GMPLS Technology and Its Application in WDM Optical Network

Generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS) is being developed by the IETF as the industry standard for transport network control planes. GMPLS defines IP based control of optical resources. Routers are expected to deliver advanced services at higher throughput while handling large amounts of label switching path (LSP) creation/deletion, traffic engineering link information exchange, and link state advertisements. In this paper, we discuss the GMPLS technology, analyze its application and design a novel WDM optical network with GMPLS technology. A single control plane, based on IP-like signaling and routing mechanisms that are being developed in the framework of generalized multi-protocol label switching, governs both layers. GMPLS provides the ability to automate many of the network functions that are directly related to the operational complexities. These functions include end-to-end provisioning of services, network resource discovery, bandwidth assignment and service creation.