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CLI-based Configuration Guide - VPN


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Overview of VPLS

Overview of VPLS

This section describes the definition, background, and functions of VPLS.


As a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based point-to-multipoint (P2MP) Layer 2 Virtual Private Network (L2VPN) service provided over a public network, the virtual private LAN service (VPLS) ensures that geographically isolated user sites can communicate over metropolitan area networks (MANs) and wide area networks (WANs) as if they were on the same local area network (LAN). VPLS is also called the Transparent LAN Service (TLS).

Figure 12-1 shows a typical VPLS networking mode. In this networking, users located in different geographical regions communicate with each other over different provider edges (PEs). From the perspective of users, a VPLS network is a Layer 2 switched network that allows them to communicate with each other in a way similar to communication over a LAN.

Figure 12-1  Typical VPLS networking


As enterprises set up more and more branches in different regions and office flexibility increases, applications such as VoIP, instant messaging, and teleconferencing are increasingly widely used. This imposes high requirements for end-to-end (E2E) datacom technologies. A network capable of providing P2MP services is the key to datacom function implementation.

Traditional asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and frame relay (FR) technologies provide only Layer 2 point-to-point (P2P) connections. In addition, those network types have disadvantages such as high construction costs, low speed, and complex deployment. The development of Internet Protocol (IP) has led to MPLS VPN technology, which can provide VPN services over an IP network and offers advantages such as easy configuration and flexible bandwidth control. MPLS VPNs can be classified into MPLS L2VPNs and MPLS L3VPNs.

  • Traditional MPLS L2VPNs, such as the virtual leased lines (VLLs), can provide P2P services but not P2MP services over a public network.
  • MPLS L3VPNs can provide P2MP services on the precondition that PEs keep routes destined for end users. This implementation requires high routing performance of PEs.

To solve the preceding problems, VPLS, an MPLS-based Ethernet technology, is introduced as an extension to a traditional MPLS L2VPN solution.

  • Like Ethernet, VPLS supports P2MP communication.
  • VPLS is a Layer 2 label switching technology. From the perspective of users, the entire MPLS IP backbone network is a Layer 2 switching device. PEs do not need to keep routes destined for end users.

VPLS provides a more complete multipoint communication solution, integrating the advantages provided by Ethernet and MPLS. By emulating traditional LAN functions, VPLS enables users on different LANs to communicate with each other over IP/MPLS networks as if they were on the same LAN.


  • VPLS networks can be constructed based on carrier's IP networks, reducing construction costs.
  • VPLS networks inherit the high-speed advantage of the Ethernet.
  • VPLS networks allow users to communicate over Ethernet links, regardless of whether these links are on WANs or LANs. This feature allows services to be rapidly and flexible deployed.
  • VPLS allows enterprises to control and maintain routing policies on their networks, improving the VPN network security and maintainability.
Updated: 2019-08-07

Document ID: EDOC1100033725

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