Tag Switching (Label Switching)

Definition - What does Tag Switching (Label Switching) mean?

Tag switching is a flexible and efficient network communication mechanism used to transmit Internet Protocol (IP) traffic over a telecommunications network. Tag switching supports different networking routes, and its simplicity appeals to major network vendors.

Tag switching is also known as label switching.

Techopedia explains Tag Switching (Label Switching)

Tag switching, which integrates router and switch functionalities, is a proprietary Cisco protocol. Packets are tagged with particular information and routed to their destination via routers (tag-edge routers), switches (tag switches) and protocols (tag protocols). Tag switching provides dynamic functions, including vendor and network IP scalability.

Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) is a new all-in-one technology that is gradually replacing the tag switching functionality.

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