MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) Template Support
Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), sometimes classified as a Layer 2.5 networking protocol, reduces router load by using packet labeling to avoid IP routing lookups. MPLS is known for providing benefits such as scalability, performance, better bandwidth utilization, reduced network congestion, and a better end-user experience. It’s been heavily used for implementing traffic engineering, segmenting multi-service networks as well as improving network resiliency via MPLS Fast Reroute.
With support for MPLS flow templates, Kentik can now collect and visualize label values applied to traffic coming in/out of interfaces. This gives operators greatly needed visibility to monitor or troubleshoot MPLS traffic by filtering or segmenting traffic based on labels.
The secret sauce enabling this capability is Kentik’s Universal Data Records, which allow us to rapidly add new data sources and data dimensions to the Kentik platform and address our customers’ ever-evolving network visibility challenges. Read our recent blog post for more background on Universal Data Records.
For Phase 1 of MPLS, we support MPLS flow templates in different flavors including Cisco and Juniper, with full support for policies and alerting.
See the table below for details of the newly-added MPLS dimensions:
| MPLS dimension | Description |
|---|---|
| MPLS Forwarding Type | The control protocol that allocated the top-of-stack label (reference here) |
| MPLS Forwarding Address | The IP address to which the MPLS top label will cause the flow to be forwarded |
| MPLS Forwarding Address Prefix Length | The prefix length of the subnet to which the MPLS top label will cause the flow to be forwarded |
| MPLS Label 1 | Label part of MPLS header at the top of the stack |
| MPLS Label 1 EXP | Experimental bits of MPLS header at the top of the stac |
| MPLS Label 2 | Label part of MPLS header pushed prior to the top of the stack |
| MPLS Label 2 EXP | Experimental bits of MPLS header pushed prior to the top of the stack |
| Forwarding Status | The forwarding status of the flow with one of the following: Unknown, Forwarded, Dropped, or Consumed |
The following Sankey diagram depicts an overview of the MPLS traffic flowing end-to-end within an example network, including values for MPLS attributes of the traffic.
For more information on MPLS Template Support, please contact our Customer Success team.
