MPLS: An Overview
Abstract
Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a technology developed for managing high speed and increased network loads more efficiently and effectively. It has been named so because of the interoperability with a number of protocols like Internet Protocol (IP), Asynchronous Transport Mode (ATM), Frame Relay network protocols. All the packets for a particular communication are transmitted through a single path identified by a label placed in each packet, thus facilitating faster forwarding of a packet not requiring the lookup for the next node by a router.
MPLS is generally defined to be a Layer 2.5 protocol, meaning that it operates in between Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols. MPLS allows the packets to be forwarded at the switching level than the Layer 3 (routing) level. The Label Edge Routers (LER), as the entry and exit points of MPLS networks are called, push and pop the label in and out of the packets when forwarding them.
Opinion
From my understanding about MPLS, I strongly feel that MPLS is the technology of future which foresees a remarkable improvement in the scalability factor. Larger networks implements MPLS technology which uses special mechanisms for loop prevention and reducing routing churns. Hence transit routers need not handle complex routing tables anymore.
I strongly feel that the existing ATM or IP networks for electrical power utilities should be switched to MPLS networks so that the benefit of better quality of transmission using ATM technology and lower costs using IP technology can be gained at once. Researchers in IEEE are working in this direction expending their optimum efforts. With MPLS, the routing table lookup time is greatly reduced with tremendous increase in processing time, speed and QoS.
The disadvantage of MPLS such as high personnel training costs and increased sophistication with 32 bit labels is outweighed by its benefits. Possessing the features of a VPN, MPLS technology creates circuits across service provider’s networks rather than the Internet. Thus, even with the absence of encryption, user at both the ends can now exchange messages privately using labels. This ensures the secure transmission capability.
Annotated Bibliography
MPLS Advantages for Traffic Engineering . (1999, December). Retrieved February 17, 2008, from comsoc.org: http://www.comsoc.org/ci/private/1999/dec/Swallow.html - How MPLS Shapes Traffic Engineering
MPLS Architecture. (2008). Retrieved February 17, 2008, from smu.edu: engr.smu.edu/~nair/courses/8344/MPLS_architecture.ppt – Desription of what is MPLS and how it works?
MPLS VPNs: The Real Deal. (2002, June 10). Retrieved February 17, 2008, from networkcomputing.com: http://www.networkcomputing.com/1312/1312ws1.html - Describes how MPLS acts as a VPN and how is it different from normal VPN?
Multi Protocol Label Switching. (2007, July 31). Retrieved February 17, 2008, from techtarget.com: http://searchtelecom.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid103_gci214350,00.html – Basic Definition of MPLS
Comments
thank you for this information
JEG
Posted by: Anonymous | March 23, 2008 11:08 PM