International Journal of Computer Science Issues

More than a traditional journal...

MPLS is a new technology that offers to open up the Internet by providing many additional services to applications using IP. MPLS forwards data using labels that are attached to each data packet. These labels must be distributed between the nodes that comprise the network. Many of the new services that ISPs want to offer rely on Traffic Engineering functions. There are currently two label distribution protocols that provide support for Traffic Engineering: Resource ReSerVation Protocol (RSVP) and Constraint-based Routed Label Distribution Protocol (CR-LDP). Although the two protocols provide a similar level of service, the way they operate is different, and the detailed function they offer is also not consistent. Hardware vendors and network providers need clear information to help them decide which protocol to implement in a Traffic Engineered MPLS network. Each protocol has its champions and detractors, and the specifications are still under development. Recognizing that the choice of label distribution protocol is crucial for the success of device manufacturers and network providers; this White Paper explains the similarities and important differences between the two protocols, to help identify which protocol is the right one to use in a particular environment. Data Connection€™s DC-MPLS family of portable MPLS products offers solutions for both the RSVP and CR-LDP label distribution protocols.