MPLS Question

[lagg]

Hi all, I hope you can help with my query. I am not very familiar with MPLS networking. I have been asked if my pcs are compatible with an already existing MPLS network. I understand that it is a means of connecting remote sites through labelled packets. My machines are workstations essentially and they will be installed at each remote location.Does an MPLS conect remote domains as one on one subnet? Is thee any configuration required on router to add my machines to existing network or is it simple a case of dhcp taking care of it?

 

[rickrude11]

I don't believe your pc's need to be 'compatible' because the routers are responsible for labeling the packets...

 

[burtsbees]

That is correct. Think of it as BGP, in that anything in your LAN is not concerned with what happens BGP-wise---just the edge device that routes all incoming and outgoing packets to and from the WAN. Your devices in the LAN don't see any of this happening. Same with MPLS---it's simply a layer 2 WAN cloud, so that the only device(s) concerned with being "MPLS compatible", or rather "capable", is/are edge devices.

Burt

 

[lagg]

Thanks for your replies guys! much appreciated. Im a total noob to this which Im sure is obvious. What is the purpose of an MPLS at end of the day? is it a means of creating a secure VPN between remote site? when sites are connected are pcs on one site on the same subnet as pcs on the second site? or am i way off the ball.

Where im coming from is, im installing pcs with particular software, back ended by a firebird db, each site works independently but syncs back to a central db through tcp/ip connection. How will MPLS have a bearing on this or will it?

 

[burtsbees]

MPLS will have no bearing on that.

Burt

 

[lagg]

Thank you burt you have put my mind at ease