Traffic matrices for MPLS networks with LDP traffic statistics

We present a new method to obtain traffic matrices for IP/MPLS networks. Origin-to-destination (o-d) traffic flows are calculated from measured statistical data of the label distribution protocol (LDP) that is used in MPLS networks to distribute label information. The proposed method does not require the installation of any label switched paths (LSPs)-routing can still be defined by IGP link metrics-including the use of equal cost multiple paths (ECMP). The calculation of traffic matrices of 15-min average values for all o-d demands in a topology of 150 routers can be done in real-time such that the proposed method allows for a continuous calculation of traffic matrices. Since the main prerequisite is the existence of LDP statistical data, the method is not vendor-dependent but applicable to heterogeneous networks where all routers provide this information.