Multiprotocol label switching routers

In one aspect, a method of using a general purpose computer as an MPLS-enabled label switched router includes executing software on the general purpose computer that allows it to communicate with other label switched routers using label distribution protocol. The general purpose computer includes a central processor , a memory , network interface cards and and also typically includes local I/O such as a keyboard , a mouse and a display device for communicating with a local user.