An IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) proposal for providing Layer 2 VPNs that can support the connection of multiple sites in a single bridged domain over a managed IP/MPLS network. Edge routers, inter-connected by a full mesh of MPLS label switched path (LSP) “tunnels” through which run multiple pseudowires, enable any-to-any connectivity on a per-VPLS basis. To the customer, all services in a VPLS appear to be on the same Ethernet LAN, regardless of actual geographic location. This removes complexity from enterprise networks, and lets carriers scale the networks.

Virtual private LAN service. An Ethernet-based multipoint-to-multipoint Layer 2 VPN service used for interconnecting multiple Ethernet LANs across an MPLS backbone. VPLS is specified in the IETF draft, Virtual Private LAN Service.