Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS)

Virtual Private LAN Service, or VPLS, is a Layer 2 VPN technology used to connect geographically separated Ethernet networks across shared provider infrastructure. To the connected sites, the service appears as a common local Ethernet network. Ethernet frames can therefore be transported between multiple locations without requiring the provider to manage the customer's IP routing. VPLS is commonly implemented over MPLS networks and supports point-to-multipoint connectivity. Provider Edge routers learn MAC addresses and forward frames towards the appropriate locations. VPLS is particularly suitable for organisations that need to connect multiple branches or data centres at Layer 2. Compared with traditional Layer 3 VPN services, VPLS provides organisations with greater control over their own IP addressing and routing between connected sites.