Online Computer Terms Dictionary - L

label edge router

<networking> (LER) A device that sits at the edge of an MPLS domain, that uses routing information to assign labels to datagrams and then forwards them into the MPLS domain.

(1999-06-14)

label switched path

<networking> (LSP) The specific path through a network that a datagram follows, based on its MPLS labels.

(1999-06-14)

label switching

<networking> An attempt to combine the best attributes of layer two switching (as in ATM and Frame Relay) with the best attributes of the layer three routing (as in IP).

The key concept in label switching is identifying and marking IP datagrams with labels and forwarding them to a modified switch or router, which then uses the labels to switch the datagrams through the network. The labels are created and assigned to IP datagrams based upon the information gathered from existing IP routing protocols.

Prior to the formation of the MPLS Working Group in 1997, a number of vendors had announced and/or implemented proprietary label switching.

(1999-06-14)

Label Switching Router

<networking> (LSR) A device that typically resides somewhere in the middle of a network and is capable of forwarding datagrams based upon a label. In many cases, especially early versions of MPLS networks, a LSR will typically be a modified ATM switch that forwards datagrams based upon a label in the VPI/VCI field.

(1999-06-14)