MPLS Foundations: Getting Started with MPLS

Course details

This course provides an in-depth introduction to Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), an essential technique used in modern network infrastructures. Join instructor Arash Deljoo as he explores the core principles of MPLS, including its architecture, operation, and key components such as Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) and Label Switched Paths (LSPs). Learn more about the different label retention and control modes to understand how MPLS improves network efficiency, scalability, and reliability. Designed for network professionals, this course equips you with the practical know-how required to implement and manage MPLS in real-world scenarios, all the while advancing your networking expertise and career.

Learning objectives
Understand the principles of IP forwarding and MPLS control and data planes.
Comprehend the concepts of packet forwarding in MPLS networks, including PHP and FEC.
Learn the roles of Label Switch Routers (LSR) and Label Switched Paths (LSP).
Explore the differences between Frame Mode MPLS and Cell Mode MPLS.
Configure and verify MPLS Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) in Cisco IOS.
Master LDP neighborship, label advertisement control, and inbound label binding filtering.
Analyze TTL behavior in labeled packets and traceroute operations in MPLS networks.
Differentiate between label spaces, distribution modes, retention modes, and LSP control modes.

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Become an MPLS expert

1. MPLS Architecture

02 - IP forwarding
03 - MPLS control plane and data plane
04 - Packet forwarding in an MPLS network
05 - Penultimate hop popping (PHP)
06 - MPLS label

2. MPLS Terminology

07 - Label switch router (LSR)
08 - Label switched path (LSP)
09 - Forwarding equivalence class (FEC)
10 - Frame mode MPLS vs. cell mode MPLS

3. Label Distribution Protocol (LDP)

11 - Label distribution protocols
12 - MPLS LDP configuration in Cisco IOS
13 - MPLS LDP neighborship
14 - LDP neighborship verification
15 - LDP parameters configuration

4. Advanced LDP Configuration

16 - LDP authentication
17 - Controlling the advertisement of labels via LDP
18 - MPLS LDP inbound label binding filtering
19 - TTL behavior of labeled packets
20 - Tracerouting in MPLS networks

5.Different MPLS Modes

21 - MPLS label spaces
22 - Label distribution mode
23 - Label retention modes
24 - LSP control modes

Conclusion

25 - Next steps