MPLS Forwarding Benchmarking Methodology for IP Flows
RFC 5695

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Network Working Group                                          A. Akhter
Request for Comments: 5695                                      R. Asati
Category: Informational                                     C. Pignataro
                                                           Cisco Systems
                                                           November 2009

         MPLS Forwarding Benchmarking Methodology for IP Flows

Abstract

   This document describes a methodology specific to the benchmarking
   of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) forwarding devices, limited
   to the most common MPLS packet forwarding scenarios and delay
   measurements for each, considering IP flows.  It builds upon the
   tenets set forth in RFC 2544, RFC 1242, and other IETF Benchmarking
   Methodology Working Group (BMWG) efforts.  This document seeks to
   extend these efforts to the MPLS paradigm.

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.

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Akhter, et al.               Informational                      [Page 1]
RFC 5695             MPLS Benchmarking Methodology         November 2009

   not be created outside the IETF Standards Process, except to format
   it for publication as an RFC or to translate it into languages other
   than English.

Table of Contents

   1. Introduction ....................................................2
   2. Document Scope ..................................................3
   3. Key Words To Reflect Requirements ...............................4
   4. Test Methodology ................................................4
      4.1. Test Considerations ........................................5
           4.1.1. Abbreviations Used ..................................5
           4.1.2. IGP Support .........................................6
           4.1.3. Label Distribution Support ..........................6
           4.1.4. Frame Formats .......................................7
           4.1.5. Frame Sizes .........................................9
           4.1.6. Time-to-Live (TTL) or Hop Limit ....................12
           4.1.7. Trial Duration .....................................12
           4.1.8. Traffic Verification ...............................12
           4.1.9. Address Resolution and Dynamic Protocol State ......13
   5. Reporting Format ...............................................13
   6. MPLS Forwarding Benchmarking Tests .............................14
      6.1. Throughput ................................................15
           6.1.1. Throughput for MPLS Label Push .....................16
           6.1.2. Throughput for MPLS Label Swap .....................17
           6.1.3. Throughput for MPLS Label Pop (Unlabeled) ..........18
           6.1.4. Throughput for MPLS Label Pop (Aggregate) ..........19
           6.1.5. Throughput for MPLS Label Pop (PHP) ................20
      6.2. Latency Measurement .......................................21
      6.3. Frame-Loss Rate (FLR) Measurement .........................22
      6.4. System Recovery ...........................................23
      6.5. Reset .....................................................23
   7. Security Considerations ........................................25
   8. Acknowledgement ................................................25
   9. References .....................................................25
      9.1. Normative References ......................................25
      9.2. Informative References ....................................26

1.  Introduction

   Over the past several years, there has been an increase in the use of