1. A method of utilizing Generalized Multi-protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) to control Ethernet provider backbone transport (PBT) paths, the method comprising the steps of: determining paths from a originating edge node to a terminating edge node through a plurality of intermediary nodes; sending, from the originating node to the terminating node, a first offered GMPLS label for identifying the path, the GMPLS labels containing a backbone virtual-LAN identifier and a media-access-control (MAC) in a first VID/MAC tuple; installing the first VID/MAC tuple in forwarding tables at each intermediary bridge node from the originating node to the terminating node.