MPLS TP multiprotocol label switching traffic profile
Multiprotocol Label Switching Transport Profile (MPLS-TP) is a protocol used to provide packet-based transport network capabilities, such as point-to-point (P2P), point-to-multipoint (P2MP), and multipoint-to-multipoint (MP2MP) connections. It is designed to combine the benefits of traditional transport networks with the flexibility and scalability of packet networks.
MPLS-TP is based on the well-known MPLS technology and is optimized for use in transport networks. It provides a number of enhancements to the original MPLS technology to address the specific needs of transport networks, including the ability to support legacy transport protocols, better OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance) capabilities, and better network resiliency features.
One of the key features of MPLS-TP is its ability to provide Traffic Profiles (TPs), which define the quality of service (QoS) requirements for different types of traffic. TPs define the set of QoS parameters that are applied to a particular traffic flow, such as the maximum allowable delay, jitter, and packet loss. These parameters can be used to ensure that different types of traffic receive the appropriate level of service, depending on their specific requirements.
MPLS-TP TPs are defined using a combination of different parameters, including the Class of Service (CoS) value, the packet size, and the bandwidth requirements of the traffic flow. The CoS value is used to differentiate between different types of traffic, such as voice, video, or data, and is used to assign a specific TP to each traffic flow. The packet size and bandwidth requirements are used to determine the appropriate QoS parameters for each TP.
MPLS-TP TPs are implemented using Label Edge Routers (LERs) and Label Switching Routers (LSRs), which are responsible for forwarding packets based on the TP assigned to each packet. The LERs are responsible for assigning the appropriate TP to each packet based on its CoS value, packet size, and bandwidth requirements. The LSRs are responsible for forwarding the packets based on the TP assigned to each packet.
MPLS-TP TPs can be used to provide different levels of service for different types of traffic. For example, voice traffic may require a low delay and low jitter, while data traffic may require a higher level of packet loss tolerance. By using different TPs for different types of traffic, MPLS-TP can ensure that each traffic flow receives the appropriate level of service.
MPLS-TP also provides a number of OAM capabilities that are designed to improve the visibility and manageability of the network. These include the ability to perform fault detection and diagnosis, as well as the ability to monitor the performance of the network in real-time. MPLS-TP also provides a number of network resiliency features, such as fast reroute and protection switching, which are designed to ensure that the network remains operational in the event of a failure.
In summary, MPLS-TP is a protocol designed to provide packet-based transport network capabilities, such as P2P, P2MP, and MP2MP connections. It provides a number of enhancements to the original MPLS technology to address the specific needs of transport networks, including the ability to support legacy transport protocols, better OAM capabilities, and better network resiliency features. MPLS-TP TPs are used to define the QoS requirements for different types of traffic and are implemented using LERs and LSRs. MPLS-TP also provides a number of OAM capabilities and network resiliency features to improve the visibility and manageability of the network.