Commonly called Martini VPNs, Layer 2 VPNs (L2VPNs) extend the customer’s Layer 2 connectivity through an MPLS network by emulating different types of traditional data-link layer protocols, including Ethernet, Frame Relay, ATM, and others.

MPLS Manager discovers two types of L2VPN services:

  • Virtual private wire service (VPWS)

  • Virtual private LAN service (VPLS)

    VPWS is an L2 service that uses a pair of Martini Tunnels to emulate a point-to-point circuit across an MPLS network. VPLS is an L2 service that uses a full mesh of Martini Tunnels to emulate a LAN across an MPLS network.

    In addition, MPLS Manager discovers the following implementations of the L2VPN services:

  • LDP-signaled VPWS and VPLS

    The signaling protocol for LDP-signaled L2VPNs is Label Distribution Protocol.

  • BGP-signaled VPWS and VPLS

    The signaling protocol for BGP-signaled L2VPNs is Multiprotocol Border Gateway Protocol, also known as BGPv4.

    MPLS Manager requires a Level 2 VPN feature license for the discovery of VPWS and VPLS L2 services. The System Administration Guide provides information about licensing.