Why MPLS for DCN resiliency?

Thanks to its characteristics in terms of flexibility, Quality of Service and traffic engineering support, the Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) has become a key element in the development of next generation networks. Originally used to speed up the switching of IP packets in networks, it now extends its usage from Virtual Private Network (VPN), Virtual Private LAN Services (VPLS) and Support of DCN.

MARBEN™ MPLS Architecture for DCN

The MPLS architecture is relying on the conjunction of Routing protocols and Signaling protocols to establish Label Switched Paths (LSP) in the network that act like tunnels (circuits). The MARBEN™ MPLS Solution relies on the usage of development kits both for Traffic Engineering and Signaling sitting on top of routing (OSPF or IS-IS) and signaling protocols (RSVP-TE). LSP are handled (set up and torn down) thanks to LSP management module that includes LSP path computation.

Label switching tables on intermediate routers (LSR) and FTN (FEC to NHFLE) tables on Ingress routers are provisioned by the LSP management Module. MPLS switching that is natively supported by the MARBEN™ TCP/IP implementation can also be handled by external components thanks to clearly defined provisioning interfaces.

Fig.1: MARBEN™ MPLS architecture for DCN

The figure above highlights the different modules offered by MARBEN™ Products (plain boxes) and the interfaces offered to an MPLS application (large plain arrows).