MPLS stands for "Multiprotocol Label Switching". In an MPLS network, incoming packets are assigned a "label" by a "label edge router (LER)". Packets are forwarded along a "label switch path (LSP)" where each "label switch router (LSR)" makes forwarding decisions based solely on the contents of the label. At each hop, the LSR strips off the existing label and applies a new label which tells the next hop how to forward the packet.
Label Switch Paths (LSPs) are established by network operators for a variety of purposes, such as to guarantee a certain level of performance, to route around network congestion, or to create IP tunnels for network-based virtual private networks. In many ways, LSPs are no different than circuit-switched paths in ATM or Frame Relay networks, except that they are not dependent on a particular Layer 2 technology.
An LSP can be established that crosses multiple Layer 2 transports such as ATM, Frame Relay or Ethernet. Thus, one of the true promises of MPLS is the ability to create end-to-end circuits, with specific performance characteristics, across any type of transport medium, eliminating the need for overlay networks or Layer 2 only control mechanisms
Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is one of the central elements of next generation networks. It provides an IP-compatible, QoS-capable infrastructure that enables the convergence of voice, IP, ATM, Ethernet, and Frame Relay onto the same backbone network.MPLS can combine the intelligence and salability of routing with the reliability and manageability of traditional carrier networks. It is the key to scalable virtual private networks (VPNs) and end-to-end quality of service (QoS).
This course provides an in-depth study of MPLS technology, including MPLS theory and configuration, network design issues, case studies, operations, VPN, Traffic Engineering and GMPLS (Generalized MPLS).
Objectives
List the features, functions and benefits of MPLS
Identify suitable applications for MPLS
Describe the underlying concepts of MPLS
Describe the frame-mode MPLS and cell-mode MPLS
Describe the concept of MPLS labels, label stack and different label formats
Describe the label distribution process between LSRs
Describe the loop detection and prevention mechanisms in MPLS
Explore the future trends of MPLS
Course Outline
What is MPLS?
Challenges for new IP centric networks
Limitations of traditional IP networking
Achieving QoS
Understanding the fundamentals
Proprietary approaches to MPLS
IP Switching (Nokia), IP Navigator (Lucent), Tag Switching (Cisco)
Basic MPLS operation
MPLS Terminology
Forwarding Equivalence Class
Label encoding, distribution and binding
Traffic Engineering: The need for Constrained and Explicit Routes
Label Distribution and signaling
Routing of LSPs
Label distribution methods
RSVP as a label distribution protocol
MPLS extensions to RSVP
Label distribution and binding with RSVP
The Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) and CR-LDP
LDP operation
Label Retention modes
Comparison of RSVP and LDP
MPLS Architecture
MPLS Operation
MPLS Node Architecture
MPLS Elements
Loop Survival, Detection, and Prevention in MPLS
A comparison of Frame Relay, ATM and MPLS
Integration of IP and ATM
Challenges Faced by Service Providers
Frame Relay and MPLS
Label Ranges and processing
Label Distribution
Hybrid Switches
Multipoint and VC merging
ATM and MPLS
Mapping to ATM QoS
MPLS Traffic Engineering (MPLS-TE)
Overview of Traffic Engineering
MPLS Traffic Engineering Elements
MPLS Traffic Engineering Configuration
LSP Path determination
Explicit routes and constraint based routing
Fast Re-routing: Taking account of Network Failures
MPLS deployment "Edge or Core"
ATM and Traffic Engineering
Unequal-Cost Load Balancing via Metric Manipulation
General understanding of data networking concepts is recommended
Testimonials
Excellent Course, excellent instructor. My knowledge after this course is excellent
Charles Rowe, Nationwide Insurance
Excellent course. The instrcutor communicated to the class in an excellent way.
Michael Haenszel, Nationwide Insurance
In overall, I rate this course as "Excellent".
Matt Stromski, Nationwide Insurance
Extremely well organized, prepared and presented. The instructor interaction with students was very useful. I found both MPLS and IPV6 courses to be extremely interesting. I liked most the use of analogies and complexity in a nutshell concept along with TONEX Roadmaps to explain complex concepts.
Excellent Course, excellent instructor. My knowledge after this course is excellent