About Me
MikroTik Certified Internetworking Engineer (MTCINE)
1 Introduction to Networking
1-1 Basic Networking Concepts
1-2 OSI Model
1-3 TCPIP Model
1-4 Network Devices
1-5 Network Topologies
2 MikroTik RouterOS Basics
2-1 Introduction to RouterOS
2-2 RouterOS Interface
2-3 Basic Configuration
2-4 User Management
2-5 System Logging
3 IP Addressing and Subnetting
3-1 IPv4 Addressing
3-2 Subnetting
3-3 IPv6 Addressing
3-4 IPv6 Subnetting
3-5 NAT and PAT
4 Routing
4-1 Static Routing
4-2 Dynamic Routing Protocols
4-3 OSPF
4-4 BGP
4-5 EIGRP
5 Wireless Networking
5-1 Wireless Basics
5-2 Wireless Security
5-3 Wireless Configuration
5-4 Wireless Bridging
5-5 Wireless Repeaters
6 VPN Technologies
6-1 VPN Basics
6-2 IPsec VPN
6-3 OpenVPN
6-4 L2TPPPTP
6-5 SSL VPN
7 Quality of Service (QoS)
7-1 QoS Basics
7-2 Traffic Shaping
7-3 Policing
7-4 Prioritization
7-5 Queue Types
8 Firewall and Security
8-1 Firewall Basics
8-2 Firewall Rules
8-3 NAT Rules
8-4 Filtering Rules
8-5 Hotspot and Captive Portal
9 Advanced Topics
9-1 VLANs
9-2 MPLS
9-3 High Availability
9-4 Load Balancing
9-5 Monitoring and Troubleshooting
9.2 MPLS Explained

9.2 MPLS Explained

Key Concepts

1. MPLS Overview

Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a data-carrying technique that provides a way to move data quickly and efficiently across a network. MPLS operates at the layer 2.5 of the OSI model, sitting between the data link layer (layer 2) and the network layer (layer 3). It uses labels to forward packets, which allows for faster and more efficient routing.

Example: Think of MPLS as a high-speed express lane on a highway. Just as an express lane allows vehicles to move faster, MPLS allows data packets to move faster across a network.

2. Label Switching

Label switching is the core mechanism of MPLS. It involves attaching a short, fixed-length label to each packet at the ingress router and using this label to make forwarding decisions. Routers along the path use the label to forward packets without examining the packet's header, which speeds up the forwarding process.

Example: Consider label switching as a package delivery system that uses a unique barcode on each package. Just as the barcode allows for quick sorting and delivery, the label allows for quick forwarding of packets.

3. Label Distribution Protocol (LDP)

LDP is a protocol used to exchange label information between adjacent routers. It allows routers to establish label-switched paths (LSPs) and to distribute labels to each other. LDP ensures that all routers in the MPLS network have the necessary label information to forward packets correctly.

Example: Think of LDP as a communication system between post offices. Just as post offices share information about where to send packages, routers share label information to establish LSPs.

4. MPLS VPNs

MPLS VPNs are a type of Virtual Private Network (VPN) that uses MPLS to create secure, private networks over a shared infrastructure. MPLS VPNs allow multiple customers to share the same physical network while maintaining separate logical networks. This provides cost savings and flexibility.

Example: Consider MPLS VPNs as a shared office building where each company has its own private office space. Just as the building shares resources while maintaining privacy, MPLS VPNs share network resources while maintaining separate networks.

5. MPLS Traffic Engineering

MPLS Traffic Engineering (MPLS-TE) is a technique used to optimize the use of network resources and to ensure that traffic is routed along the most efficient paths. MPLS-TE allows for the creation of explicit routes, which can bypass congested areas and ensure high availability and performance.

Example: Think of MPLS-TE as a traffic management system that directs vehicles along the fastest routes. Just as the system avoids traffic jams, MPLS-TE avoids network congestion and ensures efficient data flow.

© 2024 Ahmed Baheeg Khorshid. All rights reserved.