This document provides an overview of MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) including its motivation, basics, components, operation, and advantages/disadvantages. MPLS was created to combine the fast packet forwarding of ATM with the flexibility of IP by using labels to direct network traffic. Key components include label edge routers that apply/remove labels, label switching routers that forward based on labels, label distribution protocols to disseminate label mappings, and label switched paths that represent forwarding equivalency classes. MPLS allows for traffic engineering, quality of service, and network scalability.