Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks are composed of two primary planes: the Control Plane and the Data Plane. These two planes play distinct roles in the operation of MPLS networks:
Control Plane:
- Route Decision and Label AssignmentThe Control Plane is responsible for making routing decisions and assigning MPLS labels to packets. It determines the path a packet should take through the network and the labels to be associated with it.
- Routing ProtocolsControl Plane routers use routing protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) or BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) to exchange routing information and make informed decisions about label assignments.
- Label DistributionThe Control Plane is responsible for distributing label information to all routers within the MPLS network. This is typically done using protocols like LDP (Label Distribution Protocol) or RSVP-TE (Resource Reservation Protocol-Traffic Engineering) for Traffic Engineering.
- Label BindingIn MPLS VPNs, the Control Plane is also responsible for binding customer routes to specific labels, ensuring that customer traffic remains isolated from other VPNs.
Data Plane:
- Packet ForwardingThe Data Plane is responsible for the actual forwarding of labeled packets through the network. It uses the labels assigned by the Control Plane to make forwarding decisions.
- Label Swapping and PoppingRouters in the Data Plane perform label swapping, popping, and pushing as packets traverse the network. They determine the next hop for each packet based on the label at the top of the stack.
- Fast and Deterministic ForwardingThe Data Plane is designed for fast and deterministic packet forwarding. Routers make forwarding decisions based on the MPLS label, avoiding the need for complex IP header lookups.
- Traffic EngineeringIn MPLS networks with Traffic Engineering, the Data Plane ensures that packets follow the preconfigured paths and resource reservations established by the Control Plane.
In summary, the Control Plane handles the high-level routing decisions, label assignments, and distribution of label information, while the Data Plane is responsible for the actual forwarding of labeled packets based on the information provided by the Control Plane. This separation of control and data planes is a key feature of MPLS networks, allowing for efficient and flexible packet forwarding and routing.
Key terms in plain language
Open a term for a concise explanation of language used on this page.
Fiber Internet
Internet delivered through strands of glass using light. Fiber commonly supports high capacity, low latency, and strong upload performance, but availability must be confirmed for the exact address.
MPLS
Multiprotocol Label Switching, a private-network technology that directs traffic along managed paths. Organizations use it for predictable connectivity between locations.
VPN
A virtual private network creates an encrypted connection across another network, commonly allowing remote users or offices to access private resources securely.
Broadband
A general term for always-on, high-speed Internet access. Broadband can be delivered over fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless, cellular, or satellite networks.
Bandwidth
The amount of data a connection can carry in a given time, usually measured in Mbps or Gbps. More bandwidth supports more users, devices, and simultaneous applications.
Latency
The time it takes data to travel between two points. Lower latency improves voice, video meetings, cloud applications, gaming, and other real-time services.