What is Core Routing?

"Core Routing" refers to the various technologies such as MPLS and Segment Routing that provide fast, reliable, and scalable data transmission across a network core.  In this context, a network "core" is the backbone that interconnects various geographically dispersed sites.   These technologies are used to deliver critical solutions such as multi-tenancy carrier services and advanced traffic engineering capabilities.

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Breaking Down Core Routing Technologies

We group Core Routing technologies into three primary layers:

Breaking Down Core Routing Technologies

Underlay Transport

These technologies provide interior routing capabilities, MPLS traffic switching, and fast reroute.  Think of this layer as the "foundation" of the Core Network--it provides the basic reachability that allows the other technology layers to function.  Underlay Transport technologies include IS-IS, OSPF, LDP, and Segment Routing.

Learn more about Underlay Transport technologies
Breaking Down Core Routing Technologies

Carrier Services

These technologies provide multi-tenancy services such as Layer-3 VPN and Layer-2 VPN.  These services are typically the primary job of the Core Network--to receive traffic from one network segment and deliver it across the backbone quickly and reliably.  Carrier Services technologies include BGP, EVPN, T-LDP, and Circuit Emulation.

Learn more about Carrier Services technologies
Breaking Down Core Routing Technologies

Traffic Engineering

These technologies provide the network with the ability to intelligently and efficiently manipulate the paths that traffic flows take across the network.  Traffic Engineering technologies include SR-TE, RSVP, Flex-Algo, and Egress Peering.

Learn more about Traffic Engineering technologies

To understand how these technology layers work together to achieve meaningful solutions, check out our video "Understanding Core Routing Technologies".

How We Can Help

From project scoping all the way to implementation, our team of experts is here to help you plan, test, and deploy the Core Routing solutions that will give your business the edge.  Our services portfolio includes briefings, workshops, lab demonstrations, proofs of concept, infrastructure services, supply chain & logistics, and so much more.  

Briefings & Workshops

Core Routing Briefing

Discover the transformative potential of Core Routing technologies such as MPLS and Segment Routing. This briefing covers the three main pillars of a Core Routing network: underlay routing, carrier services, and traffic engineering, as well as network management strategies and future technological considerations. Engage with our experts to plan, design, implement, and operate your project seamlessly.
Briefing
•1 hr

Segment Routing Workshop

The Segment Routing Workshop is an interactive, customized 4-hour experience that will provide the relevant information that's necessary to make informed business and technical decisions to help you decide if Segment Routing is right for your network.
Workshop
•4 hrs

Core Networking Discovery Workshop

The Core Networking Workshop explores differences among products/services, determines which are best for you and helps you develop a strategy for implementing the right solution.
Workshop
•3 hrs

Network Transport With Segment Routing Briefing

As modern networks have grown in complexity and scale, they require more stringent tolerances and demanding services, which has spawned the need for a more straightforward and optimized method of transmitting data. And as 5G becomes more widely adopted, such latency standards will only become more desirable. Moving to a next-generation Network Transport based on Segment Routing enables organizational agility and unprecedented control over network path optimization and end-to-end Service Level Agreements (SLA). This briefing is intended to be used for architecture validation, proofs of concepts (POCs), demonstrations, and functional and interoperability testing.
Briefing
•2 hrs
Featured Labs

Intro to Segment Routing Lab

MPLS has been around for over two decades and is the cornerstone of Service Provider Networks and many enterprise, utility and federal networks. MPLS delivers mission-critical applications and services. Segment Routing has taken the stage to replace MPLS because it accomplishes the same as MPLS but is less complex, extremely robust and can be scaled without limitations. This lab will introduce you to the basics of Segment Routing.
Foundations Lab
340 launches

Multi-Layer, Multi-Vendor (MLMV) Core Networking Guided Lab

WWT's Multi-Layer Multi-Vendor (MLMV) lab is an innovative and versatile physical lab environment focused on core networking. It is designed to demonstrate the integration of technologies from Layer 0 (the physical layer) to Layer 3 (the network layer) across multiple vendors in a cohesive system. This lab is designed to be custom-tailored to your specific needs. During this briefing, we will share an overview of the MLMV lab environment, discuss our capabilities, and develop a high-level plan to meet your needs.
Briefing

Intro to MPLS Using LDP

MPLS has been used for over two decades. It is the cornerstone of Service Provider Networks and many enterprise, utility and federal networks. MPLS delivers mission-critical applications and services. This lab provides a hands-on lab environment that will familiarize the user with the primary routing configuration of MPLS (Multi-protocol Label Switching) with LDP (Label Distribution Protocol) running on Cisco routers.
Advanced Configuration Lab
270 launches

SR-MPLS Traffic Engineering Lab

Organizations rely on MPLS on multiple platforms to deliver mission-critical applications and services. Segment Routing is the next-generation evolution of traditional MPLS, and here we look at SR-MPLS and Traffic Engineering. We will perform distributed Traffic Engineering computations from the headend routers and utilize an SR PCE for centralized traffic engineering.
Advanced Configuration Lab
161 launches
Learning Resources

Core Routing Fundamentals

Before a core network can provide advanced services and traffic engineering, it must first establish basic transport connectivity between its nodes. In this course, you will learn how interior routing protocols are used to establish dynamic routing within the core, how MPLS technology is used to enhance packet transport across the underlay, and how Segment Routing is changing the way we think about transport paths. In each module you will watch a brief video describing the underlying technology and then walk through a hands-on lab to dive deeper into the relevant protocols and configurations that make underlay routing work.
Learning Path

Segment Routing Technical Training

Segment Routing is the latest technology that replaces MPLS and is based on source routing. Segment Routing provides complete control over the forwarding path from the source node by encoding the path in the header of the packet. Segment Routing is implemented using extensions to the native IGP routing protocols, it does not require any additional protocols and removes unnecessary protocols simplifying the network. Segment Routing runs natively on an MPLS or IPv6 data plane and can coexist with LDP, making for a painless migration. A special thank you to Clarence Filsfils and Kris Michielsen from Cisco Systems for providing the original content for the slides.
Playlist
•6 videos
Aug 7, 2024

Core Routing Solutions

In this video series we present the most popular Core Routing solutions from Cisco, Juniper and Nokia, and dive into each solution's hardware specifications, common use cases and our overall WWT opinion of the product.
Playlist
•6 videos
Feb 19, 2025

Understanding Core Routing Technologies

Join Josh Hogan for a concise, introductory webinar on the foundational routing technologies that underpin modern network management. In this session, he will cover key topics such as underlay routing, interior protocols like IS-IS and OSPF, and the critical role of MPLS and transport mechanisms in establishing a resilient network infrastructure. Josh will also discuss how BGP facilitates service sharing, the impact of segment routing on performance, and the growing importance of software control, automation, and intent-based policies in network optimization.
Video
•6:35
Jan 7, 2025

What's New in Core Routing

Stay up to date with key trends and updates from our experts in the field.

Why Now Is the Time to Embrace a Converged Network Architecture

The convergence of optical transport and core routing has long been a networking ambition. Unfortunately, challenges related to cost, performance and interpretability have stood in the way — until now. Join WWT experts Josh Hogan and Tyler Tappy as they discuss how recent advancements have made it the perfect time for organizations to embrace a converged network architecture.
Video
•39:25
•Mar 28, 2025

Coherent QSFP28 Is Finally Here

The release of 100G ZR coherent QSFP28 transceivers from Nokia, Cisco and others promises to accelerate the already rapid shift from traditional core network designs to optical and packet converged architectures.
Blog
•Nov 18, 2024

Understanding IPv6 Addressing

The rapid growth of devices has exhausted IPv4 addresses, hindering expansion. Transitioning to IPv6, with its vast address space, eliminates the need for complex techniques like NAT, enhances security and supports emerging technologies. Embracing IPv6 future-proofs networks, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient address allocation.
Blog
•Nov 7, 2024

SReXperts 24: Key Takeaways

This year's SReXperts conference showcased Nokia's focus on enabling AI solutions and enriching their solution portfolio.
Blog
•Oct 31, 2024

Cisco Live 2024: Networking Takeaways

WWT engineering resources share what stood out to them at the flagship technology conference.
Blog
•Jun 11, 2024

Real-World Impact

Learn about the use cases and case studies that bring Core Routing solutions to life.

SR-MPLS in the Enterprise

Segment Routing provides Fast Reroute, enhanced traffic engineering and numerous other features that apply to the enterprise.
Article
•Aug 11, 2024

Advantages of Deploying SR-MPLS in the Enterprise | Briefing

Learn from one of the industry's foremost experts on Segment Routing on how Segment Routing can provide your organization fast reroute, enhanced traffic engineering and numerous other features that increase efficiency, simplify operations and drive agility.
Webinar
May 22, 2024 • 9am

Put True Software-Defined Networking Into Action | Experts

Networks have grown in complexity and scale over the last several years. And as businesses continue to adopt more data-centric strategies, the need for a simpler and more optimized method of transmitting data is increasingly imperative.  Join WWT's Mike DiVincenzo, one of the industry's foremost MPLS/Segment Routing experts, as he talks about the value of Segment Routing and its role in making the network more scalable and intelligent while improving capacity utilization, leading to lower cost and greater user satisfaction. 
Webinar
Apr 25, 2023 • 9am

Service Provider Chariton Valley Discovers Network Migration Solution

The forward-thinking service provider needed to upgrade its aging DWDM/ROADM transport to support a modernized, resilient, scalable and flexible network. With WWT's help, the company now has a strategy in place to support its growing customer base.
Case Study

Transit Agency Modernizes Core Network to Enhance Rider Experience

WWT quickly trained engineering staff on a converged optical and packet solution that will enable contactless boarding.
Case Study

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