MPLS and MPLS-TP

MPLS is quickly emerging as a strong contender for Metro networks around the world. MPLS technology first emerged within the communications industry for IP core networks based on Layer 3 IP router infrastructures, mainly as a mechanism to provide flow-based traffic engineering and more recently to deliver virtual-private-network (VPN) capabilities. MPLS increases network performance because it enables routing by switching at wireline speeds. MPLS has been a strong contender for metro networks because it provides simplicity and support, via encapsulation, of virtually all network protocols. Another strong point for MPLS is that it can ride over virtually any transport technology, including SDH/SONET, Ethernet over fiber and Resilient Packet Ring.

In recent times, ITU and IETF have been jointly working on a transport profile for MPLS called MPLS-TP. MPLS-TP would address typical transport issues such as:

• the static configuration of MPLS connections from a centralized NMS,
• OAM capabilities in pro-active and reactive connection supervision, fault localization and service monitoring functions,
• extending the MPLS architecture to deliver transport-friendly protection switching mechanisms,
• reduced dependency on IP and routing protocols while seamlessly interworking with existing MPLS networks.

Once complete, the MPLS-TP standards would offer telecom operators additional flexibility in terms of architectural options to cost-effectively address the burgeoning packet services market.