MPLS

Implementing Cisco MPLS v2.2

Implementing Cisco MPLS (MPLS) v2.2 is part of the Cisco CCIP® certification track and reflects the latest developments in network design and technologies, using real-world scenarios to help reinforce the learning of key objectives. Since the conventional IP packet forwarding has several limitations more and more service providers are deploying Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). The MPLS is a high-performance method for forwarding packets through a network and enables routers at the edge of a network to apply simple labels to packets. This practice allows the core devices—ATM switches or existing routers in the center of the service provider core—to switch packets according to labels, with minimal lookup overhead. MPLS integrates the performance and traffic-management capabilities of data link Layer 2 with the scalability and flexibility of network Layer 3 routing.

The MPLS course introduces the concepts of MPLS and describes its implementation as well as it explains the services built on the MPLS technology, such as MPLS VPN and MPLS Traffic Engineering (MPLS-TE). Several labs enable the learners to gain practical experience with the MPLS and its applications.

Objectives

Upon finishing this course, you will be able to:
Describe the features of MPLS

  • Describe how MPLS labels are assigned and distributed
  • Identify the Cisco IOS tasks and configure the command syntax necessary to implement MPLS on frame-mode Cisco IOS devices
  • Describe the MPLS peer-to-peer architecture and explain the routing and packet forwarding model in this architecture
  • Identify the Cisco IOS command syntax required to successfully configure, monitor, and troubleshoot VPN operations
  • Identify how the Layer 3 MPLS VPN model can be used to implement managed services and Internet access
  • Describe the various Internet access implementations that are available and the benefits and drawbacks of each model; configure central site Internet access using a separate VPN
  • Provide an overview of MPLS TE and configure basic MPLS TE

Importance

The course is a prerequisite for anyone who needs detailed knowledge of MPLS / MPLS VPN technology and its implementation.

Audience

The primary audience for this course consists of network administrators and technicians responsible for implementing and troubleshooting basic IP MPLS- and MPLS VPN-enabled networks—Cisco CCIP® and CCIE® Service Provider candidates.
The secondary audience for this course comprises presales and postsales technical engineers responsible for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting MPLS networks or solutions based on MPLS technology.

Prerequisite Knowledge

The CCNA is requires and practical experience with deploying and operating networks based on Cisco network devices and Cisco IOS is strongly recommended. Equivalent knowledge and skills can be acquired by attending the Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) and Configuring BGP on Cisco Routers (BGP). The QoS course is highly recommended because QoS knowledge is assumed in some sections of the course.

Course Outline

MPLS Concepts

  • Introducing Basic MPLS Concepts
  • Introducing MPLS Labels and Label Stacks
  • Identifying MPLS Applications


Label Assignment and Distribution

  • Discovering LDP Neighbors
  • Introducing Typical Label Distribution in Frame-Mode MPLS
  • Introducing Convergence in Frame-Mode MPLS
  • Introducing MPLS Label Allocation, Distribution, and Retention Modes


Frame-Mode MPLS Implementation on Cisco IOS Platforms

  • Introducing CEF Switching
  • Configuring Frame-Mode MPLS on Cisco IOS Platforms
  • Monitoring Frame-Mode MPLS on Cisco IOS Platforms
  • Troubleshooting Frame-Mode MPLS on Cisco IOS Platforms


MPLS VPN Technology

  • Introducing VPNs
  • Categorizing VPNs
  • Introducing MPLS VPN Architecture
  • Introducing the MPLS VPN Routing Model
  • Forwarding MPLS VPN Packets


MPLS VPN Implementation

  • Using MPLS VPN Mechanisms on Cisco IOS Platforms
  • Configuring VRF Tables
  • Configuring an MP-BGP Session Between PE Routers
  • Configuring Small-Scale Routing Protocols Between PE and CE Routers
  • Monitoring MPLS VPN Operations
  • Configuring OSPF as the Routing Protocol Between PE and CE routers
  • Configuring BGP as the Routing Protocol Between PE and CE routers
  • Troubleshooting MPLS VPNs


Complex MPLS VPNs

  • Using Advanced VRF Import and Export Features
  • Introducing Overlapping VPNs
  • Introducing Central Services VPNs
  • Introducing the Managed CE Routers Service


Internet Access and MPLS VPNs

  • Introducing VPN Internet Access Topologies
  • Implementing Separate Internet Access and VPN Services
  • Implementing Internet Access as a Separate VPN


MPLS TE Overview

  • Introducing the TE Concept
  • Understanding MPLS TE Components
  • Configuring MPLS TE on Cisco IOS Platforms
  • Monitoring Basic MPLS TE on Cisco IOS Platforms

The Implementing Cisco MPLS course is offered as 5-day course with hands-on exercises.