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. Read the rest of this entry »