GMPLS:
Converging layers 1 and 2 for operational savings
Focal Point: GMPLS
GMPLS extends the well-known advantages of the MPLS protocol to optical networks. The TorreyPoint GMPLS solution helps enterprises and service providers realize benefits such as:
- Lower network OPEX
- More efficient use of resources
- High service availability
- Automated service provisioning
The TorreyPoint solution incorporates best-in-class technology from Juniper Networks and ADVA Optical Networking and provides a single point of contact for GMPLS installations. It includes a full range of service such as:
- Architecture and design engineering
- Project management
- Equipment staging
- Installation, test and turn-up
- 24x7x365 technical support
- Spares
- NOC services
- Training
GMPLS extends the benefits of MPLS to the optical domain.
The typical optical network today requires manual configuration to turn up new paths. This ongoing activity consumes IT resources and makes it difficult to respond dynamically to changes in traffic or circuit loading. It also stands in stark contrast to the operation of IP networks, which have solved these problems using the MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) protocol.
Many service providers and large enterprises are now looking to the GMPLS (Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching) protocol to address these issues. By extending MPLS into the optical domain, GMPLS offers a range of benefits including:
- Overall reduction in network operating expenses
- Efficient use of network resources
- High service availability
- Automated end-to-end service provisioning
However, the complexity of GMPLS can be a stumbling block to implementation. Organizational issues are also common: GMPLS bridges the traditional separation of optical/ transport and switching/routing, playing havoc with established roles and responsibilities. The net result is that, for many IT groups, GMPLS remains a future technology that never gets off the drawing board. TorreyPoint has the answer to this dilemma.
The TorreyPoint GMPLS solution delivers a fully integrated, turnkey installation of GMPLS that enables enterprises and service providers to realize the complete range of benefits including reduction in operating costs, high service availability, and automated provisioning.
TorreyPoint delivers a turnkey solution based on best-in-class technology from Juniper and ADVA.
TorreyPoint’s GMPLS solution is based on technology developed by Juniper Networks and ADVA Optical Networking. These best-in-class companies have invested heavily in joint development to integrate their products for GMPLS deployments.
TorreyPoint, ADVA and Juniper have partnered together to provide the best overall and complete turnkey solution for GMPLS applications. TorreyPoint has a fully trained and certified engineering staff, and offers level 1 problem resolution specific to ADVA and Juniper products. In addition to providing a single point of contact for all hardware and software, the TorreyPoint solution includes:
- Architecture and design engineering
- Project management
- Equipment staging
- Installation, test and turn-up
- 24x7x365 technical support
- Spares
- NOC services
- Training
The TorreyPoint solution includes a product marketing manager on staff who acts as a liaison to coordinate communications with ADVA and Juniper and ensure complete coverage for problem resolution and network upgrades. TorreyPoint is a Gold distributor for Juniper and ADVA, allowing us to offer premium pricing. TorreyPoint is also working with other leading network equipment providers to develop complementary GMPLS solutions.
GMPLS networks feature lower operating costs and dynamic response to changing requirements.
Any enterprise or service provider that operates a layer 3 network on an optical DWDM infrastructure can recognize significant and immediate value by deploying GMPLS:
- Reduced staff requirements due to dynamically signaled circuits and integration of the control planes of the optical and routing/switch layers.
- Automated turn-up of new lambdas provides a competitive edge by cutting the time period between new orders and revenue recognition (see Figure 1).
- Capacity can be reconfigured dynamically based on actual demand, time of day, or other factors, ensuring optimal network performance.
- Control plane visibility of layer 1 network failures enables efficient re-routing of traffic, preserving service delivery during network slowdowns or outages.
The combination of Juniper and ADVA technology is proven: the two companies have demonstrated automated setup of optical circuits between Juniper Networks routers and an ADVA optical network. TorreyPoint has successfully deployed a number of MPLS and optical networks—experience that gives us an edge over other system integrators in deploying GMPLS.
Deploying GMPLS requires both the right technology and the ability to architect, install, and operate the network. The TorreyPoint GMPLS solution brings these elements together to ensure a fast, cost-effective transition to the significant and ongoing benefits of GMPLS.
WHAT IS GMPLS?Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS) is the next-generation implementation of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). GMPLS extends the functionality of MPLS to include a wider range of label-switched path (LSP) options including time-division multiplexing (TDM), dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), and fiber switching. Traditional MPLS is designed to carry layer 3 IP traffic by establishing IP-based paths and associating these paths with arbitrarily assigned labels. These labels can either be configured explicitly by a network administrator or dynamically assigned by a protocol such as Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) or Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP). In contrast, GMPLS can carry varying types of layer 1 through layer 3 traffic. GMPLS labels and LSPs can be processed at four levels, as depicted in Figure 23. The levels are Fiber-Switched Capable (FSC), Lambda-Switched Capable (LSC), Time-Division Multiplexing Switched Capable (TDM), and Packet-Switched Capable (PSC).
|
