Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)

Multiprotocol label switching, or MPLS, is a method for forwarding data packets based on short identifiers known as labels. On entering the MPLS network, a label edge router attaches a label to the packet, and subsequent label switch routers base their forwarding decisions solely on this identifier. This removes the need to evaluate the IP destination address at every node. MPLS operates between layers 2 and 3 of the OSI model and is independent of the transported protocol. It is used for traffic engineering, quality of service classes, rapid failover and the provisioning of layer 2 and layer 3 VPNs. MPLS is deployed primarily in provider networks and for corporate site interconnection, although it is increasingly complemented or replaced by SD-WAN solutions.