Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) is a protocol suite extending
MPLS
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a routing technique in telecommunications networks that directs data from one node to the next based on labels rather than network addresses. Whereas network addresses identify endpoints, the labels identi ...
to manage further classes of interfaces and switching technologies other than packet interfaces and switching, such as
time-division multiplexing, layer-2 switching, wavelength switching and fiber-switching.
Differences between MPLS and GMPLS
Generalized MPLS differs from traditional MPLS in that it extends support to multiple types of switching such as TDM, wavelength and fiber (port) switching. For instance, GMPLS is the ''
de facto'' control plane of
wavelength switched optical network (WSON). The support for the additional types of switching has driven GMPLS to extend certain base functions of traditional MPLS and, in some cases, to add functionality.
These changes and additions impact basic
label-switched path
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a routing technique in telecommunications networks that directs data from one node to the next based on labels rather than network addresses. Whereas network addresses identify endpoints, the labels identi ...
(LSP) properties: how labels are requested and communicated, the unidirectional nature of LSPs, how errors are propagated, and information provided for synchronizing the ingress and egress LSRs.
How GMPLS works
GMPLS is based on Generalized Labels. The Generalized Label is a label that can represent either (a) a single fiber in a bundle, (b) a single waveband within fiber, (c) a single wavelength within a waveband (or fiber), or (d) a set of time-slots within a wavelength (or fiber). The Generalized Label can also carry a label that represents a generic MPLS label, a Frame Relay label, or an ATM label.
GMPLS is composed of three main protocols:
* Resource Reservation Protocol with Traffic Engineering extensions (
RSVP-TE
Resource Reservation Protocol - Traffic Engineering (RSVP-TE) is an extension of the Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP) for traffic engineering. It supports the reservation of resources across an IP network. Applications running on IP end syst ...
) signaling protocol.
* Open Shortest Path First with Traffic Engineering extensions (
OSPF-TE) routing protocol.
* Link Management Protocol (LMP).
[J. Lang, "Link Management Protocol (LMP)", RFC 4204, Oct. 2005, IETF.]
See also
*
Wavelength switched optical network (WSON)
*
Automatic switched-transport network (ASTN)
References
Further reading
* Adrian Farrel, Igor Bryskin, "GMPLS: architecture and applications", {{ISBN, 978-0-12-088422-3
External links
* IETF CCAMP Working Group
charter
* IETF TEAS Working Group
charter
Internet Standards
Network protocols
Telecommunication protocols