Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) combines the performance and capabilities of Layer 2 (data link layer) switching with the proven scalability of Layer 3 (network layer) routing. MPLS enables service providers to meet the challenges of explosive growth in network utilization while providing the opportunity to differentiate services without sacrificing the existing network infrastructure. The MPLS architecture is flexible and can be employed in any combination of Layer 2 technologies. MPLS support is offered for all Layer 3 protocols, and scaling is possible well beyond that typically offered in today’s networks | Multiprotocol Label Switching on Cisco Routers This document describes commands for configuring and monitoring MPLS functionality on Cisco routers and switches. It is intended to be used as a companion document to similar publications describing other MPLS applications see the section entitled Related Documents . This document includes the following sections Supported Platforms Supported Standards MIBs and RFCs Functional Description of Multiprotocol Label Switching Prerequisites Configuration Tasks Saving Configurations MPLS Tag Switching Commands MPLS Command Summary Command Reference Debug Commands Glossary Feature Overview Multiprotocol label switching MPLS combines the performance and capabilities of Layer 2 data link layer switching with the proven scalability of Layer 3 network layer routing. MPLS enables service providers to meet the challenges of explosive growth in network utilization while providing the opportunity to differentiate services without sacrificing the existing network infrastructure. The MPLS architecture is flexible and canbe employed in any combination of Layer 2 technologies. MPLS support is offered for all Layer 3 protocols and scaling is possible well beyond that typically offered in today s networks. MPLS efficiently enables the delivery of IP services over an ATM switched network. MPLS supports the creation of different routes between a source and a destination on a purely router-based Internet backbone. By incorporating MPLS into their network architecture service providers can save money increase revenue and productivity provide differentiated services and gain competitive advantages. Multiprotocol Label Switching on Cisco Routers I Cisco IOS Release 3 T 1 Multiprotocol Label Switching on Cisco Routers I Feature Overview MPLS Benefits MPLS provides the following major benefits to service provider networks Scalable support for virtual private networks VPNs MPLS enables VPN services to be supported in service provider networks .
