{{MPLS diagram MPLS VPN is a family of methods for using

Multiprotocol Label Switching Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a routing technique in telecommunications networks that directs data from one node to the next based on labels rather than network addresses. Whereas network addresses identify endpoints, the labels iden ...

(MPLS) to create

virtual private network Virtual private network (VPN) is a network architecture for virtually extending a private network (i.e. any computer network which is not the public Internet) across one or multiple other networks which are either untrusted (as they are not con ...

s (VPNs). MPLS VPN is a flexible method to transport and route several types of network traffic using an MPLS backbone. There are three types of MPLS VPNs deployed in networks today: 1. Point-to-point ( Pseudowire) 2. Layer 2 (VPLS) 3. Layer 3 (VPRN)

Point-to-point (pseudowire)

Point-to-point MPLS VPNs employ VLL ( virtual leased lines) for providing Layer 2 point-to-point connectivity between two sites.

Ethernet Ethernet ( ) is a family of wired computer networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN) and wide area networks (WAN). It was commercially introduced in 1980 and first standardized in 198 ...

, TDM, and ATM frames can be encapsulated within these VLLs. Some examples of how point-to-point VPNs might be used by utilities include: * encapsulating TDM T1 circuits attached to

Remote Terminal Unit A remote terminal unit (RTU) is a microprocessor-controlled electronic device that interfaces objects in the physical world to a distributed control system or SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system by transmitting telemetry d ...

s * forwarding non-routed

DNP3 Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3) is a set of communications protocols used between components in process automation systems. Its main use is in utilities such as electric and water companies. Usage in other industries is not common. It was ...

traffic across the backbone network to the

SCADA SCADA (an acronym for supervisory control and data acquisition) is a control system architecture comprising computers, networked data communications and graphical user interfaces for high-level supervision of machines and processes. It also cove ...

master controller.

Layer 2 VPN (VPLS)

Layer 2 MPLS VPNs, or VPLS (virtual private LAN service), offers a “switch in the cloud” style service. VPLS provides the ability to span VLANs between sites. L2 VPNs are typically used to route voice, video, and AMI traffic between substation and data center locations.

Layer 3 VPN (VPRN)

Layer 3, or VPRN (virtual private routed network), utilizes layer 3 VRF (VPN/virtual routing and forwarding) to segment routing tables for each customer utilizing the service. The customer peers with the service provider router and the two exchange routes, which are placed into a routing table specific to the customer.

Multiprotocol BGP Multiprotocol Extensions for BGP (MBGP or MP-BGP), sometimes referred to as Multiprotocol BGP or Multicast BGP and defined in IETF RFC 4760, is an extension to Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) that allows different types of addresses (known as address ...

(MP-BGP) is required in the cloud to utilize the service, which increases complexity of design and implementation. L3 VPNs are typically not deployed on utility networks due to their complexity; however, a L3 VPN could be used to route traffic between corporate or datacenter locations.

External links

RFC 4364, BGP/MPLS IP Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Virtual Private Network (VPN): A Very Detailed Guide for Newbies
MPLS networking Virtual private networks

Point-to-point (pseudowire)

Layer 2 VPN (VPLS)

Layer 3 VPN (VPRN)

See also

External links