Classify Traffic Based on MPLS

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a method of forwarding packets at a high rate of speed. PacketWise is able to classify traffic based on the MPLS label. Packeteer's implementation of MPLS support is based on RFC 3031 and 3032 (that is, the relevant subset that is applicable to Packeteer products; some of the sections in these RFCs apply to routers and switches only). For details related to this standard, go to ietf.org.

You can create an MPLS matching rule that is based on a single MPLS label, a range of labels, or any label. You can also create classes based on the experimental bits (EXP) field in the MPLS label.

Note: To perform this task from PolicyCenter, you must first select a configuration from the Editing Configuration drop-down list at the top of the page.

Classifying by MPLS Labels

To set up a matching rule based on an MPLS label:

1. When creating a class or adding a matching rule, click MPLS. The Matching Rule: MPLS window opens.  show screen

2. In the MPLS Label field, enter one of the following:

• To specify a single MPLS label, enter a number between 0 and 1048575.
• To specify a range of MPLS labels, enter the first and last numbers, separated by a dash (for example, 250-350)
• To match any traffic flow that has an MPLS label, type any.

3. Click OK.

4. Click add class or add rule.

Classifying by the MPLS Experimental Bits Field

The experimental bits field of the MPLS label on a packet can be used in different ways — for example, some routers use the EXP field to set class of service.

To set up a matching rule based on the MPLS experimental bits field:

1. When creating a class or adding a matching rule, click MPLS. The Matching Rule: MPLS window opens.  Show screen

2. In the MPLS Experimental Field box, enter one of the following:

• To specify a single value, enter a number between 0–7.
• To specify a range of values, enter the first and last numbers, separated by a dash (for example, 1-3).
• To match any traffic flow that has a value in the experimental bits field, type any.

3. Click OK.

4. Click add class or add rule.

See also:

Create MPLS Policies

Enhance MPLS QoS