Abstract: This invention creates a method and a device to implement cheaper, faster and more efficient communications networks and Virtual Private Networks. This is achieved by placing MPLS and non MPLS frames into GFP frames and performing MPLS functions within the GFP layer and optionally integrating with SONET/SDH/OTN cross connection functions or with Wavelength division multiplexing to create the GFP MPLS device. This technique called GFP MPLS switching, switches the GFP MPLS frames as if they are MPLS frames at intermediate devices. The GFP MPLS switched circuits are optionally groomed and carried over virtually concatenated SONET/SDH/OTN circuits and multiplexed with other TDM traffic for transport over SONET/SDH/OTN or WDM.