1Configuring MCEThe term "router" in this document refers to both routers and Layer 3 switches.The term "interface" in this document refers to Layer 3 interfaces that include VLAN interfaces, Layer 3Ethernet interfaces, and Layer 3 aggregate interfaces. You can set an Ethernet port as a Layer 3 Ethernetinterface by using the port link-mode route command (see Layer 2—LAN Switching ConfigurationGuide).This chapter covers MCE related configuration. For information about routing protocols, see Layer 3—IPServices Configuration Guide.MCE overviewMPLS L3VPN overviewMPLS L3VPN is a type of PE-based L3VPN technology for service provider VPN solutions. It uses BGP toadvertise VPN routes and uses MPLS to forward VPN packets on service provider backbones.MPLS L3VPN provides flexible networking modes, excellent scalability, and convenient support for MPLSQoS and MPLS TE.The MPLS L3VPN model consists of the following types of devices:• Customer edge (CE) device—A CE resides on a customer network and has one or more interfacesdirectly connected with service provider networks. It can be a router, a switch, or a host. It canneither "sense" the existence of any VPN nor does it need to support MPLS.• Provider edge (PE) device—A PE resides on a service provider network and connects one or moreCEs to the network. On an MPLS network, all VPN processing occurs on the PEs.• Provider (P) device—A P device is a core device on a service provider network. It is not directlyconnected with any CE. It only needs to be equipped with basic MPLS forwarding capability.
