The present invention relates to label switch networks and allows for reducing
the processing cost and processing time required at each node when various services
are performed with respect to traffic engineering in the label switch networks
including a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) network. In a label switch network
system a first node that is disposed at the ingress of the label switch network
transfers IP packets corresponding to IP flows based on labels, and that selects
and sets up layer 2 paths for transferring the IP packets with reference
to header or payload information of the IP packets. A plurality of second nodes
may be disposed at intermediate points of the network and they set up the layer
2 paths from the ingress to the egress of the network following the specified
routes and a third node is disposed at the egress of the network. A policy server
instructs the first node to set up the layer 2 paths in compliance with
policy control protocols when a user makes a request or a status change in the
network arise, and intensively controls the first node, the second nodes and the
third node.