The networking industry worldwide is being transformed. The forces for change are rooted in the competitive environment, recent crisis in the carrier industry, asset dispersion in typical carrier networks, and technological innovation. Consolidation is an important dimension of the ongoing transformation. The dimensions of consolidation encompass horizontal and vertical integration of networks, services, systems, and organizational structures. Successful network consolidation is predicated on: protecting existing investments, supporting existing users, providing advanced features to enable future business growth, and maintaining or exceeding existing network quality.

This presentation describes some critical issues surrounding network consolidation and highlights the role of MPLS-based technologies in this endeavor.