Broward County Saves Costs and Enhances Network Capabilities with MPLS.

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Broward County's Enterprise Technology Services Division implemented a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network to improve communication speeds and data privacy for the multiple business lines of local government in a cost-efficient model. The project was initiated as the existing Optical Network Switching (ONS) technology had become obsolete, and costs to upgrade or add new locations had become prohibitive. The MPLS network used existing dark fiber infrastructure, allowing for low-cost, high-speed communication between agencies while ensuring the privacy of their data. Implementing the MPLS network involved a gradual migration from the ONS network, maintaining a hybrid topology during the process. MPLS provides 100 Gbps per link between core devices, with backup links controlled through Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing protocols. This ensures that clients have reliable and fast access to their data. The MPLS network now provides critical links to Broward County Administrative Buildings, Broward County Emergency Operation Center, Broward County Transportation, Traffic & Engineering, Port Everglades, Broward County Libraries, Broward Sheriff Offices, Broward County Court Houses, and Broward County Detention centers. The system is easily upgradable and scalable, providing the flexibility to meet demand per site using the MPLS network deployment.