Extracting graphs from MPLS VPNs

In this recipe, we'll write a Python PyEZ-based script, process-mplsvpn.py, to connect to one of our JUNOS OS devices and query the BGP table for routing information related to a specific customer VPN. We'll use the associated BGP information to determine the customer-level network prefixes within the VPN and the Provider Edge (PE) routers involved in serving that MPLS VPN. We can visualize this information in a graph format.

Getting ready

In order to complete this recipe, you'll need a Python 2.7 development environment and access to a BGP-speaking JUNOS OS device. Ideally, you'll also have completed the first recipe on visualizing graphs, so that you can provide the extracted information and obtain a visual representation of the protocol in return.

BGP MPLS VPN primer

BGP-based MPLS VPNs were first specified in IETF RFC 2547 in 1999. MPLS VPN technology spent the early 2000s competing hard with legacy private network technologies such as ATM/Frame Relay and...