When one thinks of MPLS network diversity or redundancy, the thought typically focuses on the local loop or POP diversity. It is rare that I hear people ask about what specific trans-oceanic cable is being used or what cable landing stations are. These are important questions to ask for large network customers for a few reasons:
- The performance of your network is in great part controlled by physics. Therefore, since different cables have different lengths (dictated by their routes), there is a direct affect on latency.
- Carrier paths are typically protected paths, so there should be a second cable to provide service in case of a failure. Again, by knowing what cable is being used and the cable landing station, you can have a relative idea of the performance different between the primary and secondary paths.
- Secondary cables should land at different geographic areas, to protect the service provider from storm or seismic disruptions.
In the map to the left, you can see the different Trans-Atlantic cable landing stations for the various cable systems landing in the Northeast United States.
Below, you can see the cable landing stations for these same cables, where they land in Europe.
Be an informed network buyer. Consider using experts like SD-WAN-Experts to assist you with your MPLS or VPLS sourcing process.
To learn more about how SASE Experts can assist you with your global MPLS network, contact us today.
