MPLS components

MPLS comprises the following major components:

1. MPLS Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)—provides MPLS-enabled IP networks for Layer 3 and Layer 2 connectivity. Includes two major components:

1. Layer 3 VPNs—based on Border Gateway Patrol

2. Layer 2 VPNs—Any Transport over MPLS (AToM)

2. MPLS Traffic Engineering (TE)— provides an increased utilization of network bandwidth inventory and for protection services

3. MPLS Quality of Service (QoS)— buildings upon existing IP QoS mechanisms, and provides preferential treatment to certain types of traffic, based on a QoS attribute (i.e., MPLS EXP).