Framework for MPLS-TE to GMPLS Migration
RFC 5145
Network Working Group K. Shiomoto, Ed.
Request for Comments: 5145 NTT
Category: Informational March 2008
Framework for MPLS-TE to GMPLS Migration
Status of This Memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does
not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of this
memo is unlimited.
Abstract
The migration from Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Traffic
Engineering (TE) to Generalized MPLS (GMPLS) is the process of
evolving an MPLS-TE control plane to a GMPLS control plane. An
appropriate migration strategy will be selected based on various
factors including the service provider's network deployment plan,
customer demand, and operational policy.
This document presents several migration models and strategies for
migrating from MPLS-TE to GMPLS. In the course of migration, MPLS-TE
and GMPLS devices, or networks, may coexist that may require
interworking between MPLS-TE and GMPLS protocols. Aspects of the
required interworking are discussed as it will influence the choice
of a migration strategy. This framework document provides a
migration toolkit to aid the operator in selection of an appropriate
strategy.
This framework document also lists a set of solutions that may aid in
interworking, and highlights a set of potential issues.
Shiomoto Informational [Page 1]
RFC 5145 Framework for MPLS-TE to GMPLS Migration March 2008
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................3
2. Conventions Used in This Document ...............................3
3. Motivations for Migration .......................................4
4. MPLS to GMPLS Migration Models ..................................5
4.1. Island Model ...............................................5
4.1.1. Balanced Islands ....................................6
4.1.2. Unbalanced Islands ..................................6
4.2. Integrated Model ...........................................7
4.3. Phased Model ...............................................8
5. Migration Strategies and Toolkit ................................8
5.1. Migration Toolkit ..........................................9
5.1.1. Layered Networks ....................................9
5.1.2. Routing Interworking ...............................11
5.1.3. Signaling Interworking .............................12
5.1.4. Path Computation Element ...........................13
6. Manageability Considerations ...................................13
6.1. Control of Function and Policy ............................13
6.2. Information and Data Models ...............................14
6.3. Liveness Detection and Monitoring .........................14
6.4. Verifying Correct Operation ...............................14
6.5. Requirements on Other Protocols and Functional
Components ................................................14
6.6. Impact on Network Operation ...............................15
6.7. Other Considerations ......................................15
7. Security Considerations ........................................15
8. Acknowledgements ...............................................16
9. References .....................................................16
9.1. Normative References ......................................16
9.2. Informative References ....................................17
10. Contributors' Addresses .......................................17
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RFC 5145 Framework for MPLS-TE to GMPLS Migration March 2008
1. Introduction
Multiprotocol Label Switching Traffic Engineering (MPLS-TE) to
Generalized MPLS (GMPLS) migration is the process of evolving an
MPLS-TE-based control plane to a GMPLS-based control plane. The
network under consideration for migration is, therefore, a
packet-switching network.
There are several motivations for such migration, mainly the desire
to take advantage of new features and functions added to the GMPLS
protocols, which are not present in MPLS-TE for packet networks.
Additionally, before migrating a packet-switching network from
MPLS-TE to GMPLS, one may choose to first migrate a lower-layer
network with no control plane (e.g., controlled by a management
plane) to using a GMPLS control plane. This may lead to the desire
for MPLS-TE/GMPLS (transport network) interworking to provide
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