Understanding MPLS in Simple Terms

What is MPLS?

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a fast and efficient method of forwarding data in a
network. Instead of using IP addresses to determine where data should go, MPLS assigns a
short label to each packet, making routing much quicker.

Breaking Down the Key Points from the Slides:

1. Provides a tunneling mechanism that uses labels

o Think of MPLS like a highway system with express lanes.

o Instead of checking the destination address at every intersection (like traditional

IP routing), MPLS pre-assigns a label to the packet, allowing it to move through a
predefined path.

o This process is called label switching and acts like a tunnel through the network.

2. High-speed IP forwarding using a fixed-length label instead of an IP address

o Traditional IP routing requires a router to look up the entire IP address and

compare it with a routing table. This is known as longest prefix matching, which
is slow.

o In contrast, MPLS uses a fixed-length label (20 bits), which routers can process
much faster, leading to high-speed forwarding.

3. MPLS communication is connection-oriented

o MPLS sets up a path before sending data, like a train track built in advance.

o Once the path is established, every packet follows the same route using labels.

o This is different from IP routing, where each packet makes its own decision at
every router, leading to possible delays and rerouting.

4. IP datagram communication is connectionless

o Normal IP networks work like regular roads, where every car (packet) makes its
own turn-by-turn decisions based on signs (routing tables).

o There is no predefined route; each packet may take a different path, depending
on traffic and network conditions.
 5. But IP datagrams still keep IP addresses

o Even though MPLS uses labels, the original IP address is not lost.

o The IP header remains inside the packet so that when it leaves the MPLS
network, it can continue using normal IP routing if needed.

Analogy for Better Understanding

Imagine you are traveling from City A to City B:

 Traditional IP Routing: You drive on normal roads, stopping at each junction to check a
map and decide the next turn.

 MPLS Routing: You take a high-speed train (MPLS tunnel), where the train already
knows the path. You don’t stop at every station to check directions—it’s pre-determined
and faster.

Why MPLS is Useful

 Faster packet forwarding (no need to check IP addresses at every router).

 More control over routing (can avoid congestion and optimize traffic).

 Improved reliability (supports backup paths in case of failures).

Breaking Down the Key Concepts of MPLS

1. MPLS = Multi-Protocol

 MPLS supports multiple network protocols, meaning it can work with IPv4, IPv6,
Ethernet, ATM, and Frame Relay.

 It is flexible because it doesn’t depend on a single networking standard.

2. Multi-Protocol Both Above and Below

 Above MPLS: It can carry different types of network traffic (IP, Ethernet, ATM, etc.).

 Below MPLS: It can run over different types of physical and link-layer technologies
(Fiber, Ethernet, DSL, etc.).
  This makes MPLS adaptable to different network environments.

3. Forwarding Independent of Network Layer

 Unlike traditional IP routing, which forwards packets based on the destination IP

address, MPLS forwards packets based on labels.

 This means routers do not need to look at the IP address, making forwarding much
faster.

4. Operating Over Virtually Any Link-Layer Protocol

 MPLS can work with Ethernet, Frame Relay, ATM, and PPP, making it useful for many
types of networks.

 This means a service provider can implement MPLS without changing their existing
infrastructure.

5. MPLS = Label Switching

 Instead of looking at IP addresses, MPLS assigns a label to each packet and forwards it
based on that label.

6. Forwarding: Label Swapping

 How data moves in MPLS:

o The ingress router (entry point) adds a label (PUSH operation).

o The intermediate routers swap labels (SWAP operation) as the packet moves
through the network.

o The egress router (exit point) removes the label (POP operation) before
delivering the packet.

7. Control: IP Routing Protocols (IGP & EGP)

 MPLS does not replace traditional IP routing protocols; it works alongside them.

 Uses Interior Gateway Protocols (IGP) like OSPF and IS-IS inside a network.

 Uses Exterior Gateway Protocols (EGP) like BGP for connections between networks.

8. Depends on Label Distribution in the Network

 Labels must be assigned and managed to ensure correct routing.

 Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) or RSVP-TE is used to distribute labels across routers.
9. MPLS Works Between the Data Link Layer (L2) and Network Layer (L3)

 Traditional Network Model:

o Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) – Deals with MAC addresses, Ethernet, and switching.

o Layer 3 (Network Layer) – Deals with IP addresses and routing.

 MPLS operates between these two layers, creating a new forwarding method that
combines the speed of switching (L2) with the intelligence of routing (L3).

Analogy for Better Understanding

Imagine MPLS as a subway system:

 Traditional IP Routing: A person checks maps at every station to find their way.

 MPLS Routing: A person enters a pre-defined tunnel system (MPLS LSP) and follows
labels to the destination without checking at every station.

Key Benefits of MPLS

✅ Faster forwarding – No need to check IP addresses at every router.

✅ More efficient routing – Packets can follow optimized paths.
✅ Works with many networks – Supports IPv4, IPv6, Ethernet, ATM, and more.
✅ Reliable – Can quickly switch to backup paths if a failure occurs.
The image is a slide explaining the MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) Shim Label. Here’s a
breakdown of what it shows:

1. MPLS Header Placement:

o The diagram at the top shows how the MPLS header fits between the PPP or
Ethernet header and the IP header in a network packet.

o The MPLS header is highlighted in red, meaning it is inserted between the link-
layer (Ethernet/PPP) and network-layer (IP) headers.

2. MPLS Label Structure (32 bits total):

o Label (20 bits) → Identifies the packet flow.

o Traffic Class (TC, 3 bits) → Used for Quality of Service (QoS), prioritizing traffic.

o Bottom of Stack (BoS, 1 bit) → Indicates if this is the last MPLS label in the stack
(1 = last label, 0 = more labels exist).

o Time To Live (TTL, 8 bits) → Limits the packet's lifespan to avoid infinite looping.

3. Key Points in the Text:

o The MPLS label has a fixed length of 32 bits (4 bytes).

o The EtherType value of 0x8847 indicates that the packet contains an MPLS label.
In simple terms, MPLS helps speed up data forwarding in networks by using labels instead of
IP addresses. This allows routers to make quick decisions based on predefined paths, improving
efficiency and reducing congestion.

The slide compares MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) paths versus traditional IP routing
paths. Here’s a breakdown of what it illustrates:

1. Title: "MPLS versus IP paths"

 The title highlights the comparison between MPLS and conventional IP routing.

2. Diagram Explanation

 The network diagram shows multiple routers interconnected.

 Different paths are highlighted using blue and green lines.

 The destination is marked as A.

 The routers are labeled (e.g., R2, R3, R4, R5, R6).

 The IP routing path follows a strict route based only on the destination address.

3. Key Text

 "IP routing: path to destination determined by destination address alone."

  This means that in traditional IP routing, packets take the route determined by standard
routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, RIP, BGP) based on the destination IP address.

4. MPLS Advantage (Implied)

 Though not explicitly stated, MPLS allows flexible routing based on labels instead of just
the destination address.

 It can provide traffic engineering benefits, enabling optimized and faster paths.

This slide provides a comparison between MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) paths and
traditional IP routing paths. Here’s what it explains:

Key Highlights from the Slide:

1. Title: MPLS versus IP paths

2. Network Diagram:

o Shows multiple routers, some labeled as MPLS and IP routers (blue) and others
as IP-only routers (white).

o The destination A has multiple possible paths.

o Two distinct paths:

  IP routing (green path): Follows a fixed route based on destination IP.

 MPLS routing (blue path): Uses labels for flexible routing.

3. MPLS Routing Benefits (Bullet Points):

o Label-based forwarding: A label is attached to packets for routing decisions

instead of just relying on IP addresses.

o Unique label assignment: Each link assigns a unique label to the packet.

o Flexible path selection: Routing can be based on both source and destination
addresses, allowing optimized traffic engineering.

4. Additional Note (Top Right Box):

o R4 (entry router) can use different MPLS routes to reach A based on parameters
like the source address.

Key Takeaways:

 IP routing follows a destination-based forwarding approach (fixed path).

 MPLS provides greater flexibility by allowing different paths based on labels, enabling
better traffic engineering and load balancing.

Think of MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) as a shortcut system for internet traffic that
makes data move faster and more efficiently. Let’s break it down:

1. MPLS uses labels instead of IP addresses for routing:

o Normally, when you send data over the internet, routers read the IP address and
decide where to send the packet next.

o In MPLS, instead of checking the full IP address at every step, routers use a label
(a short number) to quickly determine the next stop.

2. Each link in the network assigns a unique label:

o When a packet enters the MPLS network, it gets a label attached.

o As it moves through different routers, the label might change, but each router
only reads the label instead of analyzing the entire IP address, making
forwarding faster.

3. Routing can depend on both the source and destination:

 o Traditional IP routing only considers the destination address (where the packet is
going).

o MPLS allows routing based on both the source (where it came from) and
destination, which means different users can take different paths to the same
endpoint for better performance.

Real-World Analogy

Imagine you’re traveling by train:

 IP routing: Every time you reach a new station, the conductor checks your full ticket
details and decides your next stop. This takes time.

 MPLS routing: At the first station, you receive a color-coded tag (label). At each station,
workers only look at the tag and instantly direct you to the right track without
rechecking everything.

This makes MPLS faster, more efficient, and better for managing network traffic compared to
traditional IP routing.

Key Components in the Image:

1. Label Edge Router (LER)

 o These routers sit at the edge of the MPLS network.

o They assign labels to incoming IP packets and remove labels for outgoing
packets.

o Labeled as LER in the diagram.

2. Label Switch Router (LSR)

o These routers exist inside the MPLS network.

o They forward packets based on labels, replacing them as needed.

o Labeled as LSR in the diagram.

3. Label-Switched Path (LSP)

o This is a predefined route that packets follow through the MPLS network.

o It works like a tunnel where packets are forwarded based on labels instead of IP
addresses.

o Marked as Label-switched path (LSP) in the image.

Bottom Text Explanation:

 "Label assignment equivalent to configuring a tunnel, called the Label-switched path"

→ MPLS sets up a fixed path for data, just like a tunnel that guides cars in one direction.

 "A label is unique through each link"

→ Every connection between two routers has a distinct label for better organization.

 "IP packets entering an MPLS network are divided into multiple classes called
Forwarding Equivalence Class (FEC)"
→ Similar types of traffic (e.g., video calls, emails) can be grouped and treated the same
way to optimize performance.

Simplified Analogy:

Imagine a train system where:

 LERs are the stations where passengers get their tickets (labels).

 LSRs are the stations where trains stop, and station staff direct them based on ticket
info.

 LSP is the railway track ensuring trains follow a fixed path to their destination efficiently.

1. Label Assignment = Configuring a Tunnel (Label-Switched Path - LSP)

  In a regular IP network, routers look at the destination address to decide the next hop.

 In an MPLS network, a label is added to each packet, and routers forward packets based
on the label instead of checking the IP address repeatedly.

 This creates a fixed path through the network, called a Label-Switched Path (LSP)—like
a pre-planned tunnel that guides packets smoothly.

2. A Label is Unique Through Each Link

 Each connection (link) between routers in the MPLS network has a unique label for
packets traveling through it.

 This ensures that every router knows exactly where to send a labeled packet next
without confusion.

 Think of it like train stations using unique platform numbers for different routes.

3. Forwarding Equivalence Class (FEC) = Grouping Similar Traffic

 When IP packets enter the MPLS network, they are classified into groups called
Forwarding Equivalence Classes (FECs).

 Packets in the same FEC follow the same Label-Switched Path (LSP).

 For example, all video call packets might follow one path, while email packets take
another.

 This helps the network manage different types of traffic efficiently.

Analogy (Train System Example)

Imagine an MPLS network as a train system:

 Label-Switched Path (LSP) = The railway tracks that direct trains along a fixed route.

 Labels = The train numbers assigned to guide trains on specific tracks.

 Forwarding Equivalence Class (FEC) = Different types of trains (e.g., passenger trains,
freight trains) that follow specific tracks for efficiency.

MPLS-Capable Routers: LER and LSR

In an MPLS network, there are two main types of routers:

1. Label Edge Router (LER):

 o These are entry and exit routers for the MPLS network.

o When packets enter, LERs assign labels based on destination and traffic class.

o When packets leave, LERs remove labels and forward them as normal IP packets.

2. Label Switch Router (LSR):

o These routers are inside the MPLS network.

o They only look at the label and forward packets without checking the IP address.

Key Features of MPLS Routing

✅ Forwarding Based Only on Labels

 Unlike traditional routers, MPLS routers don’t inspect the IP address—they just read the
label and send the packet to the correct path.

 This makes routing faster and more efficient.

✅ MPLS Forwarding Table is Separate from the IP Forwarding Table

 MPLS routers don’t use traditional IP routing tables; they have a separate forwarding
table that matches labels to next hops.

 This allows more flexibility in routing decisions.

✅ MPLS Can Make Different Routing Decisions Than IP (Traffic Engineering)

 Normally, IP routing follows the shortest path to the destination.

 MPLS can override this rule and send different types of traffic along different paths.

o Example: Video calls take a high-speed, low-latency path, while emails take a
lower-priority path.

✅ Fast Rerouting in Case of Link Failure

 MPLS networks can have pre-planned backup paths in case a link goes down.

 This allows quick recovery, making it ideal for real-time applications like VoIP (Voice
over IP), where delays are unacceptable.

MPLS-Capable Router: Label Switching Router (LSR)

In an MPLS network, the Label Switching Router (LSR) is responsible for handling packets using
labels instead of IP addresses. There are different types of LSRs based on their role in the
network:

1️⃣ Ingress LSR (Entry Router)

 This is the first router in the MPLS network.

 It assigns a label to the incoming IP packet and sends it into the MPLS network.

 This process is called PUSH (or Impose) Operation because the router adds a label.

🔹 Analogy: Think of it as a toll booth where a car (packet) gets a ticket (label) before entering
the highway (MPLS network).

2️⃣ Intermediate LSR (Core Router)

 These are routers inside the MPLS network that handle labeled packets.

 They don’t check the IP address, only the label.

 They swap the existing label with a new one before forwarding the packet.

 This is called the SWAP Operation.

🔹 Analogy: Imagine a highway system where your toll ticket is exchanged at each checkpoint,
updating your route.

3️⃣ Egress LSR (Exit Router)

 This is the last router in the MPLS network before the packet leaves.

 It removes the MPLS label and forwards the packet as a normal IP packet.

 This process is called the POP Operation.

🔹 Analogy: Before exiting the highway, the toll booth takes your ticket (label), and you continue
on normal roads (IP network).

Summary of Operations:
Router Type Action Operation

Ingress LSR Adds a label to the packet PUSH

Replaces the label with a new

Intermediate LSR SWAP
one

Removes the label before

Egress LSR POP
forwarding

Edge Label Switching Router (eLSR)

An Edge Label Switching Router (eLSR) is responsible for handling traffic at the boundary of an
MPLS network. It connects external networks (like the internet or another MPLS domain) to the
MPLS network.

Roles of an eLSR:

1. Ingress eLSR (Entry Point)

o When a packet enters the MPLS domain, the ingress eLSR assigns an MPLS label
to the packet.

o It then forwards the labeled packet into the MPLS network.

o This is called the PUSH Operation (label is imposed).

2. Egress eLSR (Exit Point)

o When a packet exits the MPLS domain, the egress eLSR removes the MPLS label
and forwards the packet as a standard IP packet.

o This is called the POP Operation (label is removed).

Key Functions of eLSR:

✅ Traffic Entry & Exit: Handles traffic moving in and out of an MPLS domain.
✅ Label Assignment: Decides which labels to assign based on Forwarding Equivalence Class
(FEC).
✅ Supports IP Forwarding: Can route packets based on IP addresses when MPLS is not needed.
🔹 Analogy: Think of an eLSR as a border checkpoint where passports (labels) are assigned when
entering and collected when leaving

Label Switched Path (LSP) – Simplified Explanation

A Label Switched Path (LSP) is the predefined route that packets take through an MPLS
network. Instead of traditional IP routing (which makes decisions at every hop), MPLS uses
labels to forward packets efficiently along an established path.

Key Characteristics of LSP:

✅ Starts at the Ingress LSR (entry point of MPLS network).

✅ Passes through Intermediate LSRs (switching happens using labels).
✅ Ends at the Egress LSR (exit point of MPLS network).
✅ Unidirectional – It works in one direction, meaning a separate LSP is needed for return traffic.
✅ Follows the best path (based on Interior Gateway Protocol like OSPF or IS-IS) or can be
manually engineered for traffic control.
✅ LSPs can be stacked or nested (useful for VPNs or hierarchical routing).

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Packet enters the MPLS network → The Ingress LSR assigns a label and forwards the
packet.

2. Packet moves through Intermediate LSRs → Each Intermediate LSR swaps labels based
on forwarding rules.

3. Packet exits the MPLS network → The Egress LSR removes the label and sends the
packet to its final destination.

🔹 Analogy:
Imagine traveling on a highway with electronic toll collection. Instead of stopping at every toll
booth to pay (like traditional IP routing), you get a tag at the entrance (label) and just pass
through automated toll gates (LSRs) until you exit, where your tag is removed.
Forwarding Equivalence Class (FEC) – Simplified Explanation

A Forwarding Equivalence Class (FEC) is a group of packets that are treated the same way
inside an MPLS network. Instead of making a routing decision for each packet separately, MPLS
groups packets into an FEC, assigns them a label, and forwards them along a predefined path.

Key Features of FEC:

✅ Packets in the same FEC follow the same path → No need for per-hop IP lookup.
✅ Same treatment for all packets in the FEC → Same priority, same Quality of Service (QoS),
and same next-hop.
✅ Assigned a single MPLS label → Enables efficient forwarding.
✅ Classification is based on different criteria → Could be based on Source Address (SA),
Destination Address (DA), Protocol (PID), or Port Numbers (SP/DP).

How FEC Works (Example from the Table)

SA (Source DA (Destination SP (Source DP (Dest. PID

FEC
Address) Address) Port) Port) (Protocol)

FEC 1 132.168.33.0/24 130.153.143.0/24 * 80 TCP

FEC 2 132.168.33.0/24 130.153.143.0/24 * 69 UDP

FEC 3 * 130.153.160.0/24 * * *

1️⃣ FEC 1 → Packets from 132.168.33.0/24 going to 130.153.143.0/24, using TCP on port 80
(HTTP traffic), are assigned the same MPLS label.
2️⃣ FEC 2 → Packets from the same 132.168.33.0/24 network going to 130.153.143.0/24, but
using UDP on port 69 (TFTP traffic), get a different label.
3️⃣ FEC 3 → All packets going to 130.153.160.0/24 (regardless of source or protocol) are
grouped into another FEC.

🔹 Analogy:
Think of FECs like boarding groups at an airport ✈️. Passengers with the same ticket class (FEC)
board together and follow the same route (MPLS LSP) to their destination. Instead of checking
every passenger’s ticket at each checkpoint (like IP routing), they’re pre-assigned a group (label)
that determines their path.