Multiprotocol Label Switching

(MPLS) a standards-based approach to

applying {label switching} to large-scale {networks} being

defined by the {Internet Engineering Task Force} since early

1997.

MPLS defines {protocols} and procedures that enable the fast

switching capabilities of {ATM} and {Frame Relay} to be used

by {IP} networks.

It represents the next level of standards-based evolution in

combining layer two ({data link layer}) switching with layer

three ({network layer}) {routing} in order to create flexible,

faster, and more scalable networking. This includes traffic

engineering capabilities which provide, for example, aspects

of {Quality of Service} (QoS)/{Class of Service} (CoS) and

facilitate the use of {Virtual Private Networks} (VPNs).

{ITEF MPLS Working Group

(http://www.ietf.org/html.charters/mpls-charter.html)}.

(1999-06-14)