MPLS networks are great and they are the evolution from Frame Relay. I can almost say that a frame relay network is dead. Not the Frame Relay Encapsulation, but the multiple DLCI’s to multiple locations.
There are three basic designs I find out there to connect multiple sites with access to all sites.

Tunnels
The first is where each location has an internet connection and then tunnels are created. On the surface this is the least expensive. In the long run if you have more than two sites or running VOIP this will quickly become a money pit for consulting. The reason this becomes an issue is because for each site you add it is a multiple of tunnels. Finally there is no quality of service.

Example: 2 sites = 1 tunnel, 3 sites = 3 tunnels, 4 sites = 6 tunnels, 5 sites = 9 tunnels, Etc…

Point to Point
The second is where a point to point circuit is deployed between sites. If there are a number of sites in the same local vicinity this may be the most cost effective and highest performing network. There can be a level of diminishing returns if the mileage between sites eats up the cost savings. Even though you may daisy chain sites or bring all of the T1’s into a central site you still have access to all sites. If your servers are in the main site this again may be the lease cost alternative.

Point to Point using a HUB
This design is very similar to the Point to Point design so much that I don’t even call it different. It just uses different technology. (The secret stuff all ISP’s do use) A DS3 can be channelized to connect to multiple T1’s. The cost of the DS3 if fully populated off sets the cost of one of the ends of the Point to point. The usual breakeven point is about 4 to 6 T1’s A ds3 can connect up to 28 T1’s If each T1 has two Channel Termination’s that costs $150 with no mileage. The total cost of the T1 is $300. If a Channelized DS3 costs $750 the breakeven point is 5 T1’s. Using a DS3 hub removes one Channel Termination off of the T1 because your NEW Channel Termination is the DS3. Each T1 I connect to my Channelized DS3 reduces my overall cost. This is because I have a fixed cost up to 28 T1’s.

5 T1’s Without DS3 HUB5 x $300 = $1500

5 T1’s With DS3 Hub
$750 – DS3 Hub
5 x $150 = $750 – Single Channel Termination using the T1.Total $1500
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7 T1’s Without DS3 Hub
7 x $300 = $2100

7 T1’s With DS3 Hub
$750 – DS3 Hub
7 x $150 = $1050 – Single Channel Termination using the T1.
Total $1800
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Savings of $300 over point to points, with 7 T1′s. Each additional T1 saves you $150.

All of the numbers above are just for reference and don’t necessarily reflect your price.

MPLS
If you have two sites with distance between them, an international location, or multiple locations that need to gain access to resources in the other sites, this is your network. The common way of obtaining internet access for all of your sites is to have the main site obtain an internet connection then advertise a default route across your MPLS network. This allows you to maintain only one security choke point as opposed to multiple. Don’t be suckered into the idea that once they stated they have MPLS that all MPLS networks are created equal. Hidden costs pop up in some providers if you want to use QOS. Others have additional features such as your wireless card being able to be a node in the MPLS network. Others can provide internet access through a managed firewall into your MPLS network. The additional features go on and on.
The key is to identify your needs then find the carrier that most meets those needs. Your needs may be a hybrid of all the above. There are benefits and detriments of all.

Be aware that some service providers use the term MPLS then switch the name on you in the same sentence to make you think they are the same. In most cases they are not.

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Happy Networking