Overarching Control of Flexi Grid Optical Networks: Interworking of GMPLS and OpenFlow Domains

Abstract

Optical Transport Networks provide transport, multiplexing, routing, management, supervision and survivability of optical channels. Within a flexible Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) grid, the optical spectrum can be allocated in multiples of a width granularity, depending on the client signal rate and modulation format. A control plane (CP) can be used for efficient and dynamic provisioning and recovery of flexi-grid connections.Two main CP architectures coexist, with common functions like addressing, automatic topology discovery, network abstraction, path computation and connection provisioning: a distributed Generalized Multi Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) control plane (with optional Path Computation Element, PCE path computation and instantiation/modification) and a control plane based on Software Defined Networking (SDN), with a logically centralized controller and an open protocol, such as the OpenFlow protocol (OF/OFP). Both architectures have their own strengths and weaknesses, and are being extended to address the new requirements associated to the aforementioned emerging optical technologies, such as flexible spectrum allocation, efficient co-routed connection setup and configuration of related optical parameters.However, new use cases such as remote data center interconnection highlight the need for multi-domain service provisioning, and heterogeneous CP interworking, potentially requiring an overarching control. Different alternatives, with varying degrees of integration and flexibility, are available: straightforward approaches characterized by the adaptation of one control model to the other or more advanced interworking requiring the definition of common models (e.g. a subset of attributes for network elements) and of coordination and orchestration functions. This paper discusses the main relevant interworking architectures and presents a selected set of use cases and proof-of-concepts.

Traffic engineering enforcement in multi-domain SDN orchestration of multi-layer (packet/optical) networks

“…Based on the IETF proposed Applicationbased Network Operations (ABNO) 2 , an SDN orchestration architecture (Fig.1) is introduced to provide E2E connectivity services in a multidomain, multi-vendor and multi-layer network scenario. An experimental validation of the E2E provisioning of connection across multiple domains comprising SDN/OF and GMPLS control planes was already demonstrated in a previous work 3 . In the present paper, we focus on addressing the enforcement of TE metrics at the orchestration layer, with two principal objectives: (1) Multi-Layer E2E traffic aggregation; and (2) E2E Quality-of-Service (QoS) enabling.…”

Brokerage System for Integration of LrWPAN Technologies

“…However, it is possible for redesigning VPLS to improve the interoperability amongst the various network protocols [52,53]. Other switching techniques that could support WSN interoperability include the following: Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON) [54], Automatic Switch-Transport Network (ASTN) [55], and Generalised Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) [56].…”

Comprehensive Survey on T-SDN: Software-Defined Networking for Transport Networks

“…In section V-B, we presented the first proposals of SDN and GMPLS control plane interoperation. For an overview of the interworking between GMPLS and OpenFlow we refer the reader to [199]. The PCE is the key element for centralization of path computation tasks over a GMPLS domain, while PCEP and BGP (BGP-LS) allows GMPLS and SDN interoperability.…”