Automatic Discovery Techniques for T-MPLS Packet Transport Network

T-MPLS is a connection-oriented packet switched solution for the next generation transport networks. The concept was first proposed by ITU-T in Geneva, Feb 2006. The standardization process is pushed by ITU-T and IETF, many recommendations appeared recently. T-MPLS is much easier to achieve a convergent packet platform for any L2 protocol. It focuses on the packet transport applications that adhere to the standard groups. The OAM, protection and switch function and network management aspects are nearly finished by now but the control plane standardizations have not obtain a common senses about how this technologies evolve in future. In this paper, we compared the automatic discovery requirement in T-MPLS with other discovery techniques used in other network, such as in IP, RPR, Ethernet, ASON, etc. The detail mechanism and protocol in other network are described respectively. As for the intelligent networks, the discovery procedure is done by the control plane due to its responsibilities. Maybe we can use the discovery tools such as SNMP, ARP, ICMP, OSPF, the coordination between the control plane and the discovery process is necessary. Simulation model is also designed in OPNET modular 11.5 to compare these approaches.