An efficient and flexible MPLS signaling framework for mobile networks

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) has gained momentum in recent years as an effective tool to provide Quality of Service (QoS) in a variety of networks. This has in turn created active interest in the area of recovery in MPLS based networks. A number of recovery schemes for MPLS domains have been proposed in recent years. However, the current schemes lack support for recovery in dynamic network topologies. In this paper, a new flexible signaling protocol for LSP rerouting in dynamic network environments is introduced. The signaling protocol recovers from node and link failures reactively, taking a local approach to LSP reestablishment. The performance of the signaling protocol is evaluated through simulations. Results indicate that the protocol can effectively and efficiently handle rerouting in dynamic networks with a low protocol signaling overhead as compared to contemporary MPLS rerouting protocols. This would enable the MPLS based IP-QoS support mechanisms to extend to dynamic network topologies. A preliminary version of this work was presented at the 2004 IEEE International Conference on Communications, Paris. Ramprasad Nagarajan has received his B.E. degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from Pune University, India in 1999. He received his M.S. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH in 2004. Currently, he is a Wireless Network Engineer in Nortel Networks, specializing in the area of network architecture and design of wireless packet core networks. Ramprasad’s current research interests include the study of wireless network evolution trends, next generation wireless networks, network capacity planning, performance analysis, and optimization. He is a member of the IEEE. Eylem Ekici has received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Engineering from Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey, in 1997 and 1998, respectively. He received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, in 2002. Currently, he is an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. Dr. Ekici’s current research interests include wireless sensor networks, vehicular communication systems, next generation wireless systems, and space-based networks, with a focus on routing and medium access control protocols, resource management, and analysis of network architectures and protocols. He also conducts research on interfacing of dissimilar networks.