Multiprotocol Label Switching (
MPLS) is a type of data-carrying service for high-performance
telecommunications networks that directs data from one network node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses, avoiding complex lookups in a
routing table. The labels identify virtual links (
paths) between distant nodes rather than endpoints. MPLS can encapsulate packets of various
network protocols. MPLS supports a range of access technologies, including
T1/
E1,
ATM,
Frame Relay, and
DSL.