What is Multiprotocol Label Switching MPLS?
Multiprotocol Label Switching MPLS Definition: Is a wide area networking protocol that operates at both Layer 2 and 3 and does label switching.
Understanding Multiprotocol Label Switching MPLS
Is a wide area networking protocol that operates at both Layer 2 and 3 and does label switching. MPLS is a high-performance networking technology that directs data from one network node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses reducing the complexity of routing decisions. It operates between the traditional Layer 2 data link and Layer 3 network and enables efficient traffic engineering QoS mechanisms and virtual private networks. MPLS standards are defined in various IETF RFCs including RFC 3031 and security considerations in RFC 4381. Organizations implement MPLS for wide area networks carrier services traffic engineering and creating secure network paths across public infrastructure. For example a multinational corporation might use MPLS services from a telecommunications provider to create a secure reliable wide area network connecting global offices with guaranteed performance characteristics and traffic prioritization for latency-sensitive applications like voice and video. Related terms WAN Traffic engineering VPN Quality of Service Label switching Network routing Carrier networks.