ABSTRACT
One of the major benefits of Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is that it allows metro service providers (SPs) to deliver new services that cannot be readily supported by conventional IP routing techniques. MPLS augments traditional IP routing by supporting more than just destination-based forwarding. Through separating the control component [REF01] from the forwarding component [REF01] in legacy routing, MPLS is designed with the ability to evolve control functionality without changing the forwarding mechanism. With this newly acquired flexibility, MPLS can be distinctively positioned to support the deployment of enhanced control and forwarding capabilities that are required in new value-added and highly profitable metro services such as traffic engineering (TE), classes of service (CoS), virtual private networks (VPNs), virtual leased lines (VLLs), and virtual private LAN services (VPLS).
