Is there any way to calculate the network performance metrics of a multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) VPN and compare it to another network, like a Layer 2 MPLS VPN?
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This is a very complex question that is difficult to answer without knowing the specifics. Performance assessments can range in effort and complexity. It is ultimately important to understand the underlying requirements, which will determine the parameters that are relevant to performance. So, first you want to define “performance:” What are the relevant parameters, such as throughput, latency, packet loss and jitter? Once you measure the aforementioned metrics of your Layer 2 and Layer 3 MPLS VPN networks, you should be able to compare them evenly.
For more information you may find these tips useful:
- Learn which WAN monitoring metric is best.
- Learn how to calculate file transfer time over a WAN link.
- Calculate the mean time to failure in performance testing.
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This was first published in June 2012