Options
IP CEF w/ MPLS
I just started the MPLS nuggets from the ISCW series and he talks about how MPLS is kinda like CEF for everyone else not running Cisco equipment.
When he talks about turning MPLS on and configuring it, the first step is to make sure CEF is on. I guess I'm confused because if you're not using Cisco equipment, then how could you turn CEF on? and then why would you need MPLS if you have CEF?
I'm glad I finally get to learn more about MPLS since some of the customers we support use MPLS through AT&T
When he talks about turning MPLS on and configuring it, the first step is to make sure CEF is on. I guess I'm confused because if you're not using Cisco equipment, then how could you turn CEF on? and then why would you need MPLS if you have CEF?
I'm glad I finally get to learn more about MPLS since some of the customers we support use MPLS through AT&T
Progress: CCIE RS Lab scheduled for Jan. 2012
Equipment: Cisco 360 program racks
Equipment: Cisco 360 program racks
Comments
-
Options
kalebksp
Member Posts: 1,033 ■■■■■□□□□□
CEF is required for MPLS on Cisco equipment, but not for other vendors. I'm not familiar with other vendors MPLS implementation, but they may have a CEF-like feature as well.
MPLS is like CEF in that it generates a table with mappings from incoming labels to outgoing labels and next hop, whereas CEF generates a table mapping the incoming packets destination to the outgoing interface and next hop. Both are done based on the routing table and generated on start up, allowing very fast switching of packets.
CEF and MPLS work together on edge routers. On the ingress edge router the IP destination network of an unlabeled packet will be looked up in the CEF table which will hold a mapping to the outgoing label. This is for efficiency so that the destination doesn't have to be looked up in the CEF table then again in the LFIB. On the other side PHP will likely be preformed before the packet reaches the egress router, so a LFIB lookup won't be necessary.
As for why you would use MPLS at all, there are many things that can be done on MPLS that can't be done or would be more difficult with IP routing. The major application is MPLS VPNs, which is likely what AT&T is providing to your customers. -
Options
accely
Member Posts: 101
Thanks!! This is clear and I actually understand it all which is even more awesomeCEF is required for MPLS on Cisco equipment, but not for other vendors. I'm not familiar with other vendors MPLS implementation, but they may have a CEF-like feature as well.
MPLS is like CEF in that it generates a table with mappings from incoming labels to outgoing labels and next hop, whereas CEF generates a table mapping the incoming packets destination to the outgoing interface and next hop. Both are done based on the routing table and generated on start up, allowing very fast switching of packets.
CEF and MPLS work together on edge routers. On the ingress edge router the IP destination network of an unlabeled packet will be looked up in the CEF table which will hold a mapping to the outgoing label. This is for efficiency so that the destination doesn't have to be looked up in the CEF table then again in the LFIB. On the other side PHP will likely be preformed before the packet reaches the egress router, so a LFIB lookup won't be necessary.
As for why you would use MPLS at all, there are many things that can be done on MPLS that can't be done or would be more difficult with IP routing. The major application is MPLS VPNs, which is likely what AT&T is providing to your customers.
And after watching the 3rd video, MPLS VPNS, this definitely makes more sense.Progress: CCIE RS Lab scheduled for Jan. 2012
Equipment: Cisco 360 program racks -
Optionscisco_trooper
Member Posts: 1,441 ■■■■□□□□□□
Man, I hate to look like a douche by posting a link to my own site but it's pretty relevant. I wrote two or three MPLS articles on my CCIE blog. This one is probably the best for you -> Cisco CCIE CCIP CCNP CCNA Certification: Multiprotocol Label Switching Part II - Frame Mode MPLS Configuration