Layer 3 VPN

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What Does Layer 3 VPN Mean?

Layer 3 VPN (L3VPN) is a type of VPN mode that is built and delivered on OSI layer 3 networking technologies. The entire communication from the core VPN infrastructure is forwarded using layer 3 virtual routing and forwarding techniques.

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Layer 3 VPN is also known as virtual private routed network (VPRN).

Techopedia Explains Layer 3 VPN

Layer 3 VPN typically utilizes border gateway protocol (BGP) to send and receive VPN-related data. L3VPN works by enabling VPN clients to peer with the core router. L3VPN utilizes virtual routing and forwarding (VRF) techniques to create and manage user data.

It is built using a combination of IP- and MPLS-based networking technologies. It is generally used to send data on back-end VPN infrastructures, such as for VPN connections between data centers or back offices.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.