Abstract Network virtualization (NV) increases Internet flexibility by separating policies from mechanisms. This makes developing new applications, managing the Internet, and supporting different applications much easier. In this study, we introduce a multi-layer architecture which combines multi-level multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) technology with NV. The proposed architecture combines the high speed advantage of MPLS with the high flexibility of NV. We use MPLS in MPLS technique and encapsulate each MPLS packet within another when it encounters a new virtual network. Our architecture has the potential to improve Internet flexibility and pave the way for deployment and commercialization of NV in next generation networks.
