When it comes to network performance, consistency is king. Whether you are an
end-user in search of predictable latency or an ISP looking to provide your customers with reliable, consistent service, you're most likely already utilizing or considering MPLS as a solution. Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a data-carrying mechanism of applying 'labels' to data packets. The existence of this label optimizes packet forwarding decisions and allows for many different media types to coexist in the MPLS network, eliminating reliance on any one specific data link protocol. This allows a provider to deliver private WAN services over Ethernet, DSL, Frame Relay, and other technologies as appropriate to the location and existing infrastructure. Additionally, since the label is used for forwarding and not the L3 information, packets from customers' private networks can be transported seamlessly across the provider network without needing to use any tunneling protocol.