So the basics of the lab are all up and running and I now have MPLS label switched packets traversing a network, with LDP publishing the labels and FECs.

I also have the VYATTA and Cisco routers talking nicely to each other using OSPF.

Next job to get some MPLS Traffic trunks established, to get some traffic routing across the network based on some criteria other than the OSPF shortest path.

Then try to get a MPLS VPN sorted.

Onwards and upwards.....

Since my last post

This week I've been busy preparing course content for a VoIP and IMS two day overview, trying to get my Cisco Lab into shape for demonstrating MPLS-TE, MPLS VPNs and routing using OSPF and BGP.

I've also got a Vyatta router talking OSPF to the Cisco stack, and now need to get the OSPF running against my Netgear FSM7328S switch. With the aim of running my IP-phones over one MPLS LSP whilst other traffic goes over a separate LSP.

Why go to all this trouble in a lab setup? I believe the only way to confidently teach a topic is to understand practically how it works.