MPLS and GMPLS: Everything you didn't want to know

Summary form only given. Generalized Multi Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) refers to the standardized application of MPLS control plane concepts for general connection provisioning in multiple technology domains, such as optical and SONET/SDH networks. GMPLS extends MPLS label-switched path establishment techniques to address the establishment of lightpaths, SONET/SDH trails, etc. This tutorial describes the principles of the MPLS control plane and how they are generalized in GMPLS. The application of GMPLS in optical and SONET/SDH networks, and features not presently covered by GMPLS are also described.