[c-nsp] Downsides of combining P and PE functions into a single box

[Keegan Holley]

2011/10/19 Mark Tinka <mtinka at globaltransit.net>

> On Wednesday, October 19, 2011 11:46:53 AM Keegan Holley
> wrote:
>
> > If you can
> > connect all your PE's without adding aggregation and
> > core layers you'd obviously time, money and avoid
> > complexity.
>
> Correct on time and money, but curious about complexity.
>
> I find having a core layer in an IP/MPLS network increases
> simplicity due to the abstraction and demarcation it
> provides, but YMMV.
>
>
In a large network yes.  Most larger networks need it simply for traffic and
route aggregation.  In smaller networks you may only have a few pops and
even fewer features.  It may make sense to have a network of PE's.  It
really does depend on the specifics of a company and it's customers.