What is MPLS, or Multiprotocol Label Switching?

What is MPLS, or Multiprotocol Label Switching?

In plain language, MPLS is a specially configured access to the public internet for a company. The special configuration is done such that specific data from one location can be routed to a second location privately. There are virtual tunnels crafted into the packets sent across the public network. This is done between the Data Link Layer (OSI Layer 2) and Network Layer (OSI Layer 3) by adding “Labels” to the packets. This is sometimes referred to a Layer 2.5 protocol due to its structure.

Although this technology is very secure and fast, it is also very costly. Network providers need to configure special hardware at each end point (or edge device) for the company. If a change in the companies Topology such as public IP address or increase/decrease the number of sites occurs, all this equipment needs to be updated in concert making these changes slow, difficult, and sometimes risky. Unless there is a specific need for MPLS, current thinking is to migrate towards SD-WAN or software defined networks for a more flexible and cost-effective solution. MPLS might be appropriate for some corporate infrastructure in combination with Software Defined Networks as most vendors can use an MPLS service as a connection to their SD-WAN appliance.

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What is MPLS, MPLS, MPLS Wan, MPLS Structure, Multiprotocol Label Switching, SDWAN, Software Defined Network, SD-WAN, SD-WAN vs MPLS