This section provides an overview of MPLS-TP forwarding mechanism as well as the major components of an MPLS-TP network.

The figure below illustrates the MPLS-TP operation as connection-oriented transport system for packets. Traditionally packet transport switches each packet independently. However, with MPLS-TP, the connection is first set up.

Beside Tunnel protection also H-VPLS Provider Edge (PE) dual homing protection is supported. With this VPLS can be protected from a failure of a node or a link at the PE.