MPLS stands for Multiprotocol Label Switching and is defined as “a mechanism in high-performance telecommunications networks that direct and carried data from one network node to the next, making it easy to create ‘virtual links’ between distant nodes.”

Imagine that you’re a WAN service provider, and that you make your money by leasing bandwidth to customers. A customer’s goal is to reliably connect its sites together so that its applications run correctly, while spending as little as possible on WAN services. Your goal is to make as much profit as possible while keeping your customers reasonably happy.

Read on for a thorough overview of MPLS and learn how MPLS can benefit your organization.