Multi-Protocol Label Switching

Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) is a technology and framework used to set up label-switched paths (LSPs) over an IP network either manual or by means of a signalling protocol. The labelling applied to data packets using MPLS enables each node to make an instant decision on where the packets should be forwarded to.

MPLS can be used to implement the following services over an IP network:

• Layer 3 Virtual Private Network (VPN)
• Layer 2 VPN, either point-to-point or multipoint Layer 2 connections
• Traffic engineering (MPLS-TE), used to control the route taken by certain traffic aggregates in order to optimise network utilisation and to avoid points of congestion in the network.

On GÉANT2, as on the GÉANT network, its main uses will be in Layer 2 VPNs and traffic engineering for large data flows from projects with particularly demanding networking requirements, such as DEISA.

NRENs interested in using LSPs across GÉANT2 should contact operations@dante.org.uk