MPLS is a network architecture that provides a Layer 2 transport-agnostic method of creating end-to-end network paths. In an IP/MPLS network, MPLS switching is based on the contents of the MPLS Label, rather than the IP header. A Label Distribution Protocol control plane manages the creation of Label Switched Paths (LSPs). Packets forwarded along a LSP enter the MPLS domain at a Label Edge Router (LER), are assigned a per hop label and forwarded based on the label contents. At each hop, a Label Switch Router (LSR) strips off the existing label and applies a new label which then influences the next hop. Practically speaking, most Label Switched Paths follow IP routing paths determined by Interior Gateway Protocols such as OSPF or IS-IS. Today, MPLS VPNs are the most common service deployed over IP/MPLS networks.

Packet Design's VPN Explorer delivers per MPLS VPN layer 3 and routing reachability and PE membership baselining, monitoring and analysis, as well as core network IGP/BGP route analysis and modeling. VPN Explorer helps Service Providers and large enterprises deploying their own MPLS VPN core network to effectively manage the complex, virtualized routing deployed to support MPLS VPN services to their customers.

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