Evaluation of Existing GMPLS Protocols against Multi-Layer and Multi-Region Networks (MLN/MRN)
RFC 5339

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Network Working Group                                   JL. Le Roux, Ed.
Request for Comments: 5339                                France Telecom
Category: Informational                            D. Papadimitriou, Ed.
                                                          Alcatel-Lucent
                                                          September 2008

                Evaluation of Existing GMPLS Protocols
        against Multi-Layer and Multi-Region Networks (MLN/MRN)

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

   This document provides an evaluation of Generalized Multiprotocol
   Label Switching (GMPLS) protocols and mechanisms against the
   requirements for Multi-Layer Networks (MLNs) and Multi-Region
   Networks (MRNs).  In addition, this document identifies areas where
   additional protocol extensions or procedures are needed to satisfy
   these requirements, and provides guidelines for potential extensions.

Le Roux & Papadimitriou      Informational                      [Page 1]
RFC 5339        Evaluation of GMPLS against MLN/MRN Reqs  September 2008

Table of Contents

   1. Introduction ....................................................3
      1.1. Conventions Used in This Document ..........................4
   2. MLN/MRN Requirements Overview ...................................4
   3. Analysis ........................................................5
      3.1. Aspects of Multi-Layer Networks ............................5
           3.1.1. Support for Virtual Network Topology
                  Reconfiguration .....................................5
                  3.1.1.1. Control of FA-LSPs Setup/Release ...........5
                  3.1.1.2. Virtual TE Links ...........................6
                  3.1.1.3. Traffic Disruption Minimization
                           during FA Release ..........................8
                  3.1.1.4. Stability ..................................8
           3.1.2. Support for FA-LSP Attribute Inheritance ............9
           3.1.3. FA-LSP Connectivity Verification ....................9
           3.1.4. Scalability .........................................9
           3.1.5. Operations and Management of the MLN/MRN ...........10
                  3.1.5.1. MIB Modules ...............................10
                  3.1.5.2. OAM .......................................11
      3.2. Specific Aspects of Multi-Region Networks .................12
           3.2.1. Support for Multi-Region Signaling .................12
           3.2.2. Advertisement of Adjustment Capacities .............13
   4. Evaluation Conclusion ..........................................16
      4.1. Traceability of Requirements ..............................16
   5. Security Considerations ........................................20
   6. Acknowledgments ................................................20
   7. References .....................................................21
      7.1. Normative References ......................................21
      7.2. Informative References ....................................21
   8. Contributors' Addresses ........................................23

Le Roux & Papadimitriou      Informational                      [Page 2]
RFC 5339        Evaluation of GMPLS against MLN/MRN Reqs  September 2008

1.  Introduction

   Generalized MPLS (GMPLS) extends MPLS to handle multiple switching
   technologies: packet switching, layer-2 switching, TDM (Time Division
   Multiplexing) switching, wavelength switching, and fiber switching
   (see [RFC3945]).  The Interface Switching Capability (ISC) concept is
   introduced for these switching technologies and is designated as
   follows: PSC (Packet Switch Capable), L2SC (Layer-2 Switch Capable),
   TDM capable, LSC (Lambda Switch Capable), and FSC (Fiber Switch
   Capable).  The representation, in a GMPLS control plane, of a
   switching technology domain is referred to as a region [RFC4206].  A
   switching type describes the ability of a node to forward data of a
   particular data plane technology, and uniquely identifies a network
   region.

   A data plane switching layer describes a data plane switching
   granularity level.  For example, LSC, TDM VC-11 and TDM VC-4-64c are
   three different layers.  [RFC5212] defines a Multi-Layer Network
   (MLN) to be a Traffic Engineering (TE) domain comprising multiple
   data plane switching layers either of the same ISC (e.g., TDM) or
   different ISC (e.g., TDM and PSC) and controlled by a single GMPLS
   control plane instance.  [RFC5212] further defines a particular case
   of MLNs.  A Multi-Region Network (MRN) is defined as a TE domain
   supporting at least two different switching types (e.g., PSC and
   TDM), either hosted on the same device or on different ones, and