What is GMPLS?
A Unified Vision for Carrier Networks (continued)

This consolidated architecture requires a new type of switch, such as a Photonic Service Switch, which can bring together switching of services and transport through a single network element (NE). Consolidation of the control plane with G-MPLS, and switching of all traffic types through a single NE, allows traffic to be directed through paths that make best use of network resources. Figure 1 below shows a G-MPLS network with services and transport switched through Photonic Service Switches.

Figure 1: G-MPLS network with services and transport traffic through Photonic Service Switches (gold spheres)

Network Efficiency

A G-MPLS network offers improved network efficiency and flexibility. G-MPLS allows each network layer to be managed according to its unique attributes. It enables utilization of the inherent differences of the network layers to ensure optimal use of network resources.

Provisioning

G-MPLS enables faster and more accurate provisioning. In a G-MPLS network, edge devices can become peers of G-MPLS core devices, for dynamic end-to-end provisioning. If the edge devices are not G-MPLS aware, G-MPLS can still be used to ease the provisioning burden in the core network in the same style as Switched PVCs in ATM.

Traffic engineering

Effective traffic engineering is one of the keys to maximizing return on investment while improving service offerings. It is necessary for delivery of optimal network performance, and it enhances service providers’ ability to offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Implementation of G-MPLS Traffic Engineering (TE) and optical extensions for routing and signaling protocols improve network efficiency. These protocols provide enhanced network information, intelligent path computation and common signaling to packet, TDM and wavelength services.

Protection and restoration

G-MPLS enables significant savings through resource allocation. Though each layer of an overlay network is efficient for the specific type of traffic it carries, protection must be duplicated between layers. The service network has no information about the transport network and must therefore specifically request the desired level of protection across the transport network, often duplicating resource allocation.

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