What Is MPLS?
- MPLS stands for Multi Protocol Label Switching.
- The MPLS serves as a method to forward packets of data easily by using labels.
- Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a vendor-independent protocol that applies labels to packets providing QOS and advance route selection functions.
- MPLS can be implemented over any media-type and can be used with point-to-point, multipoint and ATM links. MPLS can be used with different network layer protocols (hence the term multiprotocol) by using a control component specific to the desired protocol.
- MPLS can speed up the flow of network traffic and make it easier to manage.
- MPLS is flexible, fast, cost-efficient and allows for network segmentation and quality of service (QoS).
- MPLS also offers a better way of transporting latency-sensitive applications like voice and video.
MPLS Network
The below figure illustrates the flow of a packet through an MPLS-enabled network. The source network is on the left and the destination network on the right. The large cloud in the center is the wide area network (WAN).
Notes:
1a. Exsiting routing protocals (open shortest past first (OSPF), intermediate system to intermediate system(IS-IS))
1b. Label distribution protocal (LDP) establishes label-to-destination network mappings.
2. Ingrees edge label switching router (LRS) receives a packet, perform layer-3 value-added services, and the labels packet
3. LSR switches the packet using label swapping
4. Egrees edge LSR removes the label and delivers the packet
