Recent trends in MPLS networks: technologies, applications and challenges

Abstract

Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) networks are packet-based networks that offer considerable advantages, including improved network utilisation, reduced network latency, and the ability to meet the quality of service and strict level agreement requirements of any incoming traffic. A vast number of applications are now migrating to packet-based conditions that cause increased pressure on network providers to change their systems. Innovations and improvements on MPLS are still on-going to ensure that such networks can cater to the ever-increasing bandwidth demand whenever required. This study provides a review of MPLS networks and their promising technologies, such as traffic engineering, protection and restoration, differentiated services, and MPLS-transport profile (MPLS-TP) and its applications. This work also reviews recent issues on MPLS networks and discusses the implementation of MPLS-TP networks in the power grid. A review of recent literature shows that researchers should be careful in proposing new protocols or designs for MPLS to ensure that it achieves the most efficient and optimal performance. Furthermore, it can be concluded that although MPLS is a promising technology for future networks, there are challenges to overcome with regards to security and network flexibility, especially as far as migration to MPLS-TP is concerned.