Extreme Networks BlackDiamond 6800 MPLS, Installation And User Manual

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1-2 MPLS Module Installation and User Guide
Overview
Summary of Features
The MPLS module includes the following features:
• MPLS
• IP unicast forwarding (longest prefix match)
• Destination-sensitive accounting
MPLS
MultiProtocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a forwarding algorithm that uses short,
fixed-length labels to make next-hop forwarding decisions for each packet in a stream.
IP Unicast Forwarding
IP unicast packets are forwarded in the hardware using the longest prefix match
algorithm. IP unicast forwarding is required to switch packets at ingress or upon
egressing an MPLS network domain.
Destination-Sensitive Accounting
Counts of IP packets and bytes are maintained based on the IP routes used to forward
packets. Destination-sensitive accounting gives you the flexibility to bill your customers
at predetermined and different rates. The rates are based on the customers’ IP unicast
packet destinations.
The accounting feature categorizes IP unicast packets using two parameters, input
VLAN ID and accounting bin number. The VLAN ID is used to identify from which
customer the packet is received. The accounting bin number is associated with the route
used to forward the packet. External billing application servers can correlate the
accounting bin number to a specific billing rate.
MPLS Module Physical Description
The MPLS module consists of a printed circuit board mounted on a metal carrier that
acts as the insertion vehicle in a BlackDiamond 6800 series switch. The module carrier
also includes ejector/injector handles and captive retaining screws at each end of the
module front panel. The module occupies one slot in a BlackDiamond 6800 series