CHAPTER Multicast for VPLS and Carrier Ethernet Networks 7.1 INTRODUCTION 7 In previous chapters, we discussed the various options available for deploying Multicast for BGP MPLS VPNs, starting from the earlier Draft-Rosen implementation to the Next Generation framework. In this chapter we look at the possible options available for offering Multicast in a carrier Ethernet environment, with VPLS as the carrier infrastructure used to offer various services to end customers. 7.2 VIRTUAL PRIVATE LAN SERVICE AKA VPLS Before we get into VPLS, let us briefly look at MPLS Layer 2 VPNs, also referred to as Point-Point services. A point-to-point L2VPN circuit, as defined by the PWE3 working group, is a provider service that offers a point-to-point service infrastructure over an IP/MPLS packet switched network. The PWE3