MPLS: the magic behind the myths [multiprotocol label switching]
IEEE Communications Magazine
IEEE Communications Magazine
| Hi-index | 0.00 |
Optimal control is a possible approach to Internet traffic engineering, which aims to achieve QoS guarantees and efficiency in network resources use. The goal can be better achieved by using the Multi-Protocol Label Switching technique (MPLS), which provides increased scalability, manageability and enhanced QoS functions in IP-based networks. In this context, this paper proposes a method to find the optimal capacity provisioning for a Label Switched Path (LSP) of a MPLS network. The optimal capacity allocation for a given time interval is computed with respect to a quadratic cost function including a switching cost and a management cost for the whole network. The unique optimal solution is analytically computed assuming the knowledge of the offered traffic for the whole control interval. Furthermore, a sub-optimal on line solution is proposed which only requires the knowledge of a narrow sliding window of the offered traffic. Optimal and sub-optimal solutions are compared with respect to a simulated case study, enlightening the simplicity and, at the same time, the effectiveness of the second one.