 multiplexers MPEG-4, 47 CSU/DSU cards, 249 MPLS (Multi-Protocolo Label Switching), 81, 173, DSLAMs (Digital Subscriber Line Access 216, 267 Multiplexers), 13, 195 carrier Gigabit Ethernet for acces to networks, duplication, in ring topology, 173 mini Remote Access Multiplexers (mini- for interoffice connections, 223-228 RAMs), 196 MPLS networks, 225 ROADMs (Reconfigurable Optical Add and MPLS VPNs, 223 Drop Multiplexers), 175, 179 multinational locations, 226 T1 and T3, on routers, 72 prioritizing traffic via class of service, 227 multiplexing, 5 specifying performance levels in SLAs, DWDM and ROADM on OTN equipment, 175 increasing network capabilities via, 18-20 IP VPNs versus, 229 inverse multiplexing, 244 managed services and telepresence with, 238 OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Mul- network access via T1 and T3, 248 tiplexing), 333, 337 service components, 228 SONET (Synchronous Optical Network), 171 VPLS (virtual private LAN service) versus, use by digital wireless services, 321 wavelength division multiplexing, 6 VPNs, replacement for private lines, 250 multipoint network configuration, 253 MSOs (multiple system operators), 109, 133, multiprocessing computer chips, 4 140-142 Multi-Protocol Label Switching. See MPLS access networks in cable networks, 201-204 music challenges in updating access networks, 191 illegal downloads, 13, 16 fiber to the node, 199 streaming, 16 loss of phone wirelline customers to, 180 MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators), 138, renting portions of their networks to smaller providers or competitors, 211 M-Tel, Ltd, 411 MTN Group, Ltd., 406 MTN Nigeria Communications, 410, 411 names of eqipment or type of network, 167 MTS, 420 NAP (network access points), 271 multiband versus multimode handsets, 353 National Broadband Plan, 189, 312 multi-core microchips, 5 National Exchange Carriers Association (NECA), multi-core processors, 7 124, 189 Multilinks, 411 National Telecommunications and Information multi-mode fiber, 43 Association (NTIA), 318 multinational carriers NAT (Network 