MPLS stands for Multi-Protocol Label Switching. Bet that clears things right up, huh? As the name suggests, it is capable of handling multiple protocols (in fact it actually supports both OSI Layer 2 and Layer 3 services) including Ethernet, Frame Relay, and ATM. But let's not get crazy with techno-jargon. If you want that, I'll include some links below for further edification.

Here's what it means to us: MPLS is a new and better way of delivering sensitive and critical information to your institutions. It provides better performance than previous generation wide area network (WAN) technologies especially when it comes to prioritizing traffic and how quickly it can negotiate around network failures within the WAN.

MPLS paves the way for offering a new breed of services such as electronic document retrieval systems, voice services, streaming media, etc. (of course you may have to upgrade your line speed to participate in some of these technologies.)

It's secure. By using private labels, traffic is insulated within the WAN, similar to how permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) work in frame relay, but without the mess of managing PVCs. And with the available SecurePAK, it even supports FIPS approved 3DES or AES encryption technology for the ultimate in data security.

Finally, it also makes disaster recovery simpler and allows CU*Answers technicians more control over the process than ever before.