Abstract
The basic idea, features, and necessity of multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) are given in this paper, with a special focus on virtual private networks (VPN) as one of the most important features that MPLS as technology enables and supports. In this context, we first describe the general VPN models, the overlay and the peer model, and than analyze different models, such as the BGP/MPLS virtual private networks and the layer-2 MPLS virtual private networks. All over the paper, the benefits provided by using MPLS for different VPN models are emphasized, with particular attention to improved scalability, management, and quality of service (QoS).
Similar content being viewed by others
References
U. Black, MPLS and Label Switching Networks (Prentice Hall PTR, 2001).
G. Apostolopoulos, D. Williams, QoS routing mechanisms and OSPF extensions, IETF RFC2676, (August 1999).
D. O. Awduche, MPLS and traffic engineering in IP networks, IEEE Communications Magazine, vol. 37,no. 12, (December 1999), pp. 42–47.
D. Awduche, et al., RSVP–TE: Extensions to RSVP for LSP Tunnels, IETF RFC3209, (December 2001).
B. Jamoussi, et al., Constraint–Based LSP Setup using LDP, (draft–ietf–mpls–cr–ldp–06.txt), (May 2002).
O. Aboul–Magd, B. Jamoussu, QoS and service interworking using constrained–route label distribution protocol (CR–LDP), IEEE Communications Magazine, vol. 39,no. 5, (May 2001), pp. 134–139.
T. Braun, M. Guenter, I. Khalil, Management of Quality of Service enabled VPNs, IEEE Communications Magazine, vol. 39,no. 5, (May 2001), pp. 90–98.
B. Davie, Y. Rekhter, MPLS technology and applications (Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2000).
E. Rosen, Y. Rekhter, BGP/MPLS VPNs, IETF RFC2547, (March 1999).
S. R. Sangli, et al., BGP Extended Communities Attribute, (draft–ietf–idr–bgp–ext–communities–02.txt), (April 2002).
Y. Rekhter, et al., Address allocation for private Internets, IETF RFC1918, (February 1996).
T. Bates, et al., Multiprotocol extensions for BGP–4, IETF RFC2283, (February 1998).
E. C. Rosen, et al., BGP/MPLS VPNs, (draft–rosen–rfc2547bis–03.txt), (March 2001).
N. G. Duffield, et al., A flexible model for resource management in virtual private networks, Proceedings of ACM Sigcomm '99, Cambridge, Mass., USA, (August–September 1999), pp. 95–108.
K. Kompella, et al., MPLS–based Layer 2 VPNs, (draft–kompella–mpls–12vpn–02.txt), (May 2001).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Halimi, A., Statovci-Halimi, B. Overview on MPLS Virtual Private Networks. Photonic Network Communications 4, 115–131 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015302927502
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015302927502