From the course: MPLS L3VPN Foundation and Implementation

What is MPLS? Understanding the basics

From the course: MPLS L3VPN Foundation and Implementation

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What is MPLS? Understanding the basics

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- [Arash] Welcome to the first video of our course, MPLS layer three VPN foundation and implementation. I am Arash Deljoo, and today we are answering a key question. What is MPLS? By the end of this video, you will grasp the core concept of multi-protocol label switching and see how it boosts network efficiency. Let's dive in. Picture a traditional IP network. A packet hits the router and it digs into the routing table to find the destination IP, like checking a map at every stop. This happens hop by hop, slowing things down in busy networks. That's where MPLS multi-protocol label switching steps in to streamline the process. Here is the core idea. MPLS attach a small label to packets as they enter the network. Instead of analyzing the full IP header, routers forward based on this label. Think of it as a VIP pass that speeds packets through. This label switching method is the heart of MPLS efficiency. Let's see it in action. With IP routing, every router does a lookup, time-consuming and resource-heavy. With MPLS, the entry router or label edge router LER assigns a label. Core routers called label switch routers LSR swap or remove labels without touching the IP header. The payoff, faster forwarding, less strain on routers. Why multi-protocol? MPLS isn't picky. It works with IPv4, IPv6, ethernet, and more. This versatility lets it handle all kinds of traffic in one system. A big plus for today's diverse networks. Efficiency isn't just about the speed, it's about a smarter traffic flow. MPLS creates label-switched paths or LSPs, predefined routes that act like express lanes. These paths avoid congestion and ensure consistent performance, making MPLS perfect for solutions like layer three VPNs, which we will explore next. How does MPLS enhance efficiency? It cuts latency with quick label lookups, boosts throughput by easing router workload, and optimizes resources with traffic engineering via LSPs. This combo makes MPLS a go-to for scalable, reliable networks, especially for layer three VPNs. To recap, MPLS uses labels to speed up packet forwarding, supports multiple protocols, and controls traffic with LSPs. It's the foundation for advanced networking, like layer three VPNs. In our next video, we will cover introduction to layer three VPNs L3VPN and their use cases, building on what we have learned here. If you are ready to keep going, I will see you in the next lesson.

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