VPLS Service Overview
Page 244 7210 SAS M Services Guide
VPLS Service Overview
Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) is a class of virtual private network service that allows the
connection of multiple sites in a single bridged domain over a provider-managed IP/MPLS
network. The customer sites in a VPLS instance appear to be on the same LAN, regardless of their
location. VPLS uses an Ethernet interface on the customer-facing (access) side which simplifies
the LAN/WAN boundary and allows for rapid and flexible service provisioning. The 7210 SAS
supports provisioning of access or uplink spokes to connect to the provider edge IP/MPLS routers.
VPLS offers a balance between point-to-point Frame Relay service and outsourced routed services
(VPRN). VPLS enables each customer to maintain control of their own routing strategies. All
customer routers in the VPLS service are part of the same subnet (LAN) which simplifies the IP
addressing plan, especially when compared to a mesh constructed from many separate point-to-
point connections. The VPLS service management is simplified since the service is not aware of
nor participates in the IP addressing and routing.
A VPLS service provides connectivity between two or more SAPs on one (which is considered a
local service) or more (which is considered a distributed service) service routers. The connection
appears to be a bridged domain to the customer sites so protocols, including routing protocols, can
traverse the VPLS service.
Other VPLS advantages include:
• VPLS is a transparent, protocol-independent service.
• There is no Layer 2 protocol conversion between LAN and WAN technologies.
• There is no need to design, manage, configure, and maintain separate WAN access
equipment, thus, eliminating the need to train personnel on WAN technologies such as
Frame Relay.
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