Label Edge Router
Label Edge Router
(also LER)
Label Edge Router definition
A Label Edge Router is situated at the boundaries of an MPLS network, handling data packet labeling and delabeling as traffic enters or exits the network. It assigns labels to incoming packets for efficient MPLS forwarding.
See also: Segment routing
Use cases of Label Edge Router
- Traffic engineering and optimization. Label Edge Routers are used in MPLS networks to facilitate traffic engineering, allowing network operators to dictate data paths and optimize network resources.
- VPN services for enterprises. Enterprises utilize LERs to implement MPLS-based Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), providing secure, segregated communication channels over a shared network infrastructure.
- Quality of service (QoS) management. Label Edge Routers apply labels to prioritize certain types of traffic, enabling Quality of Service (QoS) management.
Risks of Label Edge Router
- Complex configuration and management. The sophisticated nature of Label Edge Routers requires complex configuration and ongoing management, posing a risk of misconfiguration or human error.
- Single points of failure. As critical junctions at the edge of MPLS networks, LERs can become single points of failure if not adequately redundant. A malfunction or targeted attack on an LER can disrupt the entire network’s traffic.
- Scalability and performance limitations. As network demand grows, LERs may face scalability challenges, struggling to handle increased traffic volumes or more complex routing and QoS requirements.