Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) Unified Control Plane Validation

Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) has become the protocol suite of choice for unified control plane implementation. However, its adoption is facing major challenges in terms of feasibility, performance, and gain when migrating from legacy packet over optical multi-layer networks driven by overlaid control planes. The ITEA TBONES project aims at tackling both objectives through the development of a platform including all the elements constituting such networks: network dimensioning, management plane and GMPLS control plane. This paper details the control plane architecture of the TBONES software platform, including its realization and applicability for multi-area networks, as well as the Testbed. Several experiments are described, both for validation and for demonstration of its capabilities and future usage.