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Label space reduction in MPLS networks: how much can a single stacked label do?

Published: 01 December 2008 Publication History

Abstract

Most network operators have considered reducing LSR label spaces (number of labels used) as a way of simplifying management of underlaying Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and therefore reducing operational expenditure (OPEX). The IETF outlined the label merging feature in MPLS-allowing the configuration of MultiPoint-to-Point connections (MP2P)-as a means of reducing label space in LSRs. We found two main drawbacks in this label space reduction scheme: a it should be separately applied to a set of LSPs with the same egress LSR--which decreases the options for better reductions, and b LSRs close to the edge of the network experience a greater label space reduction than those close to the core. The later implies that MP2P connections reduce the number of labels asymmetrically.
In this article we propose a solution to these drawbacks achieved by stacking an additional label onto the packet header. We call this type of reduction Asymmetric Merged Tunnels (AMT). A fast framework for computing the optimal reduction using AMTs is proposed. Our simulations show that the label space can be reduced by up to 20% more than when label merging is used.

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  • (2009)Minimization of label usage in (G)MPLS networksProceedings of the 43rd Asilomar conference on Signals, systems and computers10.5555/1843565.1843796(1053-1057)Online publication date: 1-Nov-2009
  • (2009)Routing in all-optical label switched-based networks with small label spacesProceedings of the 13th international conference on Optical Network Design and Modeling10.5555/1688254.1688272(105-110)Online publication date: 18-Feb-2009
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Published In

cover image IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking
IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking  Volume 16, Issue 6
December 2008
248 pages

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IEEE Press

Publication History

Published: 01 December 2008
Revised: 07 June 2007
Received: 22 December 2005
Published in TON Volume 16, Issue 6

Author Tags

  1. MPLS
  2. label merging
  3. label space reduction
  4. label stacking
  5. multipoint-to-point

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View all
  • (2011)Local restoration with multiple spanning trees in metro ethernet networksIEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking (TON)10.1109/TNET.2010.207994519:2(602-614)Online publication date: 1-Apr-2011
  • (2009)Minimization of label usage in (G)MPLS networksProceedings of the 43rd Asilomar conference on Signals, systems and computers10.5555/1843565.1843796(1053-1057)Online publication date: 1-Nov-2009
  • (2009)Routing in all-optical label switched-based networks with small label spacesProceedings of the 13th international conference on Optical Network Design and Modeling10.5555/1688254.1688272(105-110)Online publication date: 18-Feb-2009
  • (2009)Designing hypergraph layouts to GMPLS routing strategiesProceedings of the 16th international conference on Structural Information and Communication Complexity10.1007/978-3-642-11476-2_6(57-71)Online publication date: 25-May-2009
  • (2009)MPLS Label Stacking on the Line NetworkProceedings of the 8th International IFIP-TC 6 Networking Conference10.1007/978-3-642-01399-7_63(809-820)Online publication date: 11-May-2009

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