MPLS

Multiprotocol Label Switching is a routing technique in telecommunications networks that directs data from one node to the next based on labels rather than network addresses.
- Labels identify established paths between endpoints
  - Network addresses identify endpoints
- Label switching allows service providers to create VPNs for clients over their shared infrastructure
Core Infrastructure
- CE router (Customer Edge router)
  - Router at the edge of the customer's network that connects to the PE
  - Do not use MPLS, and the MPLS network is transparent (invisible) to the customer network
- PE router (Provider Edge router)
  - Router at the edge of the provider's network that connects the CE
  - When PE routers receive frames CE router, they add a label between the Layer 2 and Layer 3 headers
- P router (Provider core router)
  - The internal network infrastructure of the provider's network
  - P routers make forwarding decisions based on the label on the frames

Metadata