GMPLS Control Plane, Policy-Based Management, and Information Modeling

Generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS) is an important enabling technology for the "All-IP" vision, but raises new challenges in multilayer network operations. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the policy-based management (PBM) approach applied to GMPLS network functionality, covering both packet switching and circuit switching technologies. We propose PBM mechanisms and policies to facilitate and improve the collaboration between the management plane and the GMPLS control plane, for the purpose of efficient GMPLS TE and service provisioning. We point out guidelines for policy information modeling, and we propose to extend the PCIM/e with policy event, to explicitly model the triggering of policy rules. This will increase automation and operational efficiency. We also recommend that the relationships between policy and management information and related support information must be explicitly captured and represented in a coherent modeling approach. The topic of GMPLS TE and service provisioning should be put on the IETF agenda.