Can MPLS function without VPN/BGP

[annayuzhao]

Most of the document I have read all talking about using MPLS/VPN/BGP as a solution for enterprise network connection across the internet. Can MPLS be used without intergation with VPN and BGP?

Thanks

[Harold Ritter]

You can certainly use MPLS without VPN. VPN is actually one of the many services provided via MPLS. Some SPs implement MPLS for the sole purpose of deploying MPLS TE. You could also deploy MPLS to create an Internet route free Core. This consists basically of running BGP only on edge routers and having only IGP routes on you core routers. Traffic going from an ingress to egress router is carried in an MPLS LSP allowing your core routers to be Internet route free.

Hope this helps,

[annayuzhao]

Just want to make sure I am clear with this:For example, if I have 5 routers and MPLS running on all these routers, and also they are running ospf. If I send traffic from the edge router, will they use MPLS to forward the traffic to the other end?

[Harold Ritter]

You're correct, traffic flowing between any of these 5 routers will be label switched.

Hope this helps,

[annayuzhao]

So in order to do a test to verify this very basic MPLS concept, I can setup a lab with couple routers with the limted MPLS configuration, no BGP, no VPN. that's it, isn't it? Thanks

[Harold Ritter]

That's correct. Just LDP and your IGP should suffice.