How does MPLS improve routing efficiency?

MPLS, or Multi-Protocol Label Switching, enhances routing efficiency primarily through the use of labels to make forwarding decisions. In MPLS, data packets are assigned labels, which are used to make forwarding decisions at each hop, rather than relying solely on complex routing tables. This labeling allows routers to quickly and efficiently forward packets without needing to inspect the packet's entirety, thus streamlining the forwarding process.

This method is advantageous because it reduces the time spent on routing decisions, allowing for quicker data transfer and alleviating the processing load on routers. With MPLS, paths through the network can also be predetermined, enabling more efficient use of network resources and improving overall performance. Consequently, this technique allows for better handling of various types of network traffic and supports Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.

The other choices do not accurately depict how MPLS operates. While the shortest path algorithms and static routing tables are traditional methods in routing, they are not the mechanisms through which MPLS improves routing efficiency. Disabling intermediary devices is not a strategy MPLS employs, as all routers and switches play a pivotal role in forwarding labeled packets effectively.