Aggregation of traffic classes in multi-protocol label switching networks

• Main Author: Vallat, William Michael
• Other Authors: Ganti, Sudhakar
• Language: English; en
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: MPLS standard; computer network protocols; UVic Subject Index::Sciences and Engineering::Applied Sciences::Computer science
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1828/2241

As Multi-Protocol Label Switched (MPLS) networks increase in usage and size, the number of traffic engineered tunnels or Label Switched Paths (LSPs) which must be established has an impact on network state maintenance, administration and scalability. The ability to signal and meet Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirements in such networks has been addressed through the addition of Differentiated Services (Diff-Serv) mappings and other traffic engineering mechanisms. However, for the purpose of path computation, route advertisements, signaling and admission control, multiple traffic classes carried together are still treated as a single class. This work explores extensions to MPLS which allow for the accommodation of up to eight distinct traffic classes per label switched path. Through an examination of simulation results. a comparison between existing methods and the proposed additions is made that shows scenarios in which such traffic class aggregation or "bundling" provides a significant reduction in the number of paths which must be maintained in the network.