Introduction to MPLS

This course is designed for learners who are new to MPLS and want to build a clear understanding of its basic concepts, usage, configuration, and verification. It provides a strong foundation for anyone beginning their journey into MPLS technologies and prepares learners for more advanced topics such as MPLS VPNs and MPLS Traffic Engineering. The course begins with a simple explanation of how traditional packet routing works using Layer 3 header information and how this differs from MPLS forwarding, where packets are switched using labels, sometimes referred to as tags. This comparison helps learners understand why MPLS is used and how it improves traffic forwarding in modern service provider and enterprise networks. You will then explore the structure of the MPLS label, including the purpose of each field and how label values are created and used by routers. The course also introduces the four protocols capable of generating and distributing MPLS labels between routers, giving learners a broader understanding of the different methods used in MPLS environments. A major part of the course focuses on Label Distribution Protocol, commonly known as LDP. You will learn how LDP works through detailed explanations, lab examples, and packet-level sniffer traces that show how labels are exchanged and used in real network communication. Additional MPLS concepts are also covered, including Penultimate-Hop Popping, MPLS TTL behavior, and Conditional Label Advertisement. These topics help learners understand important operational details that affect how MPLS traffic is forwarded and managed. By the end of this course, learners will have a solid understanding of MPLS fundamentals, including label operation, protocol behavior, configuration basics, and verification methods. This course serves as an excellent starting point before moving into advanced MPLS technologies such as MPLS VPNs and MPLS Traffic Engineering.