Described are communications network, a network element, and a method for transporting any type of multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) application over an Ethernet switch path (ESP). A network element connected to a packet-switched network comprises a service processor receiving a packet associated with an MPLS application of any type. An encapsulator encapsulates the packet within an Ethernet frame for transport over an ESP established between the network element and a second network element at a remote end of the packet-switched network. The Ethernet frame includes an Ethertype field with an Ethertype value signifying that the Ethernet frame is carrying an MPLS packet. In one embodiment, the Ethertype value is equal to 8847.