The standard method of ordering bandwidth for last-mile connections or MPLS networks involves committing to a specific rate or line speed. For instance, a T1 line provides a constant 1.5 Mbps, while a 10 Mbps Ethernet service delivers precisely that speed. In multi-tenant networks like MPLS VPNs, you purchase a committed information rate representing the maximum speed your connection will achieve. However, what happens if business needs change or your initial estimate is inaccurate? Are you locked into paying for the wrong bandwidth throughout the contract term?
Not always. Service providers understand that flexibility in bandwidth commitments is crucial in today’s dynamic environment, leading to the concept of “bursting.” Bursting allows you to exceed your contracted bandwidth for short periods. This proves beneficial during seasonal peaks, unexpected traffic surges from events like media mentions, or when adding new business locations without adjusting your bandwidth budget.
The availability of bursting depends on the provider and the specific service. Traditional services like T1 lines (1.5 Mbps) or DS3 (45 Mbps) operate at a fixed rate, providing exclusive use of the bandwidth regardless of actual usage. Any unused portion remains idle. While you can’t exceed the technical limitations of these services, you can often purchase fractional bandwidth with bursting capabilities up to the full limit.
Why would this be advantageous? Consider a scenario where you typically require 20 Mbps but occasionally experience spikes to 30 or 40 Mbps. While a 45 Mbps DS3 service would suffice, a more cost-effective option might be a fractional DS3 at 25 Mbps with the ability to burst up to the full 45 Mbps. This approach can result in lower monthly costs compared to leasing the full 45 Mbps line continuously.
This concept is particularly relevant for Ethernet connections, where the maximum bandwidth is determined by the installed port. Fast Ethernet ports support increments up to 100 Mbps, while Gigabit Ethernet ports go up to 1 Gbps. Many carriers offer a wide range of bandwidth options, including bursting options with significant cost benefits. If your needs evolve to the point where you’re consistently bursting, you can upgrade to a higher bandwidth service, which is often more economical than continuous bursting charges, similar to data overage charges on smartphone plans.
XO Communications has extended the concept of bursting to their MPLS IP VPN networks. MPLS is a popular choice for connecting multiple business sites due to its cost advantages over dedicated lines. By utilizing the shared MPLS network for most of the distance and installing short last-mile connections at each location, businesses benefit from high bandwidth at reduced costs. Additionally, MPLS allows for the creation of a mesh network, enabling seamless communication between any two locations without manual intervention.
The core MPLS network is engineered for high capacity, supporting numerous users at various service levels without compromising performance. Network operators ensure sufficient bandwidth to meet the committed rates of all clients, even during peak usage. This excess capacity is leveraged to offer bursting capabilities to clients with fluctuating demands. XO, for example, allows a 100 Mbps commitment with bursts up to 1 Gbps. They disregard the top 5% of traffic samples as anomalies and only bill for the committed rate plus any excess bandwidth used during the month.
When evaluating your business requirements, consider whether they are stable or require flexibility to accommodate rapid demand fluctuations. Solutions are available for both scenarios. Compare competitive MPLS network and line prices to optimize your telecom expenses.
Note: Image of Gamma Ray burst courtesy of NASA on Wikimedia Commons.
