The IETF's MPLS Working Group is responsible for establishing the core MPLS standards.

MPLS is a key component in deploying converged networks.  In this type of network, incoming data packets receive a label by the label edge router.  The packets get sent via a label switch path and the router routes according to the information contained in the label.  Routers at each hop remove the existing label and reapply a new one that directs the next hop with how to transmit the packet. 

The Label Switch Paths are based on prior determination of how to route around network congestion, to create IP tunnels for VPN’s or to achieve desired performance levels. MPLS integrates information about the network bandwidth, latency, utilization; and IP, to simplify and improve the quality of service (QOS).