L2VPN Insights

What is L2VPN?

A Layer 2 VPN (L2VPN) establishes a virtual private network connection at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. It allows Ethernet frames or other Layer 2 protocols to be transported across an IP network, effectively extending a local area network (LAN) over a wide area network (WAN). L2VPNs are commonly used to connect geographically separated sites as if they were on the same LAN, enabling seamless communication and resource sharing. Examples include Ethernet VPN (EVPN) and Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS).

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What other technologies are related to L2VPN?

L2VPN Competitor Technologies

L3VPN

L3VPNs offer similar connectivity as L2VPNs but operate at Layer 3, offering routing capabilities that L2VPNs lack. Therefore, they are a competitor.

mentioned alongside L2VPN in 65% (1.3k) of relevant job posts

EVPN

EVPN is another type of L2VPN technology that offers advantages like multi-homing. It is therefore, a competitor.

mentioned alongside L2VPN in 7% (430) of relevant job posts

VPLS

VPLS is another L2VPN technology and a direct competitor.

mentioned alongside L2VPN in 9% (305) of relevant job posts

VPWS

VPWS is another type of L2VPN technology, so it is a direct competitor.

mentioned alongside L2VPN in 27% (53) of relevant job posts

QinQ

QinQ (802.1ad) provides VLAN stacking which, similarly to L2VPN, creates a Layer 2 network across a provider network and can be used as an alternative, making it a competitor.

mentioned alongside L2VPN in 11% (62) of relevant job posts

VXLAN

VXLAN is a tunneling protocol that can be used to create Layer 2 overlay networks, offering similar functionality to L2VPNs. Therefore it is a competitor.

mentioned alongside L2VPN in 2% (266) of relevant job posts

GRE

GRE is a tunneling protocol that can be used to create Layer 2 overlay networks, offering similar functionality to L2VPNs. Therefore it is a competitor.

mentioned alongside L2VPN in 3% (193) of relevant job posts