MPLS

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a high-performance networking technology that directs data from one network node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses. Developed in the 1990s and standardized in 2001, MPLS operates between Layer 2 and Layer 3 of the OSI model, earning it the informal designation of a "Layer 2.5" protocol. It uses label-switched paths (LSPs) to forward packets efficiently, reducing the time routers spend deciding where to send data. MPLS supports various access technologies and protocols, making it versatile for wide area networks (WANs) and service provider networks. Key components include Label Edge Routers (LERs), Label Switch Routers (LSRs), and labels that determine packet routing. By separating the control plane from the forwarding plane, MPLS enhances network speed, scalability, and quality of service (QoS), making it particularly valuable for enterprise networks and telecommunications providers seeking to optimize traffic flow and reduce latency.