Table of Contents
Advertisement
Overview
unconfig slot <slot>
module, the module uses that configuration. If you clear the slot configuration, the new
module type can use the default configuration ExtremeWare creates.
See the ExtremeWare Software User Guide for more information on configuring
BlackDiamond modules.
About the MPLS Module
The MPLS module contains a powerful set of network processors specifically
programmed to implement the MPLS function. The card has no external ports, but
contains four full-duplex gigabit Ethernet internal ports to the BlackDiamond backplane
switch fabric. Each internal processor provides media speed packet processing for two
internal full-duplex gigabit Ethernet ports. The MPLS module operates in a one-armed
fashion: receiving frames from the switch fabric, processing the frames, and
transmitting the frames back into the switch fabric to the appropriate I/O module
output port.
MPLS modules are only compatible with Inferno-series MSM modules. They are
compatible with both Inferno-series and Summit-series I/O modules.
About MPLS
MPLS is a technology that allows routers to make protocol-independent forwarding
decisions based on fixed-length labels. The use of MPLS labels enables routers to avoid
the processing overhead of delving deeply into each packet and performing complex
route lookup operations based upon destination IP addresses.
In an MPLS environment, incoming packets are initially assigned "labels" by a Label
Edge Router (LER). The labels allow the packets to be more efficiently handled by
MPLS-capable routers at each point along the forwarding path.
An MPLS label essentially consists of a short fixed-length value carried within each
packet header and that identifies a Forwarding Equivalence Class (FEC). The FEC tells
the router how to handle the packet. An FEC is defined to be a group of packets that
are forwarded in the same manner. Examples of FECs include an IP prefix, a host
address, or a VLAN ID. The label concept in MPLS is analogous to other connection
identifiers, such as an ATM VPI/VCI or a Frame Relay DLCI.
1-6
command. If you enter a new configuration for the new
MPLS Module Installation and User Guide
Advertisement
Table of Contents
