A small network for modeling MPLS

A compact, extensible lab network is described that is suitable for implementing multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) and other network protocols for research and instructional purposes. Service provider and customer requirements can be modeled. Freely-available tools were used to test network congestion performance and important limitations to their capabilities were observed. Results also showed that the low-latency network required special attention to clock synchronization between the traffic generator client and server workstations. Used for instruction, students benefited from the hardware-based approach to network design and testing.