11.1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the rapidly growing area of Layer 2 transport over MPLS networks. This is a key component of a multiservice network as it allows service providers to migrate Frame Relay, ATM and leased-line customers to an MPLS network while maintaining similar service characteristics from the customer's point of view. It also enables new Layer 2 service offerings based on Ethernet access. In this chapter, we compare the two main schemes for achieving Layer 2 transport over MPLS, one based on LDP signaling and the other based on BGP signaling. We also discuss Circuit Cross Connect (CCC), which was the precursor to these schemes and is still in use in several service providers' networks.

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