New Edge Networks, the business communications unit of EarthLink Inc. (ELNK), announced Monday the introduction of MPLS Plus, a network-to-network interface (NNI) offering for carriers and application service providers.

New Edge is now offering application providers and regional carriers NNI access to its MPLS nationwide network. Companies can connect and run applications over New Edge’s private network providing Class of Service and Quality of Service instead of over the public Internet.

In addition, New Edge enables wholesale customers to sell MPLS over a range of access technologies, including DS3, Ethernet, DSL and EVDO.

For application service providers, such as VoIP, security, CRM and workforce management companies, New Edge’s MPLS interconnection provides infrastructure to support their applications. In addition, New Edge will work with these companies to offer their applications to the New Edge customer base and the ability to add MPLS network offerings to their existing product portfolios.

Network service providers can leverage the New Edge MPLS network for speed to market with a nationwide footprint.

With the NNI, New Edge is able to hand off customer traffic in a variety of ways, providing a scalable solution which meets business continuity and disaster recovery requirements. Customer nodes connect directly with the New Edge MPLS backbone so customers experience security, redundancy and Quality of Service capabilities. Network interface connections may be located at nine of New Edge’s MPLS core locations nationwide through either a fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet physical interface.

New Edge’s MPLS network service is a fully managed, IP-based offering, providing customers the ability to prioritize applications from end to end.