Elevate your network expertise with this comprehensive course on VPN principles and MPLS VPN architecture. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of VPNs—why they were created, the essential terminology, and how overlay and peer-to-peer models differ in implementation, benefits, and challenges. The curriculum moves beyond the basics to unravel the unique components and layered structure of MPLS VPNs, including route distinguishers (RDs), route targets (RTs), virtual routing tables, and address propagation.
Examining MPLS VPN Operation
Examining MPLS VPN Operation
This course is part of Implementing Cisco MPLS Specialization
Instructor: Cisco Learning & Certifications
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
8 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Identify the major terminology and topology of VPNs
Describe the major architectural components and routing requirements of an MPLS VPN
Describe how packets are forwarded in an MPLS VPN environment
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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Recently updated!
July 2025
Assessments
33 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Implementing Cisco MPLS Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 5 modules in this course
What's included
2 readings
This course explains the concept of VPNs as well as the VPN terminology that is also used by the MPLS VPN architecture. The course looks at why VPNs were first introduced; the course also explains the differences between the overlay and peer-to-peer VPN models, how they are implemented, and the benefits and drawbacks of each implementation. It is important to understand the background of VPNs, because you should be able to determine when an organization might need a VPN, and be able to explain how MPLS VPNs can help save time and money. Understanding the different types of VPNs will allow you to recognize where the various types of VPNs would be best used in their associated networks.
What's included
5 videos7 readings7 assignments
This course explains the MPLS VPN architecture, route information propagation, RDs, RTs, and virtual routing tables. It is important to understand how the MPLS VPN architecture is structured, what the components of that architecture are, and how the components are used. This knowledge will help later when you begin to look at design issues and configuration parameters.
What's included
9 videos12 readings12 assignments
This course explains the routing requirements for MPLS VPNs. The course offers address and routing perspectives from the customer and service provider side, and it discusses how routing tables appear on PE routers. This lesson also discusses MPLS VPN end-to-end information flow, MP-BGP, updates, and display formats. It is important to understand how information is routed in an MPLS VPN, and how the routing tables are viewed and interpreted. This course will help you to get a clear understanding of the similarities and differences between the global routing table and the virtual routing tables that are created in an MPLS VPN.
What's included
5 videos8 readings8 assignments
This course explains how forwarding across an MPLS VPN backbone occurs, identifies how labels get propagated, and explains the effects of summarization in the core. It is important to understand how packets are forwarded across an MPLS VPN backbone, because this understanding will help you when you try to isolate problems in the network. This course explains how the far-end label is sent to the ingress PE router and how that information is shared.
What's included
5 videos6 readings6 assignments
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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