Quality of Services in Mpls Networks: September 2020
Quality of Services in Mpls Networks: September 2020
net/publication/344510331
CITATIONS READS
0 99
1 author:
Dinu Țurcanu
Technical University of Moldova
24 PUBLICATIONS 12 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:
20.80009.5107.10. NUTRIȚIEI PERSONALIZATĂ ȘI TEHNOLOGII INTELIGENTE PENTRU BUNĂSTAREA MEA // PERSONALIZED NUTRITION AND INTELLIGENT
TECHNOLOGIES FOR MY WELL-BEING View project
All content following this page was uploaded by Dinu Țurcanu on 07 October 2020.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.3949674
UDC 621.395:004.7
Technical University of Moldova, 168, Stefan cel Mare Bd, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
*[email protected]
Abstract. As traffic networks have become increasingly complex, there has been a need to
migrate from circuits to packet-based networks. MPLS is a promising solution for the
growing number of applications that require different QoS treatments that share the same
core network. This paper elucidates the role and objectives of QoS, general aspects of
service quality in MPLS networks, implementation of MPLS TE network and its integration
with IntServ and DiffServ, MPLS QoS applications on MPLS VPNs, as well as MPLS-TP
integration with SDN, analyzing the advantages and challenges conditioned by their
integration in optimizing the quality of services.
Introduction
Communication is an indispensable element in any society. The evolution of
communication tools reached its peak with the information age and the convergence of
technologies. Convergence, which began in the mid-1980s, when there were three global
communication networks: the telephone network for audio traffic, the television network for
video traffic, and the Internet for data traffic. Also during this period it was decided to
create a common network for all types of traffic. The result of the work was the ATM
(Asynchronous Transfer Mode) protocol, which was not as successful as expected, but which
introduced a very important concept - QoS (Quality of Services). Over the last 40 years, the
concept has developed many sophisticated service quality (QoS) mechanisms to prevent the
unintended consequences of imperfect networks [1].
The logic behind the use of QoS mechanisms seems to be irrefutable, and the word quality,
with a strong positive connotation, reinforces the attractiveness of QoS. Therefore, many
communication network developers share a common view that a network with smart QoS
capabilities is better than a network without them [2].
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) can fully optimize network resources and
provide quality of service (QoS) solutions to traffic, which has become the de facto standard
for core network infrastructure. The separation between control and effective packet
forwarding introduced by MPLS (MultiProtocol Label Switching) facilitates the use of QoS
routing strategies [3, 4].
support tag allocation. The extended RSVP is called Resource Reservation Protocol-Traffic
Engineering (RSVP-TE) and allows the MPLS to control the traffic crossing path and reserve
resources during the establishment of the LSP. In this way, traffic can bypass congestion
nodes. This method of balancing network traffic is called MPLS TE. MPLS TE monitors the
path through which traffic passes, but cannot identify services. Traffic is transmitted along
the LSP, regardless of service priorities. Therefore, if the actual traffic rate exceeds the
specifications, the requirements for QoS-sensitive services are not met. Respectively, MPLS
TE alone cannot provide the guarantee [12].
MPLS and DiffServ integration. Having only MPLS-TE does not ensure the quality of
services, because MPLS-TE does not know the DiffServ classes. Therefore, DiffServ is
introduced to ensure that TE is aware of the types of applications for each traffic situation
and will be treated based on the QoS requirement. DiffServ aims to eliminate the need for
separate physical networks for different applications [9]. The DiffServ model can distinguish
services based on packet content and allows preferential transmission of high-priority
packets and is widely applied to MPLS networks, respectively. However, DiffServ reserves its
resources on only one node and cannot specify the width in advance. tape for each service.
When the traffic rate exceeds the allowable bandwidth, high-priority services are
preferentially transmitted at delayed costs and loss of low-priority service packs. In the
event of severe traffic congestion, even high-priority services are delayed or lost. Thus,
MPLS DiffServ hardly guarantees the quality of end - to - end services or may allow services
to comply with the Service Level Agreement (SLA). However, the SLA still cannot guarantee
with certainty, even after resources are deposited based on the level of applications with
properly marked traffic. Network providers are currently using over-provisioning to achieve
the goal of service guarantees, ensuring that more bandwidth is available than needed.
However, overcharging has its own cost and can only work in normal cases, without
guaranteeing success in the event of a network failure. DiffServ-TE works first by
determining the type of traffic class. The basic requirement of DiffServ-TE is to be able to
separate the bandwidth reservation for different traffic classes. This need requires the
network to always keep track of the availability of bandwidth for each type of traffic
dynamically, at a given time, on all routes and routers across the network. LSPs designed in
traffic to guarantee bandwidth in a class type are called DiffServ-TE LSPs. After classifying
the traffic, the path is calculated based on all available bandwidth per class type for all
priority levels.
Traffic is mapped to a DiffServ-TE at the correct programming queue in two ways.
The EXP bits in the MPLS header are set accordingly at the LSP E-LSP input.
The planning behavior is encoded in the sending state of the LSP tag, and the EXP
bits are used to transmit the drop preference for L-LSP traffic.
Once the traffic is mapped correctly to the LSP, it will be handled properly by DiffServ.
DiffServ provides QoS by dividing traffic into a small number of classes and allocating
class-based network resources. Theoretical research on DiffServ MPLS using the OPNET
model simulator, confirmed that DiffServ allows high-priority traffic to reach its destination
faster than low-priority traffic, while improving queue delay [2]. Meanwhile, MPLS-TE
allows the reservation and optimization of network resources. The integration of DiffServ
with TE combines the advantages of both, in which the FRR mechanism improves the
general MPLS network.
Quality of MPLS services on MPLS VPNs. The quality of VPN services combines MPLS
QoS and MPLS VPN to serve networks that have services with different priorities. VPN QoS
distinguishes services with different priorities and ensures the preferential transmission of
high priority services. This guarantees QoS for important services on VPNs. DiffServ, RSVP-
TE and MPLS VPN can be used together based on real requirements for isolating services,
distinguishing services with different priorities, providing bandwidth resources for
important services or VPNs, and transmitting packets over VPN priority packet-based MPLS-
TE tunnels or tunnels. It provides a solid technical basis for carriers to develop SLA-
compliant voice, video and VPN services.
Depending on customer requirements, MPLS VPNs can be:
Point-to-point;
Layer 2
Layer 3
MPLS Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs allow customers to have point-to-multipoint VPN
connections. The VRF consists of one or more routing tables, a derived redirection table, the
interfaces that use the redirection table, and the routing policies and protocols that
determine the entries in the redirection table. Because each instance is configured for a
particular VPN, each VPN has separate tables, rules, and policies that control its operation
[7].
With IP / MPLS, the paths between endpoints are dynamic and extremely fault-
resistant;
IP / MPLS will find a way as long as it exists, regardless of the number and locations
of network failures.
The main objective of the SDN is to allow the flexibility of network providers and to control
the flow of data through the network. At the same time, SDN ensures the programmability
and automation of configurations through a centralized control plan and open APIs.
Network operators can implement their own protocols, rules and policies with common
programming languages, gaining flexible control over network services such as routing,
traffic technology, QoS and security [14].
With SD-WAN, the benefits of SDN are no longer limited to the data center. SD-WAN
has become a concept for implementing SDN to WAN connections, as well as MPLS,
broadband internet, 4 or 5G mobile networks, etc. SD-WAN management is centralized,
using SDN to automatically determine the best route between two sites. The SD-WAN has
the ability to monitor connections and, if necessary, dynamically direct traffic to
connections with sufficient bandwidth for the application of each application. Unlike other
network connection services, SD-WANs use application-based networks, where application
traffic is transmitted through different WANs, based on priority QoS, Security and Business
policies [12]. A QoS policy can be set so that voice packets can be transmitted over any
WAN, as long as its QoS performance requirements are met (example: packet latency and
loss). SD-WAN provides security, IP-based virtual overlapping networks that can use
different coverage technology (example: dedicated Internet access, broadband Internet
(cable, DSL or PON), Internet via LTE, MPLS over T1s or MPLS without fibers). Because IP-
based SD-WANs are virtual overlap networks, there is a need to modify the coverage
network, which is open to any topology [15].
In the MPLS network the traffic is dynamic and can be managed at any time. TE
optimization on a single traffic matrix is insufficient and may have some limitations,
especially when multiple applications are redirected to the network. This is explained by
the fact that a single traffic matrix can have large measurement errors and can be the cause
of traffic fluctuations. Moreover, large-scale networks pose major challenges in securing
QoS for optimizing network management. The integration of MPLS-TE with SDN can
completely optimize the network.
The literature also presents matrix approaches with multiple traffic to solve the large
measurement errors that occur when a single traffic matrix is used. The TE / SDN network
architecture can efficiently manage and deliver QoS requirements for multiple service
traffic. The reliability of the proposed model depends on its ability to achieve high quality
VoIP and video, with acceptable delay for HTTP. A related problem in MPLS-TE is the static
bandwidth reservation mechanism of RSVP. The RSVP mechanism in the control plan
reserves the same bandwidth for each jump along the tunnel and ignores the difference in
available bandwidth of other links. This problem quickly leads to bandwidth depletion at
the congested connection even with underused connections. TE / SDN can solve this
problem by providing uneven bandwidth reserve to improve load balancing and network
resource utilization. In MPLS packets are protected by performing a tag search on the
labeling table in each LSR. Each application will have different EXP bits, and the LER input
will decide the best path based on the priority level. However, as bandwidth and complexity
increase, there will be a deficiency in MPLS tags. Label consumption is expanding rapidly,
leading to management complexity, increased operational and capital costs, latency, and
reduced performance and scalability. Therefore, some authors propose methods to solve the
problem of reducing the label space in the MPLS network using an MPLS Open-Flow hybrid
network scheme by LSP multiplexing. This goal was achieved by using tag stacking and TTL
bits to control packet switching between different LSPs. As a result, traffic with different
sources and destinations can share the same LSP, thus solving the problem of reducing the
label space with a transparent topology.
Studies have shown that congestion can occur even when TE is implemented in a
network. Therefore, further research to optimize network traffic is needed. However, SDN is
fully programmable and offers complete flexibility [16]. Despite the advantages of
separating control plans and data, as implemented in SDN or network virtualization, the
lack of a fast and reliable implementation prevents the network from growing to the
desired capabilities. To improve this, MPLS could be integrated with network virtualization,
so that the given architecture can extend the flexibility of the Internet and contribute to the
development and commercialization of network virtualization and next-generation MPLS.
As a result, the integration of MPLS with SDN could have a substantial impact on the future
of the telecommunications industries.
4. MPLS-TP
Network providers are required to renew their network infrastructure to reduce
operating costs. Currently, the circuit-based transport network is evolving towards packet-
based transport, due to the flexibility and advantage offered by packet switching
technology. To this end, MPLS-TP is currently being developed to form a basis for next-
generation packet transport networks [17, 18].
The purpose of MPLS-TP is to ensure transport functionality in MPLS, while maintaining the
existing MPLS architecture. The main requirement of MPLS-TP is to allow static LSP
creation and to provide the same features and functionality as SONET / SDH networks, such
as performance monitoring, fault detection, and delay measurement.
MPLS-TP integration with SDN. Similar to the MPLS network, MPLS-TP is integrated
with SDN to improve the flexibility and integrity of the work network by providing
programmability [19]. All work associated with the integrated SDN and MPLS-TP verifies
whether the SDN can improve the network protection feature and improve the throughput.
SDN reduces communication between operators of different network layers and can
effectively cope with the volatile nature of traffic. Moreover, using cloud computing, users
can use network resources in on-demand transport networks. By using virtual equipment,
such as the virtual router proposed in, flexibility and automatic operational control are
improved by programming, rather by using a hardware-based router.
Quality of service issues in the MPLS-TP network. Migrating from SDH to MPLS-TP
networks has its own challenges. The bandwidth and QoS offered by the current service is
no longer enough. The challenges facing service providers in moving from older SDH-based
networks to MPLS-TP networks have been analyzed, and the results indicate that the
integration of optical and packet-based networks does offer simplicity, flexibility and
scalability and improved results in backhaul networks. Moreover, with TE capabilities,
performance monitoring and QoS requirement could be improved. Providing on-demand
bandwidth also improves network QoS. Separating different services into several network
connections may seem like a cost-effective solution, but it does not meet the desired
performance and increases the complexity of management. Although MPLS-TP itself could
be well equipped with network protection schemes, traffic policies and TE, research is still
needed to serve the growing number of network traffic [20, 21].
Conclusion
As traffic networks have become increasingly complex, there has been a need to
migrate from circuits to packet-based networks. MPLS is a promising solution for the
growing number of applications that require different QoS treatments that share the same
core network.
MPLS offers one of the best technologies for dynamically managing traffic with
different SLA requirements and overcoming failure promptly to ensure that consumers can
enjoy uninterrupted services provided by their network providers.
Regarding the IP / MPLS extension, which is MPLS-TP: in such a network, important
functions from the previous MPLS network are maintained, while inefficient functions are
eliminated and improved protection functions are implemented.
Although MPLS networks can work well with sophisticated traffic engineering and
awareness of more services, there is still a need for constant improvements.
Although MPLS networks can work well with sophisticated traffic engineering and
awareness of more services, there is still a need for constant improvements. Based on
current issues and research trends, the most common issue is protection, which is the main
concern of every network. Protection research is still in progress.
References
1. Dawit H., H. Gebrehiwet., Lema Berihu G., Gebrehaweria Samrawit H. Kebede. Quality of Service (QoS)
improving schemes in optical networks Disponibil: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03772
www.elsevier.com/locate/heliyon.
2. Kalevi K., Benjamin F. In Search of Lost QoS Kalevi Kilkki & Benjamin Finley , 2017.
3. NE40E V800R010C00 Feature Description - qos 01. Disponibil:
https://support.huawei.com/enterprise/en/doc/EDOC1100027157?section=j001&topicName=about-this-
document.
4. RIDWAN, M., RADZI, N., et al. Recent trends in MPLS Networks: Technologies, Applications and Challenges
Submission Template for IET Research Journal Papers , 2019. Disponibil:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336921772.
5. Servizi Multimediali e Qualità del Servizio (QdS) su IP. [accesat 03.08.2020]. Disponibil:
http://www.reti.dist.unige.it/telematica/PDF_Tel2no/L1_4_MPLS_10_6bw.pdf.
6. Badach A. MPLS Multiprotocol Label Switching, 2019 Disponibil:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335207402.
7. Tsurcanu D., Nistiriuk P., et al. MPLS Network Hardware Reliability. 2007 17th International Crimean
Conference - Microwave & Telecommunication Technology. Disponibil:
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4368711.
8. Kamlesh K., Rabnawaz S., et al. Implementation of Multiprotocol Label Switching VPN over IPv6 IJCSNS
International Journal of Computer Science and Network Security, VOL.19 No.12, December 2019.
Disponibil: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340267128.
9. Jferdous J. The Basic Concept of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), 2019 Disponibil:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337631671.
10. Kamlesh K., Soothar R., et.al. Implementation of Multiprotocol Label Switching VPN over IPv6 IJCSNS
International Journal of Computer Science and Network Security, VOL.19 No.12, December 2019.
11. Mauro M., Liotta A. An experimental evaluation and characterization of VoIP over an LTE-A network, mai
2020. Disponibil: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341540208.
12. Seremet I., Causevi , S. Advancing IP/MPLS with Software Defined Network in Wide Area Network. In.
Research gate , septembre 2019.
13. Ananthi N., Kousalya A., et.al. Implementation of Traffic Engineering in MPLS Network by Creating TE
Tunnels using Resource Reservation Protocol and Load Balancing the Traffic International Journal of
Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) ISSN: 2278-0181 RTICCT – 2019. Conference Proceedings,
2019