MPLS Positioning in the TCP/IP Model

MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) operates between the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) and the Network Layer (Layer 3).

✅ MPLS is protocol-independent and supports various network layer protocols (IPv4, IPv6, VPN, etc.) by using labels instead of traditional IP routing.

✅ How MPLS Works:

MPLS assigns labels to packets, allowing fast forwarding based on the label rather than a routing table lookup.

Supports Layer 3 VPNs (L3VPNs), Layer 2 VPNs (L2VPNs), and MPLS Traffic Engineering (MPLS-TE).

✅ Why MPLS is Between Layer 2 and Layer 3?

MPLS adds a label between the Layer 2 (Ethernet, PPP) and Layer 3 (IP) headers, effectively creating a separate forwarding mechanism.

Label Switching Routers (LSRs) forward packets based on labels instead of IP addresses, reducing processing time.

Reference from Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documentation:

Huawei MPLS Technology Guide – MPLS Architecture and Label Switching

HCIE-Datacom Study Material – MPLS Positioning and Functionality in TCP/IP