Explore concepts around MPLS VPNs and how they operate in a network.



Examining MPLS VPN Operation
This course is part of Implementing Cisco MPLS Specialization

Instructor: Cisco Learning & Certifications
Included with
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
Details to know

Add to your LinkedIn profile
July 2025
33 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Build your subject-matter expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate

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
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor

Offered by
Explore more from Networking
Coursera Project Network
The University of Chicago
- Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Google Cloud
Why people choose Coursera for their career





Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
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:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
More questions
Financial aid available,