PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF MPLS/GMPLS CONTROL PLANE SIGNALING PROTOCOLS

Abstract: Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) emerged as a suitable solution to optimization of Internet Protocol (IP) networks. It improves network efficiency, utilization of resources and resilience in packet switched networks. With MPLS, packet forwarding decisions are made based on label inspection rather than packet header information. While MPLS is native to packet switched networks, Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS) extends MPLS functionality to networks that support non-packet switched domains such as time, lambda and fiber. GMPLS also offers better resource management through the use of a new protocol; Link Management Protocol (LMP). In this work, a performance evaluation of GMPLS and MPLS control plane signaling protocols was performed. Further, a control plane interworking model for MPLS and GMPLS networks was proposed. Simulations were carried out to examine the performance of signaling protocols in an MPLS network configured with, and without Quality-of-Service (QoS). Conclusions on the performance characteristics of each signaling protocol were made based on the collected results.