Practical BGP

VPN Topologies

Up to this point, we've discussed how MPLS/BGP VPNs work, from both the control and data planes, and what their advantages are. In this section, we'll examine some MPLS/BGP VPN deployment scenarios. Before discussing each type of topology, we'll discuss some of the customer requirements that might drive the use of the topology.

VPNs can be broadly classified as hub and spoke, any-to-any (full mesh), and partial mesh topologies. Let's take a closer look at each of these topologies—we'll generally find each one similar in scope and use to a physical topology we are already familiar with.

Hub and Spoke

Hub and spoke VPN toplogies are similar to, and used in similar situations as, traditional hub and spoke topologies carried across ...