Which networking technology routes traffic using labels rather than network addresses to forward traffic over private WANs?

Which networking technology routes traffic using labels rather than network addresses to forward traffic over private WANs?

• A. Multiprotocol Label Switching
• B. Virtual Private Network
• C. Domain Name System
• D. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

Answer: (A)

Label-based forwarding is the hallmark of Multiprotocol Label Switching. In MPLS, entering packets are given a short label by the edge router, and as they move through the network, core routers use that label to decide where to send them next, swapping it for another label along the way. This means forwarding decisions rely on the label rather than the IP address, enabling fast switching and precise traffic engineering over private WANs. It also supports creating virtual networks and optimized paths without changing the underlying IP routing. The other options don’t fit because a VPN focuses on secure tunneling rather than label-based routing, DNS translates domain names to IP addresses, and DHCP assigns IP addresses to devices rather than directing how to forward traffic.

Label-based forwarding is the hallmark of Multiprotocol Label Switching. In MPLS, entering packets are given a short label by the edge router, and as they move through the network, core routers use that label to decide where to send them next, swapping it for another label along the way. This means forwarding decisions rely on the label rather than the IP address, enabling fast switching and precise traffic engineering over private WANs. It also supports creating virtual networks and optimized paths without changing the underlying IP routing.

The other options don’t fit because a VPN focuses on secure tunneling rather than label-based routing, DNS translates domain names to IP addresses, and DHCP assigns IP addresses to devices rather than directing how to forward traffic.