The private user network interface - a GMPLS-compliant signaling interface for overlay-based multilayer networks

Abstract

Feature Issue on Next-Generation WDM Network Design and Routing (WDMN). To address the integration of [IP/MPLS (multiprotocol label-switching)] packet and (optical) transport networks, the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) has defined a user-to-network interface (UNI) for overlay networks: the OIF UNI version 1.0, also referred to as the Public UNI. However, since its implementation agreement specification, it has become clear that this UNI--based on OIF-specific extensions to the generalized MPLS (GMPLS) protocols--will not be able to meet the future requirements of some operational environments. Hence a flexible, extensible, and fully GMPLS-compliant UNI is being defined at the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF): the Private UNI (aka GMPLS for overlay networks). The Private UNI enhances the interaction between the packet and transport network control planes of a multilayer network architecture. This interface is particularly suitable for a control-plane interconnection model in which the equipment belongs to a common administrative entity (i.e., a single carrier environment). Signaling sessions through the Private UNI are used to invoke two main services that require constructive coordination between the network layers: provisioning and network recovery. Here we present the Private UNI specific GMPLS resource reservation protocol-traffic engineering (RSVP-TE) extensions in support of these services in IP/MPLS over SONET/SDH (synchronous optical network/synchronous digital hierarchy) GMPLS multilayer networks and illustrate how Private UNI signaling enhances coordination in multilayer network recovery.