Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) enables a common IP-based network to be used for all network services and for multiple customers of a network operator. It allows IP networks to carry voice, data and video traffic with differentiated service-level performance parameters. MPLS also enables virtual private network (VPN) services over IP networks, so that a network operator can offer private networking services to multiple customers on a shared infrastructure. Although MPLS may be used with non-IP networks, it is IP networking; and more specifically data, voice, video services over IP networks; that makes MPLS an attractive and growing technology.