MPLS vs VPLS | Difference between MPLS and VPLS
This page compares MPLS vs VPLS and mentions difference between MPLS and VPLS. MPLS stands for Multiprotocol Label Switching and VLPS stands for Virtual Private LAN Service.
MPLS-Multiprotocol Label Switching
As mentioned MPLS is the short form of Multiprotocol Label Switching. The MPLS network
composed of CE routers and PE routers as shown in the figure-1.
Refer MPLS tutorial and BGP and MPLS in VPN for more information on MPLS concepts.
VPLS-Virtual Private LAN Service
• VPLS stands for Virtual Private LAN Service. It is defined in RFC 4762.
The figure-2 depicts VPLS architecture.
• As shown it is architecture which delivers EMS (Ethernet Multipoint Services) over MPLS network.
• VPLS operation emulates IEEE ethernet bridge.
Like MPLS based IP VPN service, VPLS based VPN is a multipoint service. But unlike IP VPNs, it can
transport non IP traffic. Following are the features of VPLS based VPN (Virtual Private Network).
• It is a layer-2 multipoint VPN.
• It allows multiple sites to be connected in single bridged domain over provider
managed IP MPLS network.
• All the customer sites in VPLS based VPN appears to be on same LAN regardless of their
actual location as shown.
• It uses ethernet interace. Due to this their is no LAN and WAN boundaries.
Hence it allows rapid and flexible provisioning.
There are three major components of VPLS network:
• CE devices (Customer Edges) : They are router or switch devices located at customer
premises.
• PE devices (Provider Edges): This is the place where all the intelligence of VPN network
resides. All the PEs are interconnected. CEs are connected with their peer PEs.
• MPLS network: All the PEs are connected based on MPLS IP network, traffic is switched based on
MPLS labels. Refer MPLS label Switching.
Networking related links
Basics of OSI and TCPIP layers
Networking Gateway
What is Router
What is an IP address
network switch
network bridge
Hub and Types of Hub
What is MAC address
What is Difference between
hub Vs switch circuit switching Vs packet switching firewall Vs router HDLC Vs PPP IGRP Vs EIGRP router Vs bridge switch Vs router WLAN Vs Ethernet LAN LAN vs WAN vs MAN