scope:

The Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Architecture [1] discusses a way in which Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switches may be used as Label Switching Routers. The ATM switches run network layer routing algorithms (such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS), etc.), and their data forwarding is based on the results of these routing algorithms. No ATM-specific routing or addressing is needed. ATM switches used in this way are known as ATM-LSRs (Label Switching Routers).

This document extends and clarifies the relevant portions of [1] and [2] by specifying in more detail the procedures which to be used when distributing labels to or from ATM-LSRs, when those labels represent Forwarding Equivalence Classes (FECs, see [1]) for which the routes are determined on a hop-by-hop basis by network layer routing algorithms.

This document also specifies the MPLS encapsulation to be used when sending labeled packets to or from ATM-LSRs, and in that respect is a companion document to [3].