Cisco has a protocol called Easy Virtual Networking. It’s a Cisco proprietary version of MPLS for Enterprises because it’s too complicated.

On the bad side, it’s proprietary, needs special line cards, offered on Catalyst 4500 and 6500 and the ASR 1000 only with special software requirements.

From the EVN Q&A

Q. Will EVN interoperate with my current VRF-Lite deployment?

A. EVN is backward compatible with VRF-Lite. The two technologies can be deployed in the same network for a smooth transition to EVN. Make sure the EVN “vnet tag” value matches the 802.1Q VLAN ID on the VRF-Lite device.

Q. Is there interoperability with existing WAN solutions?

A. EVN in the campus is completely compatible with the WAN solutions MPLS-VPN, MPLS-VPN over mGRE, and DMVPN.

Q. How many EVNs are supported per platform, and what are the scales and limitations?

A. Today 32 virtual networks are supported per platform. This may be increased in the future.

I’m at a loss for words. Why would Cisco create this proprietary standard ?

Anyone want to stand up and argue for this ?

Footnotes and Reference

Overview of Easy Virtual Network

Easy Virtual Network Q&A

Product Page

Configuration Guide