Lit Fiber — MPLS Transport

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is an IETF initiative that integrates Layer 2 information about network links (bandwidth, latency, utilization) into Layer 3 (IP) within a particular autonomous system�or ISP�in order to simplify and improve IP-packet exchange.

MPLS gives network operators the flexibility they need to divert and route traffic around link failures, congestion, and bottlenecks.  From a quality of service standpoint, ISPs will better be able to manage different kinds of data streams based on priority and service plan. For instance, those who subscribe to a premium service plan, or those who receive a lot of streaming media or high-bandwidth content can see minimal latency and packet loss.

When packets enter a MPLS-based network, they are given an identifier by the Label Edge Routers (LERs). These labels contain information based on the routing table entry (i.e., destination, bandwidth, delay, and other metrics), as well as refer to the source IP address, Layer 4 socket number information, and differentiated service. Once this classification is complete and mapped, different packets are assigned to corresponding Labeled Switch Paths (LSPs), where Label Switch Routers (LSRs) place outgoing labels on the packets.  With these LSPs, network operators can divert and route traffic based on data-stream type and Internet-access customer.