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Configuring MCE
The term "router" in this document refers to both routers and Layer 3 switches.
The term "interface" in this document refers to Layer 3 interfaces that include VLAN interfaces, Layer 3
Ethernet interfaces, and Layer 3 aggregate interfaces. You can set an Ethernet port as a Layer 3 Ethernet
interface by using the
port
link-mode
route
command (see
Layer 2—LAN Switching Configuration
Guide
).
This chapter covers MCE related configuration. For information about routing protocols, see
Layer 3—IP
Services Configuration Guide
.
MCE overview
MPLS L3VPN overview
MPLS L3VPN is a type of PE-based L3VPN technology for service provider VPN solutions. It uses BGP to
advertise VPN routes and uses MPLS to forward VPN packets on service provider backbones.
MPLS L3VPN provides flexible networking modes, excellent scalability, and convenient support for MPLS
QoS and MPLS TE.
The MPLS L3VPN model consists of the following types of devices:
•
Customer edge (CE) device
—A CE resides on a customer network and has one or more interfaces
directly connected with service provider networks. It can be a router, a switch, or a host. It can
neither "sense" the existence of any VPN nor does it need to support MPLS.
•
Provider edge (PE) device
—A PE resides on a service provider network and connects one or more
CEs to the network. On an MPLS network, all VPN processing occurs on the PEs.
•
Provider (P) device
—A P device is a core device on a service provider network. It is not directly
connected with any CE. It only needs to be equipped with basic MPLS forwarding capability.
