the old techniques in the future, hence supporting such know-hows with present and future technology requirements will help the businesses to a greater extent.
Business Needs for MPLS
Nowadays the establishments are spread across the world due to complex business happenings. The system network’s connectivity among the workplaces at several physical sites has become a difficult task for network professionals. Hence, VPN is used to overcome this challenge. It has become a standard business solution in current years. The MPLS technology is comparatively newer WAN technology in the market which provides the benefits over any other tools. On the other hand, it is well-matched with existing tools like ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), FR (Frame Relay), Ethernet and SONET.
The VPN having network via MPLS set-up is called as MPLS VPN. It provides various benefits over old-style VPN services. In this type of work, MPLS based VPN is applied in a business setting. The different offices of business are interlinked with the essential site through MPLS built ISP’s system.
The connection over the sites is recognized and accelerating the choices are made by MPLS markers as a replacement for IP addresses. Also, it is also noticeable in outcomes that MPLS doesn’t require any other channeling protocol, unlike old-style VPNs. It makes channels based on tags. With regards to security needs, it covers the client’s network from ISP’s network.
Job Description
The responsibilities of the engineer are challenging due to complex network routing for an organization. The regular job responsibilities of an engineer tasked with supporting MPLS include the following duties:
- To perform network monitoring on a daily basis
- To troubleshoot and repair MPLS network hardware
- Troubleshoot network MPLS network issues within an organization or at the client site
- Maintain and deploy data transmission reporting tools for multi-protocol layers
- To serve as the point of escalation for client VPN implementation
Educational Requirements
The specific educational requirements for network security professionals will vary according to the position and company. To attain this position, you need to have an essential degree in any of these areas: telecom, computer science, information technology, electronics or related disciplines.
Skills
Candidates must have experience with VLANs. An understanding and knowledge of virtual routing forwarding (VRF), along with IPv4 and the subnetting process, will prove advantageous in this position.
Aside from the above, candidates will benefit from the following skills:
- The knowledge of routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP or RIPv2
- Hands-on experience with VoIP networks and understanding of the deleterious effects of jitter, packet loss or latency on these networks
- Familiarity with Cisco IOS
- Experience troubleshooting network firewalls
Certifications
The certification offers a boost to the job seeker, making it easier for companies to hire experienced personalities. The Cisco CCIP (Certified Internetwork Professional) certification remains one of the most sought-after certifications in this field.
Salary
According to Payscale, a salary for this position averages $92,684 per annum as full-time in the United States. Working part-time can serve as an excellent opportunity to enter the field. In the telecom world, top freelance marketplaces such as Fieldengineer.com provides the best platform for the freelance engineer.
Challenges for the Present Network
The availability of new facilities is not only expensive and clumsy, but it also takes time for broader acceptance. The lengthier the availability of a new service, the extra revenue a data carrier loses, and thus more reason the consumer has to shift to an inexpensive carrier. In conclusion, with today's Sonet network connection, general network effectiveness continues to drop a request for data services stays to grow rapidly. If a service vendor supplies data services, that are usually speedy in nature, in the similar way that today's fixed-rate private line facilities are provisioned, it ensures that they can have an altered funds cost arrangement.
Field Engineer Partnership
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