Path selection and bandwidth allocation in MPLS networks

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

4-1-2003

Abstract

Multi-protocol label switching extends the IP destination-based routing protocols to provide new and scalable routing capabilities in connectionless networks using relatively simple packet forwarding mechanisms. MPLS networks carry traffic on virtual connections called label switched paths. This paper considers path selection and bandwidth allocation in MPLS networks in order to optimize the network quality of service. The optimization is based upon the minimization of a non-linear objective function which under light load simplifies to OSPF routing with link metrics equal to the link propagation delays. The behavior under heavy load depends on the choice of certain parameters. It can essentially be made to minimize maximal expected utilization, or to maximize minimal expected weighted slacks (both over all links). Under certain circumstances it can be made to minimize the probability that a link has an instantaneous offered load larger than its transmission capacity. We present a model of an MPLS network and an algorithm which optimally distributes the traffic among a set of active paths and reserves a set of back-up paths for carrying the traffic of failed or congested paths. The algorithm is an improvement of the well-known flow deviation non-linear programming method. The algorithm is applied to compute optimal LSPs for a 100-node network carrying a single traffic class. A link carrying some 1400 routes fails. The back-up paths are activated and we compare the performance of the path sets before and after the back-up paths are deployed. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Identifier

0037399687 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Performance Evaluation

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-5316(02)00177-3

ISSN

01665316

First Page

133

Last Page

152

Issue

2-3 SPEC.

Volume

52

Fund Ref

National Research Foundation

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