Chapter 8: Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)

Chapter 8: Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)

Overview

We have considered the fundamental concepts that underlie the label switching approaches, and we have looked at four of them in detail. The IETF?s MPLS working group is engaged in trying to define a standard approach to label switching. In this chapter we examine this group and its endeavors in more depth.

At the time of writing, the group has met three times officially, plus its original Birds of a Feather (BOF) at the 37th IETF in December 1996. If all goes well, the group is likely to continue its work at least through the end of 1998, and probably longer. At this juncture, therefore, we are presenting a review of work in progress, albeit work that seems pointed in an easily discernible direction. This is in marked contrast to the material we have covered so far. All of the approaches we looked at earlier have been implemented and used in trials, and one, IP Switching, has been on sale for some time. At present there is no complete specification for an MPLS system, much less any implementation.

We begin with a brief survey of the working group?s history and examine its charter. Having seen the task the group set itself, we consider the progress made so far. Although some good progress has been made in reconciling different approaches, several unresolved issues remain; we consider the most important of them. Finally, we also offer some predictions about the likely progress of the group...

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Switching in IP Networks: IP Switching, Tag Switching, & Related Technologies

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Chapter 8: Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)

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