Comparison between Traditional IP Networks/Routing and MPLS

Akshay, Pooja Ahlawat

Abstract: This paper gives the theoretical comparison between Traditional IP Networks and MPLS. MPLS stands for Multiprotocol Label Switching. MPLS was created to combine the benefits of connectionless Layer 3 and forwarding with connection-oriented Layer 2 forwarding. MPLS clearly separate the control plane, where Layer 3 routing protocols establish the paths used for forwarding, and data plane, where Layer 2 label switched paths forward data packets swapping. The simplicity of data plane packet forwarding and its similarity to existing Layer 2 technologies enable traditional WAN equipment (ATM or Frame Relay switches) to be redeployed as MPLS nodes just with software upgrades to their control plane. In traditional IP network, a router analyzes the destination IP address independently at each hop. Dynamic routing or static routing builds the database needed to analyze the destination IP address. Traditional IP networks/routing has several well-known limitations, ranging from scalability issues to poor support of TE.

Keywords: MPLS, IP, TE, ATM