What is MPLS VPN ?
MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) is independent of underlying Access and often referred to as a “Layer 2.5” protocol. MPLS provides an integrated network that can handle multiple types of network traffic. It has application awareness, so it can prioritize traffic – based on user set definitions. MPLS allows the creation of virtual LANS for inter-site connectivity. It forgoes the need to purchase and manage multiple firewalls and Customer CPE equipment is all that is needed. Upon label switching, MPLS places labels on IP packets and packet-forwarding decisions are made solely on the contents of those labels. MPLS is not designed to replace IP, but rather, it is designed to add a set of rules based on these user definitions. Individual IP Packets are not examined meaning speed! Components of the MPLS Private Networking system include: • Label Edge Routers (LERs) • Label: Labels are short fixed length identifiers, assigned to every packet.
MPLS stands for “Multi-Protocol Label Switching” packet-switching VPN technology. After MPLS VPN is used, incoming data packets are assigned a “label” by a “label edge router (LER)”. Such labeled packets are forwarded along a “label switch path (LSP)”. Along a LSP, each “label switch router (LSR)” forwards a packet based solely on the instructions of the label. At each hop, the LSR strips off the existing label and applies a new label which tells the next hop how to forward the packet. Finally, the LER at the destination system removes the label and delivers the packet to the destined address.
