MPLS Configuration on Cisco IOS Software

A complete configuration manual for MPLS, MPLS VPNs, MPLS TE, QoS, Any Transport over MPLS (AToM), and VPLS

• Understand the crucial Cisco commands for various MPLS scenarios
• Understand fundamentals of MPLS operation and learn to configure basic MPLS in Frame Relay and ATM-based environments
• Master fundamentals of MPLS VPN operation including Multiprotocol BGP (MBGP) operation, VPNv4 route exchange, and basic MPLS VPN configuration in the provider network
• Understand and configure various PE-CE routing protocols in MPLS VPN networks
• Understand MPLS VPN provisioning in an Inter-provider VPN (Inter-AS) and Carrier Supporting Carrier (CSC) environment
• Learn MPLS TE and its advanced features
• Examine AToM with configuration examples for like-to-like and any-to-any L2 VPN implementations and VPLS components and operation, VPLS configuration and verification, and VPLS topologies
• Learn about MPLS QoS, including configuration and implementation of uniform and short pipe modes

MPLS Configuration on Cisco IOS Software is a complete and detailed resource to the configuration of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks and associated features. Through its practical, hands-on approach, you’ll become familiar with MPLS technologies and their configurations using Cisco IOS Software.

MPLS Configuration on Cisco IOS Software covers basic-to-advanced MPLS concepts and configuration. Beyond its emphasis on MPLS, you’ll learn about applications and deployments associated with MPLS, such as traffic engineering (TE), Layer 2 virtual private networks (VPN), and Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS). You’ll receive practical guidance and deployment scenarios that can be enhanced by re-creation of the setups and configurations demonstrated within this book.

You’ll move quickly from a brief overview of MPLS technology and basic MPLS configuration on Cisco routers to more advanced topics. Several chapters provide instruction on VPN connectivity options, including implementing Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) in MPLS VPNs. You’ll receive configuration guidelines for advanced MPLS implementations such as MPLS TE, quality of service (QoS), and extranet VPNs. You’ll learn about implementation of Layer 2 VPNs versus Layer 3 VPNs with Cisco Any Transport over MPLS (AToM). And you’ll see demonstrations of implementing VPLS on Cisco routers complete with the configurations and platform support.

About the Authors

Umesh Lakshman is a technical project systems engineer with the Service Provider Field Labs at Cisco. He supports Cisco sales teams by demonstrating and testing advanced technologies such as MPLS to Service Provider customers in a presales environment. Umesh has conducted several trainings for customers on MPLS, MPLS VPNs, and QoS implementations in MPLS networks.

Lancy Lobo, CCIE No. 4690 (R&S and Service Provider), is a network consulting engineer in Cisco Systems Advanced Services group, supporting Cisco strategic service provider and enterprise customers. He has more than 10 years of experience with data communication technologies and has supported Cisco strategic service provider customers to design and implement large-scale routed networks.