MPLSvirtual

MPLSvirtual refers to approaches for virtualizing Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks to support multiple isolated overlay networks over a common IP/MPLS transport. The term is used in some vendor literature and academic discussions to describe how MPLS label switching can be extended to provisioning, isolating, and scaling tenant-specific services in a software-driven environment. It is not a single formal standard, but a concept that encompasses several technologies that operate alongside traditional MPLS VPNs and EVPN implementations.

In a typical MPLSvirtual deployment, the underlying underlay remains an IP/MPLS network capable of distributing MPLS labels and routing information. An overlay layer creates virtual circuits or tunnels for each tenant or service, identified by MPLS labels. Control planes such as LDP, RSVP-TE, or segment routing can be used to establish and manage these paths, and EVPN or VPLS-based mechanisms may be employed to provide Layer 2 connectivity and MAC learning across the overlay. The result is an elastic, multi-tenant fabric that can support VPNs, data-center interconnect, or hybrid cloud connectivity with software-defined provisioning.

Key features typically associated with MPLSvirtual include tenant isolation, scalable label and path management, centralized policy enforcement, rapid service provisioning, and compatibility with existing MPLS infrastructure. It enables service providers and enterprises to deploy multiple virtual networks over a single physical network while maintaining control over bandwidth, latency, and safety.

Deployment considerations include ensuring hardware and software support for the preferred control plane, interoperability with existing MPLS VPNs and EVPN, capacity planning for label and resource usage, and robust monitoring for performance and fault isolation. As a concept, MPLSvirtual emphasizes virtualization and software-defined orchestration rather than a single protocol.