MPLS Implementing Cisco Multi-Protocol Layer Switching V2.3 Classroom

Implementing Cisco Multi-Protocol Layer Switching (MPLS)v2.3

Course Description

Implementing Cisco MPLS (MPLS)v2.3 is an instructor-led training (ILT) course that is part of the Cisco CCIP® certification track. The course is five days long and uses standard ILT form. The course reflects the latest developments in network design and technologies, using real-world scenarios to help reinforce the learning of key objectives.

Service providers and enterprises are faced with many challenges in terms of customer demand, including an ongoing need for value-added services. Conventional IP packet forwarding has several limitations, and more and more service providers are realizing that something else is needed. Not only must service providers and enterprises be concerned with protecting their existing infrastructure, but they must also find ways to generate new services that are not currently supportable using existing technologies.

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a high-performance method for forwarding packets through a network. MPLS enables routers at the edge of a network to apply simple labels to packets. This practice allows the edge devices-ATM switches or existing routers in the center of the service provider core-to switch packets according to labels, with minimal lookup overhead. MPLS integrates the performance and traffic-management capabilities of data link Layer 2 with the scalability and flexibility of network Layer 3 routing. When used in conjunction with other standard technologies, MPLS allows service providers the ability to support value-added features that are critical for their networks.

The Implementing Cisco MPLScourse is recommended training for individuals seeking certification as a CCIP. The course will enable learners to gather information ranging from technology basics to more updated features and functions such as complex Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The focus of the course is on MPLS technology issues, as such issues apply to service providers, and on how to configure new features and functions in an existing routed environment.

Who should attend this course?

• Network administrators and technicians responsible for implementing and troubleshooting basic IP multicast-enabled networks within a single domain.
• Cisco CCNP®, CCDP®, CCIE®, and CCIP routing and switching candidates.
• Presales and postsales technical engineers responsible for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting MPLS networks or solutions based on MPLS technology.

Pre-MPLS course recommendations

• INTRO
• ICND
• BCMSN
• BSCI
• BGP

Prerequisites

• Certification as a CCNA or the equivalent knowledge (optional)
• Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)
• Configuring BGP on Cisco Routers (BGP)

Certifications

• CCNP
• CCIP
• CCDP
• CCIE

Course Objectives 

Upon completing this course, the learner will be able to meet these overall objectives:

• Describe the features of MPLS
• Describe how MPLS labels are assigned and distributed
• Identify the Cisco IOS tasks and configure the command syntax necessary to implement MPLS on frame-mode Cisco IOS devices
• Describe the MPLS peer-to-peer architecture and explain the routing and packet forwarding model in this architecture
• Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot Layer 3 MPLS VPN operations
• Identify how the Layer 3 MPLS VPN model can be used to implement managed services and Internet access
• Describe the various Internet access implementations that are available and the benefits and drawbacks of each model; configure central site Internet access using a separate VPN
• Provide an overview of MPLS TE and configure basic MPLS TE

Course Flow 

This is the standard course schedule for a 5 day, instructor-led class. Adjustments may be made based on the skills, knowledge, and preferences of the learners in attendance.

Day 1: MPLS Concepts, Label Assignment and Distribution, Frame-Mode MPLS Implementation on Cisco IOS Platforms 

• Course Introduction
• Lesson 1-1: Introducing Basic MPLS Concepts
• Lesson 1-2: Introducing MPLS Labels and Label Stacks
• Lesson 1-3: Identifying MPLS Applications
• Lesson 2-1: Discovering LDP Neighbors
• Lab 2-1: Establishing the Service Provider IGP Routing Environment
• Lesson 2-2: Introducing Typical Label Distribution in Frame-Mode MPLS
• Lesson 2-3: Introducing Convergence in Frame-Mode MPLS
• Lesson 2-4: Introducing MPLS Label Allocation, Distribution, and Retention Modes
• Lesson 3-1: Introducing CEF Switching
• Lesson 3-2: Configuring Frame-Mode MPLS on Cisco IOS Platforms
• Lesson 3-3: Monitoring Frame-Mode MPLS on Cisco IOS Platforms
• Lesson 3-4: Troubleshooting Frame-Mode MPLS on Cisco IOS Platforms
• Lab 3-1: Establishing the Core MPLS Environment

Day 2: MPLS VPN Technology, MPLS VPN Implementation 

• Review of Day 1
• Lesson 4-1: Introducing VPNs
• Lesson 4-2: Categorizing VPNs
• Lesson 4-3: Introducing MPLS VPN Architecture
• Lesson 4-4: Introducing the MPLS VPN Routing Model
• Lesson 4-5: Forwarding MPLS VPN Packets
• Lesson 5-1: Using MPLS VPN Mechanisms on Cisco IOS Platforms
• Lesson 5-2: Configuring VRF Tables
• Lesson 5-3: Configuring an MP-BGP Session Between PE Routers
• Lab 5-1, Task 1: Configuring Initial MPLS VPN Setup
• Lesson 5-4: Configuring Small-Scale Routing Protocols Between PE and CE Routers
• Lesson 5-5: Monitoring MPLS VPN Operations
• Lab 5-1: Configuring Initial MPLS VPN Setup (Cont.)
• Lab 5-2: Running EIGRP Between PE and CE Routers

Day 3: LS VPN Implementation (Cont.), Complex MPLS VPNs 

• Review of Day 2
• Lesson 5-6: Configuring OSPF as the Routing Protocol Between PE and CE routers
• Lab 5-3: Running OSPF Between PE and CE Routers
• Lesson 5-7: Configuring BGP as the Routing Protocol Between PE and CE routers
• Lesson 5-8: Troubleshooting MPLS VPNs
• Lab 5-4: Running BGP Between PE and CE Routers
• Lesson 6-1: Using Advanced VRF Import and Export Features
• Lesson 6-2: Introducing Overlapping VPNs
• Lab 6-1: Establishing Overlapping VPNs

Day 4: Complex MPLS VPNs (Cont.), Internet Access and MPLS VPNs 

• Review of Day 3
• Lesson 6-3: Introducing Central Services VPNs
• Lab 6-2: Merging Service Providers
• Lesson 6-4: Introducing the Managed CE Routers Service
• Lab 6-3: Establishing a Common Services VPN
• Lesson 7-1: Introducing Internet Access Models with MPLS VPNs
• Lesson 7-2: Implementing Separate Internet Access and VPN Services
• Lesson 7-3: Implementing Internet Access as a Separate VPN
• Lab 7-1: Establishing Central Site Internet Connectivity with an MPLS VPN

Day 5: MPLS TE Overview 

• Review of Day 4
• Lesson 8-1: Introducing the TE Concept
• Lesson 8-2: Understanding MPLS TE Components
• Lesson 8-3: Configuring MPLS TE on Cisco IOS Platforms
• Lesson 8-4: Monitoring Basic MPLS TE on Cisco IOS Platforms
• Lab 8-1: Implementing Basic MPLS TE
• Wrap-up

Hands-on Lab Exercises

• Lab 2-1: Establishing the Service Provider IGP Routing Environment
• Lab 3-1: Establishing the Core MPLS Environment
• Lab 5-1: Configuring Initial MPLS VPN Setup
• Lab 5-2: Running EIGRP Between PE and CE Routers
• Lab 5-3: Running OSPF Between PE and CE Routers
• Lab 5-4: Running BGP Between PE and CE Routers
• Lab 6-1: Establishing Overlapping VPNs
• Lab 6-2: Merging Service Providers
• Lab 6-3: Establishing a Common Services VPN
• Lab 7-1: Establishing Central Site Internet Connectivity with an MPLS VPN
• Lab 8-1: Implementing Basic MPLS TE