Exercise 7.1: Case Study 1

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In this case study, your team has been asked to explore the MPLS VPN options for a point of sales service.

The network structure is shown in Figure 7.39. Note that the VAST terminals use 64K (slotted aloha) as an upstream link; they receive 256 K of data streamed down from headquarters. This network is a hub-and-spoke design. The network uses an SNA-polled protocol, equipped with protocol spoofing to reduce polling over the satellite link.

Figure 7.39: Case Study 1

The satellite lease period will be renewable in 60 days, with an increase of service fees by 60 percent. The customer is looking at an MPLS VPN as an alternative, cost-saving service.

1.	Is MPLS VPN service appropriate, and if so, why?
2.	Which MPLS VPN service is recommended?
3.	How do you justify your recommendation?

Answers

1.	MPLS VPN is best suited for fully meshed network; a cost analysis would determine whether MPLS could produce a savings.
2.	None
3.	No recommendations

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