MPLS Lab Requirement

[jpl861]

Hi,

Can I run MPLS in a pure router environment? If ever, what are the required IOS and router so I can run this in my lab? Currently, I have two 2600 and two 3640 routers. I just want to run a simple MPLS. Thanks.

Regards,

John

[michaelchoo]

Hi... Yes, MPLS will definitely run in a pure router environment. In fact, I believe MPLS was more optimized for pure router environment.

You can use Cisco's Feature Navigator (www.cisco.com/go/fn) to search the minimum IOS feature and version that supports MPLS for your router platforms.

For Cisco 3640, you need at least ENTERPRISE PLUS or TELCo feature set. For Cisco 2600 series, only 2650XM/2651XM and 2691 supports MPLS.

Why don't you use the Dynamips Cisco router emulator software? It supports a whole range of platforms. All you need is the IOS image files for the supported platforms (Cisco 7200, 3745, 3640, just to name a few).

[CSCO10892433]

Hi, john

A typical mpls lab consists of the following equipments:

2 PE routers -- must be capable of running mpls and mp-bgp

2 P routers -- must be capable of running mpls

2 CE routers -- any routers that can run ip routing

Regarding which routers support mpls, I totally agree with michale on 3640 part. But there is an argue about 2600. Here is some links about this topic that have been discussed by other forum members. It might help you to make a good decision.

http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/NetProf?page=netprof&forum=Service%20Providers&topic=MPLS&CommCmd=MB?cmd=display_location&location=.1ddc801e

http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/NetProf?page=netprof&forum=Service%20Providers&topic=MPLS&CommCmd=MB%3Fcmd%3Ddisplay_location%26location%3D.1ddfa8e3

http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/NetProf?page=netprof&forum=Service%20Providers&topic=MPLS&CommCmd=MB%3Fcmd%3Ddisplay_location%26location%3D.1ddf57de

http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/NetProf?page=netprof&forum=Service%20Providers&topic=MPLS&CommCmd=MB%3Fcmd%3Ddisplay_location%26location%3D.1ddd82e7

http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/NetProf?page=netprof&forum=Service%20Providers&topic=MPLS&CommCmd=MB%3Fcmd%3Ddisplay_location%26location%3D.1ddc0409

http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/NetProf?page=netprof&forum=Service%20Providers&topic=MPLS&CommCmd=MB%3Fcmd%3Ddisplay_location%26location%3D.1ddb777e

HTH

SSLIN

[ariesc_33]

you may use dynamips to emulate the real cisco ios. I used 3640 ios for mpls simulation.