Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
MPLS is a technique that forwards traffic across an operator's core network using short labels instead of full IP address look-ups, making it easier to create virtual private networks and engineer traffic paths.
What is Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)?
At the edge of an MPLS network, routers assign each packet a label that determines its path. Core routers forward packets by label alone. This supports VPNs for businesses, traffic engineering and quality-of-service guarantees.
How it works
MPLS edge routers (provider edge routers) carry out IP routing and attach labels to traffic entering the MPLS core. In the next generation network cost model that is the source of this entry, MPLS edge routers carry voice traffic (media and signalling) from end users and from interconnection with other providers, and have 10 Gbit/s Ethernet interfaces. Edge routers used only for broadband were left out of that model because they do not add to voice costs.