
	Multiprotocol Label Switching


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Multiprotocol Label Switching

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- Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a standards-approved technology for speeding up network traffic flow and making it easier to manage. MPLS involves setting up a specific path for a given sequence of packets, identified by a label put in each packet, thus saving the time needed for a router to look up the address to the next node to forward the packet to. MPLS is called multiprotocol because it works with the Internet Protocol (IP), Asynchronous Transport Mode (ATM), and frame relay network protocols. With reference to the standard model for a network (the Open Systems Interconnection, or OSI model), MPLS allows most packets to be forwarded at the layer 2 (switching) level rather than at the layer 3 (routing) level. In addition to moving traffic faster overall, MPLS makes it easy to manage a network for quality of service (QoS). For these reasons, the technique is expected to be readily adopted as networks begin to carry more and different mixtures of traffic.

Getting started with MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)

To explore how MPLS is used in the enterprise, here are some additional resources:

MPLS technology overview: MPLS or multiprotocol label switching defined, explained and how to implement for networks, QoS, VPNs, VoIP and service providers.

MPLS essentials for service providers: MPLS is the technology of choice in service provider networks, delivering services like VoIP, VPN and video. Learn how MPLS and its quality of service (QoS) functionality work and how to implement them.

10 MPLS traffic engineering myths and half truths: To address misunderstandings about what MPLS traffic engineering can and can't do, this tip addresses common questions about QoS, network convergence and network congestion.

MPLS, Ethernet services more critical as network habits, strategies change
Learn why reliable telecommunications services, including Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), Ethernet, and Internet access, are becoming even more critical as the way workers use the network changes dramatically.

Learn more about WAN protocols

The Move Toward IPv6: Issues and Actions: More than 15 years in the making, IPv6 is finally getting some serious attention. Are we really headed toward an IP addressing meltdown?
MPLS technology overview: MPLS or multiprotocol label switching defined, explained and how to implement for networks, QoS, VPNs, VoIP and service providers.
How to design a redundant WAN architecture: Learn how to design a redundant WAN architecture to ensure the enterprise is not exposed to unnecessary risk.
Integrated IS-IS -- from CCNP BSCI Portable Command Guide: Read Integrated IS-IS, Chapter 4 of CCNP BSCI Portable Command Guide from Cisco Press to understand ISO and IS-IS configuration and routing verification.
High availability -- From 'CCNP BCMSN Portable Command Guide': Learn to configure and debug Hot Standby Routing Protocol (HSRP), Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP), and Gateway Load Balancing Protocol (GLBP) in High Availability.

LAST UPDATED:

03 Aug 2009

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More resources from around the web:

-	Cisco provides a paper on Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Traffic Engineering .
-	MPLS technology overview
-	MPLS implementation gotchas

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