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Layer 2 MPLS VPN

Layer 2 MPLS VPN is a method that ISPs use to segregate their network for their customers, to allow them to transmit data over an IP network. Layer 2 VPNs uses MPLS labels to transport data between Provider Edge routers, as they are on the edge of the provider’s network, next to the customer’s network. Internet providers that have an existing Layer 2 network choose to use these VPNs. Two methods may be used, both methods use a standard MPLS header to encapsulate data. However, they differ in their signalling protocols.

Types of Layer 2 MPLS VPNs

BGP-based: It uses the Border Gateway Protocol for PE routers to communicate with each other. When new customers are added, the existing routers communicate with each other, via BGP, and automatically add the new customers to the service.

LDP-based: To communicate between PE routers it uses a method called as Label Distribution Protocol (LDP). Every LDP-speaking router will exchange Forwarding Equivalence Classes and establish LSPs with every other LDP-speaking router on the network. The LDP-based style of layer 2 VPN defines new TLVs and parameters for LDP to aid in the signalling of the VPNs.

The above mentioned features are offered and supported by VCL-MX-50xx family of IP/MPLS Routers.