Archived Newsroom • Press Release |
|
ITU satisfies market demand for carrier class MPLS standard
Network operators given cost-effective
management solution
Geneva, 28 February 2011 – In a big step towards leveraging existing MPLS (Multiprotocol Label
Switching) deployment in transport networks, ITU has agreed first stage approval
of a key new standard. The ITU-T standard will give network operators the tools
necessary to manage large scale deployments of MPLS-based networks. Network
operators will now have a choice of OAM (operations, administration and
maintenance) tools to best meet their specific transport network requirements.
These OAM tools in the hands of network operators will, in particular, allow
quick detection of defects and fault isolation.
MPLS is widely embraced in backbone networks as a way to speed up
routers. The OAM tools in the ITU-T standard are based on technology proven in
carrier grade Ethernet services and legacy transport networks, making it easier
for operators to upgrade. In addition to reducing labour costs, network
operators will see significantly reduced capital expenditure (CAPEX) costs given
that the standard allows for more efficient allocation of bandwidth.
Operators are increasingly looking to MPLS as an end-to-end technology,
given its inherent flexibility and support for IP-based applications. The
decision was taken together with first stage approval of another standard
providing network architecture for MPLS-TP based networks.
Dr Hamadoun Touré, ITU Secretary-General, said: “ITU collaborates and
coordinates, in good faith and on the basis of reciprocity, with other relevant
organizations in the development of IP networks to ensure maximum benefits to
the global community. This is in accordance with the decisions of the 2010 ITU
Plenipotentiary Conference. However, this should not lead to a situation where
the ITU fails to deliver on its commitments to its own membership. Much effort
was made to reach a compromise during last week’s Study Group 15 (SG15) meeting,
but the decision was taken very exceptionally by vote, since all attempts at
compromise had failed.”
ITU-T SG15 began working on transport profiles for MPLS technology
suitable for use in the network layer of transport networks more than three
years ago. A joint working team (JWT) was set up to allow Internet Engineering
Taskforce (IETF) and ITU experts to work together to avoid divergent work
streams. Specifically, it was expected that this group would provide the
necessary protocol extensions for ITU’s specifications to work in an MPLS
environment. IETF committed to provide its contribution by the second quarter of
2009. However this crucial technical input was not provided and the IETF’s
MPLS-TP Interoperability Design Team (MEAD) was unilaterally disbanded by IETF
in October 2009.
Malcolm Johnson, Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU:
“ITU is a consensus based organization and voting is always a last resort. In
this case it was clear that a significant part of our membership could not
accept any further delay in pursuing a solution that will give them the ability
to address a real market need. Given that there are over 100,000 MPLS-TP nodes
already in transport networks, it is essential that the corresponding OAM
toolset is standardized.”
For
more information, please contact:
Toby Johnson
Senior Communications Officer
ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau,
|
|
About ITU...