Chapter 4. Introduction to MPLS

In this chapter, you learn about the following topics:

The Definition of MPLS, Including Forwarding and Encapsulation
Traffic Engineering
MPLS-TE Cisco IOS Configuration
Layer 3 VPN Services
MPLS QoS

This chapter introduces Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology and lays the foundation for subsequent discussion on the use of MPLS-based services in Chapters 5, 6, and 7. These services were developed for leased-line applications (so-called VRF-aware applications), but this book applies them in a broadband context.

Note

If you are already familiar with MPLS, you may safely skip this chapter.

The following are the three primary texts used as reference for this chapter:

"MPLS Architecture Overview," by Jay KumaraswamyCisco Networkers Presentation. It is available at www.cisco.com.
"Deploying MPLS for Traffic Engineering," by Eric OsborneCisco Networkers Presentation. It is available at http://www.cisco.com.
"Advanced Topics in MPLS-TE Deployment" (white paper). It is available at http://www.cisco.com.

Many of the figures in this chapter are adapted from the Cisco Networkers Presentations referenced in the preceding list, as are the Cisco IOS examples for Traffic Engineering (TE). Appendix A lists additional excellent reference works that discuss MPLS in great detail.