I have been visiting many service providers in the last couple of quarters and some are definitely ahead of others in regards to MPLS-based backbone deployments. I have experienced providers that have complete MPLS/QOS-based cores. Yes, the technology actually works pretty well and is typically based on rfc 2457bis for VPNs across the cloud, which is now being super-ceded by rfc 4364. These are a few examples of RFC's that give service providers a method of implementing scalable MPLS-based architectures. These providers also have multiple QOS levels allowing them to prioritize specific services.
I have not found a single provider that does not have plans to implement MPLS/QOS over time. Yes, there are probably a few more than you think still in the planning process and will be for another 9-12 months. Often they are still educating themselves and it's no simple task to change the entire network over night.
The one thing that is always true, these networks are always changing and getting faster all the time. As the speeds increase at the edge, the core is becoming more stressed and the need for visibility is crucial. Broadband speeds to the handset allow for a whole new range of voice, video and data services such as SMS/MMS, RIM/Email, Video Streaming/IPTV, PoC/PTT (push to talk), Data Service using Air Cards, WAP, Location based services (LBS), Wireless Number Portability (WNP). I am starting to see a rise in OC192 POS links as well as 10G Ethernet. This trend will continue for the foreseeable future... and rest assured that NetScout will be there to provide visibility.
Another trend is that service providers are moving away from a network-centric view (hardware monitoring) to a service-centric view (quality of service monitoring). This will allow the service provider the ability to offer better SLA agreements to their high revenue corporate customers, and thus significantly increase customer satisfaction.
The number one service is still voice, but revenues are often declining due to increased competition. In addition, cable operators are offering voice services to their traditional cable offering. The bottom line is that end customers will pay for an attractive service bundle of voice, video, and data in a single bill from a trusted operator. The non-voice services are strategic and will continue to grow and provide differentiation as well as additional revenue! Not to mention helping protect from customer churn!
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