T-MPLS

T-MPLS or Transport MPLS is a network layer technology that uses a subset of the existing MPLS standards and is designed specifically for application in transport networks. It is defined by the ITU-T in February 2006. It is designed specifically as a connection-oriented packet-switched (co-ps) application. It offers a simpler implementation by removing featuresthat are not relevant to co-ps applications and adding mechanisms that provide support of critical transport functionality.

T-MPLS uses the same architectural principles of layered networking that are used in other technologies like SDH and OTN.Service providers have already developed management processes and work procedures based on these principles.

In this way T-MPLS provides a reliable packet-based technology that is familiar and also aligned with circuit-based transport networking, it supports current organizational processes and large-scale work procedures.

T-MPLS is a low cost L2 technology that provides QoS, end-to-end OA&M and protection switching.

The following ITU-T recommendations exist for T-MPLS:

After IETF raised concerns over T-MPLS technology, mainly about incompatibility with the already established IP/MPLS, the ITU-T and the IETF started a joint activity to solve potential issues. The decision was to transfer control to IETF to develop a new MPLS profile specialized for transport (MPLS-TP) with input from ITU recommendations [cite web
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title = ITU-T/IETF interoperability issues addressed
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publisher = ITU-T Study Group 15
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url = http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/e-flash/035-may08.html#003
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accessdate = ] . A new activity was added to the charter of the MPLS working group of IETF.

References

External links

* [http://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-G/e ITU-T series G recommendations]
* [http://www.ietf.org/html.charters/mpls-charter.html IETF MPLS Charter]