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Mastering AToM - Any Transport over MPLS
[VPLS, VPWS, and L2VPNs]

Course ID: CSI-IL-002

Using the MPLS core network to provide multiple services has always been an objective of the technology. The emergence of Any Transport over MPLS (AToM) began in 2000 with standards created by service providers like Level3 and Sprint. The notion of using the lower cost, easier to maintain and manage MPLS core to transport layer 2 services such as Frame Relay, ATM, Ethernet, and now Layer 1 services such as T1 have been in development ever since.

This insightful and revealing course has been designed to bring either traditional networking experts from the voice and telephony world or new-to-networking individuals up to speed on the world of ATOM and providing layer 2 services over the MPLS domain. The course lays the technical groundwork for L2 services for delivery mechanisms such as Metro-Ethernet. This course is designed as an instructor led course over the span of two days. The course is delivered in a swift, detailed, and understandable way by knowledgeable and experienced MPLS networking specialists.

Course Description:

2-Day Instructor Led Class
Available in either Web Based delivery or On-Site Delivery

Course Objectives:

The objectives of the course are to:
* Develop a configuration level application and implementation skill set targeted at AToM/VPWS/VPLS architecture and requirements in the following key areas:
  - Layer 1 and Layer 2 transport services using MPLS core networking
  - IP/MPLS Control Plane modification in support of L1, L2 and L2 VPN services
* Compare and Contrast the LDP and BGP control plane approaches to L2 VPNs
* Observe example configurations of various AToM, VPWS and VPLS on manufacturer equipment
* Understand the detail operation of ethernet-based services using the MPLS core network
* Observe and understand the QoS and security issues of L2 VPNs

These objectives are met by covering the necessary technical bases in a straight forward manner, by keep the content in context of the objectives - connecting the dots. Utilizing a short, subject specific architecture with exercises to drive home key points and configuration observations, that reveal these points builds skills and knowledge based on Bloom's Taxonomy. The presentation is always industry current and up-to-date using a technology specialists.

Audience:

Course Outline:

The target audience for this course is anyone in the telecommunications field that requires a solid and complete understanding of the architecture and requirements for AToM, or layer 1/2 services over an MPLS domain and desires configuration and knowledge-based skills that can be applied to their job function. Ideal candidates are:
* Network Administrators
* Operations individuals that will provide AToM/VPWS/VPLS design, configuration and support services
* Development Engineers that must know AToM/VPWS/VPLS architecture and requirements in order to provide hardware and software solutions
* Network Design Engineers that need to understand AToM/VPWS/VPLS services and applications
* Network Management individuals that are providing element and network management tools
* Technical sales individuals that must be able to correlate features with functionality
* Technical marketing individuals that want more than just a basic understanding AToM/VPWS/VPLS
* Certification Track individuals that need to expand their knowledge and studies.

Part 1: Introduction and MPLS Essentials
* Introduction and Business Case for AToM
* Definition of AToM and the problem AToM solves
* Review of key MPLS concepts used in AToM

Part 2: AToM and L2VPN Standardization
* IETF Working Group
* MPLS RFCs and Drafts
* PW3E and L2VPN RFCs and Drafts
* Source and Reference Information

Part 3: Layer 1/2 Transport
* Overview of the Layer 2 Transport Model
* ATM AAL5 and Cell Transport
* Frame Relay
* PPP/HDLC
* Ethernet
* TDM (T1 CEM)
* SONET/SDH

Part 4: Signaling and Control of AToM Services
* Overview of the Signaling Model
* FEC Element Types 128 and 129
* LDP Signaling
* BGP Signaling
* Protocol Comparison

Part 5: Ethernet Layer 2 VPNs
* VPWS and VPLS Reference Models
* Why are Networks implementing L2 VPNs?
* Handling of Ethernet MAC Addresses
* Spanning Tree Protocol Issues
* Hierarchical VPLS
* De-coupled VPLS
* IPLS
* PBT

Part 6: QoS Considerations
* Integrated Services Architecture
* Differentiated Services Architecture
* Classification Marking and Policing
* MPLS QoS Configuration
* Hierarchical QoS for L2 VPNs

Part 7: Summary and Evaluations and example Lab Configuration

Course Prerequisites:

This is an advanced topic course.  CellStream has designed this course to appeal to anyone needing the skills and knowledge of AToM, VPWS and VPLS. The ideal student will have some experience in Basic MPLS operations (for instance having taken the CellStream Hands-On Course on MPLS, one or more of the "MPLS 101", "201", or "301" courses, or the CellStream Course on Advanced MPLS Functions). The course also demonstrates Command Line Interface examples and an example lab configuration so the student can take away an understanding of implementation. No prior knowledge is necessary.

Course Materials:

Students will be provided with a Course Student Guide.

Related Content:

See the course pre-requisites for related content. As a follow up to this course, some students may wish to take out Mastering Generalized MPLS (G-MPLS course), or the upcoming MPLS-TP course.

You can now only purchase a course book directly from us.  They ship within 1 business week.  These books are printed in the same format as the student would receive in the classroom.  The cost of the course books is $195 per set (plus shipping) and includes a Student Guide.