End-to-End Performance Design Framework of MPLS Virtual Private Network Service across Autonomous System Boundaries

Abstract

VPN (virtual private network) service is one of the most important network services on the NGN (next generation network) for network service providers. Recently, some large enterprises have become multinational companies and have needed good connectivity with their remote offices and customers, in various places around the globe. However, because of the geography, a single network service provider often cannot provide full MPLS VPN connectivity. Therefore, the need to provide connectivity across different AS (autonomous system) boundaries has become a reality. In addition, the VPN service providers are required to satisfy the agreed service level about the end-to-end network performance like delay or throughput as well as the availability. Dimensioning the MPLS VPN service across AS boundaries and its network management are challenges for VPN service providers. This paper shows a performance design framework for MPLS VPN services across AS boundaries from the viewpoint of end-to-end network performance. In our framework for performance design, we assume that both service providers disclose their network configuration information related to MPLS VPN to each other. Based on the obtained configuration information, we make a network model and evaluate the end-to-end performance in the network simulation environment.