A predetermined, unidirectional path through the MPLS network. Think of this as a virtual "tunnel."
The core concept of MPLS is . Instead of inspecting the IP destination address at every hop, the first router (Ingress) attaches a label to the packet. Subsequent routers simply "swap" that label and forward the packet based on its value. 1.MPLS History, Fundamentals & Foundational Con...
An MPLS label is a 32-bit identifier inserted between the Layer 2 header (Ethernet) and the Layer 3 header (IP). This is why MPLS is often called a "Layer 2.5" protocol . pops the label
Receives a labeled packet, pops the label, and forwards the original IP packet to the final destination. 1.MPLS History, Fundamentals & Foundational Con...
Allowing service providers to securely carry traffic for multiple customers over a single physical backbone.