Chapter 1 MPLS BasicsThe exponential growth of the Internet over the past several years has placed a tremendous strain on the service provider networks. Not only has there been an increase in the number of users but there has been a multifold increase in connection speeds, backbone traffic and newer applications.
Initially ordinary data applications required only store and forward capability in a best effort manner. 2.2 MPLS BenefitsThe initial goal of label based switching was to bring the speed of Layer 2 switching to Layer 3. Label based switching methods allow routers to make forwarding decisions based on the contents of a simple label, rather than by performing a complex route lookup based on destination IP address. This initial justification for technologies such as MPLS is no longer perceived as the main benefit, since Layer 3 switches (ASIC-based routers) are able to perform route lookups at sufficient speeds to support most interface types.However, MPLS brings many other benefits to IP-based networks. Forwarding packets based on labels rather than routing them based on headers results in several important advantages:. Since a packet is assigned to a FEC when it enters the network, information that cannot be gleaned from the network layer header, can be used for FEC assignment.
For example, classification of packets based on the source of the packets. Packets can be assigned a priority label, making Frame Relay and ATM-like quality-of-service guarantees possible. This function relates to the CoS field. The considerations that determine how a packet is assigned to a FEC can become ever more and more complicated, without any impact at all on the routers that merely forward labeled packets. Packet payloads are not examined by the forwarding routers, allowing for different levels of traffic encryption and the transport of multiple protocols. In MPLS, a packet can be forced to follow an explicit route rather than the route chosen by normal dynamic algorithm as the packet travels through the network.
This may be done to support traffic engineering, as a matter of policy or to support a given QoS.In addition to all the above advantages, one of the most important advantages of MPLS is that it is independent of the layer 2 and layer 3 technologies and hence allows integration of networks with different layer 2 and layer 3 protocols.
Mpls Fundamentals Luc De Ghein Pdf Download
A comprehensive introduction to all facets of MPLS theory and practice. Helps networking professionals choose the suitable MPLS application and design for their network. Provides MPLS theory and relates to basic IOS configuration examples. The Fundamentals Series from Cisco Press launches the basis to readers for understanding the purpose, application, and management of technologiesMPLS has emerged as the new networking layer for service providers throughout the world. For many service providers and enterprises MPLS is a way of delivering new applications on their IP networks, while consolidating data and voice networks. MPLS has grown to be the new default network layer for service providers and is finding its way into enterprise networks as well.
This book focuses on the building blocks of MPLS (architecture, forwarding packets, LDP, MPLS and QoS, CEF, etc.). This book also reviews the different MPLS applications (MPLS VPN, MPLS Traffic Engineering, Carrying IPv6 over MPLS, AToM, VPLS, MPLS OAMetc.).You will get a comprehensive overview of all the aspects of MPLS, including the building blocks, its applications, troubleshooting and a perspective on the future of MPLS. Luc De Ghein, CCIE No. 1897, is an escalation engineer for Cisco Systems in EMEA. Luc has been in the networking industry for 13 years and has been with Cisco for more than 11 years. He provides escalation support to Cisco engineers worldwide and teaches others about IP routing protocols and MPLS technologies. Luc has been a speaker at several Networkers conferences.
During the past seven years, Luc has specialized in the area of MPLS technologies. Before moving to his current position, Luc was a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) customer support engineer for two and a half years, specializing in routing. He has been an escalation engineer for routing and MPLS technologies for more than eight years.
Since 1996, Luc has been a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE). He is certified as both a Routing and Switching CCIE and as a Service Provider CCIE.