There is a difference between the way MPLS and IP routing forwards data across a network. Traditional IP packet forwarding uses the IP destination address in the packet’s header to make an independent forwarding decision at each router in the network. MPLS creates a connection-based model overlaid onto the traditionally connectionless framework of IP routed networks.
MPLS is Better!
MPLS has a connection-oriented architecture which allows traffic management on an IP network. MPLS builds on IP, combining the intelligence of routing, which is fundamental to the operation of the Internet and today’s IP networks, with the high performance of switching.