MPLS management using policies

Abstract

Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) is in the process of standardization by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). It is regarded as a technology for traffic engineering and QoS in IP-networks. In this paper, we address the management of MPLS networks, which is crucial for large networks. We decided to follow the IETF Policy Framework approach and extended the common information model (CIM) for policies with MPLS specific classes. MPLS introduces the notion of a label switched path (LSP), possibly covering an entire network, which calls for an extension of the IETF Policy Framework into the direction of network and service management issues. We address this by preparing a three-level policy architecture including managing on device, network, and service level using policies. However, the main focus of the paper is the management of MPLS with network-level policies. We describe a prototypical implementation of a policy-based management system for MPLS, operating on network elements represented in a network simulator.