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Assigning tunnels to a path

After creating a tunnel, you must assign it to a path. There are two types of paths: explicit and dynamic.

• Explicit tunnels follow a path of specifically-defined hops. You can specify how tightly you want to control the path by configuring the explicit path to be loose or strict, see "Configuring explicit paths." The advantage of these tunnels is that they enable you to engineer traffic around congested areas and load balance the network.

To assign a tunnel to a specific destination through an explicit path, enter the specific explicit path ID in the MPLS, Insert Tunnel dialog box.

• Dynamic tunnels follow a path determined by an interior gateway protocol such as OSPF. The advantage of these tunnels is that they typically take the shortest path through the network.

To assign a tunnel destination through a dynamically determined path, do not enter any value in the ExplicitPathID field in the MPLS, Insert Tunnel dialog box.