MPLS Hardware capable switches

[conrad@dwc-it.com]

Trying to implement with older hardware - seems all the routers will do it, what about switches?  (3560, x, 3850, etc) ?  

I think it is part of ipservices, but struggling to find right combo of hardware and software

All help appreciated.

[Leo Laohoo]

I'd recommend you look into the Catalyst 9300.

[Martin L]

Just curious: Why using switches for MPLS? what is reason ?

[loris.marcellini]

The concept of switches/routers does not fully apply to every situation, especially depending on design and scale. In fact nowadays many switches models are L3 capable anyways. Specifically for MPLS network design I would expect to see devices with many ports as P 'routers' and more standard (less ports possibly but still good resources) 'routers' as PE. Obviously it comes down to what you really need and that's why, based on the features and the design, you can choose the device that suits you best: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/switches/product-listing.html

[filopeter]

MPLS support for Cat3850/3650 platforms came in IOS XE 16.3.1, here is a link to release note

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3850/software/release/16-3/release_notes/ol-16-3-3850.html

You need IP Services feature set to run MPLS.

You can also check Cisco Feature Navigator for more information/ MPLS support on other platforms

Best Regards,

P.

[conrad@dwc-it.com]

I saw ipservices and advanced Ip services listed.  Not sure if they can make it work/try it out on their old 3750x's ...

[Giuseppe Larosa]

Hello conrad,

>> Not sure if they can make it work/try it out on their old 3750x's 

I agree that C3750X should not be able to support MPLS as active PE/P nodes. They can support VRF lite = VRFs without MPLS.

Hope to help

Giuseppe