Massive growth in traffic is driving the need for a multi-layer control plane (MLCP) to provide lower costs and increased availability. A MLCP uses protocols like GMPLS across multiple network layers, including MPLS, TDM, and WDM. It allows carriers to independently control each layer as needed. An MLCP features a centralized controller that provisions paths and routes traffic across all layers. Moving the control plane to cloud-based hardware could further reduce costs while improving integration with existing OSS systems and enabling advanced functions like a path computation element.

1. Multi-Layer Control Plane
Session:
Emerging Optimized Multi-Layer Transport Platforms: Beyond POTS & CESR
November 8, 2011
Joe Whitehouse
Metaswitch - Network Technologies
Joe.whitehouse@metaswitch.com

2. Control Plane Drivers
Massive growth in traffic
• Shift to unpredictable traffic patterns Cisco VNI
• Lower CAPEX/OPEX
• Increased availability requirements
• Network layer consolidation
• OSS integration
2009-14 Mobile data traffic 2014: 60% of mobile traffic will be video
2012: 1B mobile broadband connections Cisco VNI
Pyramid 108% CAGR Cisco VNI
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3. Multi-Layer Control Plane
• Multiple layers can include
• MPLS-TP transport service sublayer
• MPLS-TP transport sublayer
• TDM layer (ODU)
• WDM layer (OCh)
• Carriers use only the layers needed
• GMPLS is common
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4. Multi-Layer Control Plane
Source: OIF
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5. Inside a Multi-Layer Control Plane
Induced Paths Automatic
LSP
Configured LSP
Paths Provisioning
Controller
Route
Selection
MPLS MPLS
Signaling
Transit MPLSMPLS Signaling
MPLS
Signaling Routing
Signaling
Paths Signaling
Layer N
Layer N
Multi Layer Switch Fabric
Switch Link
Packet
Programmin Managemen OAM
Forwarding
g t
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6. Inside a Multi-Layer Control Plane
Induced Paths Automatic
Requirements Configured
LSP
LSP
Paths Provisioning
Controller
• Standards
Compliant Route
Selection
• Generalized
• Packet
• Optical
• OTN MPLS MPLS
Signaling
Transit MPLSMPLS Signaling
MPLS
• Extensible Paths
Signaling
Signaling
Routing
Signaling
Layer N
• ENNI 2.0 Layer N
• UNI 2.0
• OTN
Multi Layer Switch Fabric
• Architecture
Switch Link
• Clean Programmin
Packet
Managemen OAM
Forwarding
• Modular g t
• Flexible
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7. Trend: Control Plane in the Cloud
Management
Plane
Open Interface
Proprietary Interfaces
PCE
Control
Plane
PCE Interface
Data
Plane
PCE = Path Computation Element
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8. Trend: Control Plane in the Cloud
• Reduced cost with COTS hardware
• Significant savings on server CAPEX & OPEX (eg power)
• Open architecture
• Simplifies control plane upgrades
• Merge control plane with incumbent OSS systems
• Key requirement for tier 1 service providers
• Eases the migration for transport groups from mgmt to control
plane model
• Centralized control for complex tasks
• Multi-layer control plane
• Lambda & OTN OCh routing
• Accelerated feature development cycle
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9. Multi-Layer Control Plane Summary
• MLCP in high demand
• MLCP protocol components
• Clean, modular, flexible
• MLCP innovation
• OTN
• Control Plane in the Cloud
• Path Computation Element (PCE)
• OpenFlow (potential)
• MLCP becoming a reality
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