This thesis proposes a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS)-based architecture to provide quality of service (QoS) for both internet service provider (ISP) networks and backbone Internet Protocol (IP) networks that are heterogeneous in nature. Heterogeneous networks are present due to the use of different link-layer mechanisms in the current Internet. Copper-based links, fiber-based links, and wireless links are some examples of different physical media that lead to different link-layer mechanisms. The proposed architecture uses generalized MPLS and other MPLS features to combat heterogeneity. The proposed architecture leverages the QoS capabilities of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and the scalability advantages of the IP differentiated services (DiffServ) architecture. This architecture is constructed in such a way that MPLS interacts with DiffServ in the backbone networks while performing ATM-like QoS enforcement in the periphery of the networks. The architecture supports traffic engineering through MPLS explicit paths. MPLS network management, bandwidth broker capabilities, and customizability is handled through domain specific MPLS management entities that use the Common Open Policy Service (COPS) protocol to interact with other MPLS entities like MPLS label switch routers and label edge routers. The thesis provides a description of MPLS and QoS, followed by a discussion of the motivation for a new architecture. The MPLS-based architecture is then discussed and compared against similar architectures. To integrate the ATM and DiffServ QoS attributes into this architecture, MPLS signaling protocols are used. There are two common MPLS signaling protocols. They are Resource Reservation Protocol with traffic engineering extensions (RSVP-TE) and Constraint-Routed Label Distribution Protocol (CR-LDP). Both these protocols offer comparative MPLS features for constraint routed label switch path construction, maintenance, and termination. RSVP-TE uses UDP and IP, while CR-LDP uses TCP. This architecture proposes a multi-level domain of operation where CR-LDP operates in internet service provider (ISP) networks and RSVP- TE operates in backbone networks along with DiffServ. Qualitative analysis for this choice of domain of operation of the signaling protocols is then presented. Quantitative analysis through simulation demonstrates the advantages of combining DiffServ and MPLS in the backbone. The simulation setup compares the network performance in handling mixed ill-behaved and well-behaved traffic in the same link, with different levels of DiffServ and MPLS integration in the network. The simulation results demonstrate the advantages of integrating the QoS features of DiffServ, ATM functionality, and MPLS into a single architecture. / Master of Science

La majorité des grands opérateurs utilise la technologie MPLS pour gérer leur réseau via des protocoles de signalisation et de distributions de labels. Or, ces protocoles sont complexes à déployer, à maintenir et la résolution des pannes est souvent très difficile. L'IETF a initié la standardisation d'une architecture de routage par segments (Segment Routing) s'appuyant sur un plan de contrôle simple, léger, facile à gérer et instanciée sur MPLS ou IPv6. Cette architecture repose sur le concept de routage à la source, dans lequel l'en-tête des paquets transporte les indications du chemin à suivre pour atteindre sa destination. Adapté aux cas d'usages simples et offrant nativement une résistance aux pannes, les cas d'usages plus complexes exigent de résoudre des verrous technologiques pour lesquels nous proposons plusieurs solutions. Dans cette thèse effectuée au sein d'Orange Labs, nous nous sommes intéressés à l'instanciation de l'architecture Segment Routing sur le plan de transfert MPLS et plus particulièrement à l'ingénierie de trafic, notamment avec réservation de ressources. Nous avons proposé des solutions aux problèmes liés à la limitation matérielle des routeurs actuels ne permettant pas l'expression de tous les chemins contraints. Ce travail est divisé en deux parties : (i) la proposition d'algorithmes de calcul et d'encodage de chemins de routage par segment afin de contourner les limitations matérielles. (ii) la définition des exigences architecturales et la construction d'une preuve de concept fonctionnelle. Enfin, cette thèse propose de nouvelles pistes d'études afin de consolider les outils d'ingénierie de trafic pour le routage par segment. / Most major operators use MPLS technology to manage their network via signalling and label distribution protocols. However, these protocols are complex to deploy, maintain and troubleshooting is often very difficult. The IETF has initiated the standardization of a segment routing architecture based on a simple control plane, lightweight, easyto-manage and instantiated on MPLS or IPv6. This architecture is based on the concept of source routing, in which the packet header carries the indications of the path to follow to reach its destination. Suitable for simple use cases and natively resistant to failure, more complex use cases require the resolution of technological issues for which we offer several solutions.In this thesis carried out within Orange Labs, we were interested in the instantiation of the Segment Routing architecture on the MPLS transfer plan and more particularly in traffic engineering, particularly with resource reservation. We have proposed solutions to the problems related to the hardware limitation of current routers that do not allow the expression of all constrained paths. This work is divided into two parts : (i) the proposal of algorithms for computing and encoding segment routing paths in order to bypass hardware limitations. (ii) the definition of architectural requirements and the construction of a functional proof of concept. Finally, this thesis proposes new research issues to consolidate traffic engineering tools for segment routing.

Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) emerged as a suitable solution to optimization of Internet Protocol (IP) networks. It improves network efficiency, utilization of resources and resilience in packet switched networks. With MPLS, packet forwarding decisions are made based on label inspection rather than packet header information. While MPLS is native to packet switched networks, Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS) extends MPLS functionality to networks that support non-packet switched domains such as time, lambda and fiber. GMPLS also offers better resource management through the use of a new protocol; Link Management Protocol (LMP). In this work, a performance evaluation of GMPLS and MPLS control plane signaling protocols was performed. Further, a control plane interworking model for MPLS and GMPLS networks was proposed. Simulations were carried out to examine the performance of signaling protocols in an MPLS network configured with, and without Quality-of-Service (QoS). Conclusions on the performance characteristics of each signaling protocol were made based on the collected results.

GMPLS is a still developing protocol family which is indented to assume the role of a control plane in transport networks. GMPLS is designed to provide traffic engineering in transport networks composed of different network technologies such as wavelength switched optical networks, Ethernet networks, point-to-point microwave links, etc. Integrating the different network technologies while using label switched paths to provide traffic engineering poses a challenge. The purpose of integrating multiple technologies under a single GMPLS control plane is to enable rapid service provisioning and efficient traffic engineering. Traffic engineering in networks provides two primary advantages, network resource utilization optimization and the ability to provide Quality of Service. Utilizing network resources more efficiently translates to lower expenditures for the network provider. Quality of Service can be used to provide the customer with for example guaranteed minimum bandwidth packet services. Specifically this thesis focused on the problems of signaling and establishing Forward Adjacency Label Switched Paths (FA-LSPs), and on a experimental method of connecting different network technologies. A testbed integrating an Ethernet network and a wave length division multiplexing network was used to show that the proposed solutions can work in practice. / GMPLS består av en samling protokoll under utveckling, de är tänkta att anta rollen som kontrollplan i transportnätverk. GMPLS är designat för att tillhandahålla trafikplanering i transportnätverk bestående av flera olika nätverksteknologier såsom Ethernet, våglängds switchande nätverk m.fl. Integration av dessa olika nätverksteknologier under ett gemensamt kontrollplan och uppsättning av ”label switched paths” i dataplanet är en utmaning. Syftet med att integrera multipla teknologier under ett ensamt GMPLS kontroll plan är att snabbt kunna tillhandahålla tjänster över nätverket samt möjliggöra advancerad trafikplanering. Trafikplanering i nätverk ger två stora fördelar, optimering av utnyttjandet av nätverksresurser samt ökade möjligheter att erbjuda ”Quality of Service” till kunder. Bättre utnyttjande av nätverksresurser innebär lägre kostnader för nätverksleverantören medans ”Quality of Service” kan ge kunden t.ex. en garanterad bandbredd. Specifikt fokuserar denna avhandling på problemen med att signalera och etablera ”Forwarding Adjaceny Label Switched Paths” samt en experimentell metod som båda sammankopplar olika typer av nätverk. En testbed bestående av ett Ethernet nätverk samt ett optiskt våglängdsswitchande nätverk användes för att visa att lösningarna kan fungera i praktiken.

In this study, possible applications of label switching in large area, fully optical networks are investigated. The objective was to design a label assignment method by using Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) concept to get an efficient optical network operation. In order to fulfill this objective, two new approaches were proposed: a label assignment method and a concatenated label structure. Label assignment method was designed to provide an efficient utilization of resources. Concatenated label structure aimed handling the label in optical domain. Mainly, the lambda switch capable GMPLS networks were investigated. In order to verify the performance of label assignment method, a simulator was developed. The results of simulation have clearly indicated that the proposed approaches could be beneficial in an optical network operation.

Les réseaux optiques dynamiques et flexibles font partie des scénarios d'évolution des réseaux de transport optique. Ceux-ci formeront la base de la nouvelle génération des réseaux optiques de demain et permettront le déploiement efficace des services tel que le Cloud Computing. Cette évolution est destinée à apporter flexibilité et automatisation à la couche optique, mais s'accompagne d'une complexité supplémentaire, notamment au niveau de la gestion et de la commande de cette toute nouvelle génération de réseau. Jusqu'à récemment, les protocoles de routage et de signalisation normalisés ont pris en compte plusieurs paramètres physiques tels que l'information spectrale de la bande passante, le format de modulation, et la régénération optique. Cependant, d'autres paramètres sont encore nécessaires (par exemple, les puissances optiques des liens, le gain des amplificateurs) afin de faire fonctionner efficacement de grands réseaux. Dans ce contexte, il y a un besoin d'étudier les réseaux optiques existants ainsi que les différentes méthodes de prise en compte de la couche photonique dans le plan de contrôle. Le but est d'avoir un réseau optique automatique, flexible et programmable, mais surtout efficace de point de vue économique et opérationnel. L'utilisation de la technologie à grille flexible a un impact sur les réseaux optiques existants, où presque tous les équipements devront être remplacés, ce qui entraînera un coût additionnel pour les opérateurs. Dans ce travail, nous étudions les réseaux optiques actuels et évaluons l'impact de la flexibilité sur les infrastructures existantes. Ensuite, nous identifions plusieurs paramètres optiques à contrôler et proposons des extensions protocolaires afin d'intégrer ces paramètres dans un plan de contrôle GMPLS. De plus, nous développons les algorithmes de routage et de signalisation qui permettent la mise en œuvre d'un plan de contrôle efficace qui répond au besoin de la flexibilité. Enfin, l'ensemble de nos propositions et de nos solutions sont évaluées sur plusieurs topologies réseaux avec des modèles de trafic différents dans le but de valider leur pertinence. / Dynamic and flexible optical networks are among the evolution scenarios of the optical transport networks. These form the basis of the new generation of optical networks of tomorrow and enable the effective deployment of services such as cloud computing. This evolution is intended to provide flexibility and automation to the optical layer. However, it results in additional complexity, particularly in terms of the management and control of this new network generation. Until recently, the standardized routing and signaling protocols have been taking into account several optical parameters like the spectral bandwidth information, modulation format, and optical regeneration. However, other parameters (e.g., link optical powers, gain of optical amplifiers) are still required in order to efficiently operate large optical networks. In this context, there is a need to study the existing optical networks and the different integration methods of the photonic layer in a control plane. The goal is to get an automatic optical network that is flexible, programmable, and at the same time efficient from an economical and operational perspective. The use of flexible grid technology has an impact on existing optical networks, where almost all the equipment must be replaced, resulting in an additional cost to network operators. In this work, we study the current optical networks and evaluate the impact of flexibility on the existing infrastructures. Then, we identify several physical parameters to be controlled and propose protocol extensions in order to integrate these parameters in the GMPLS control plane. In addition, we develop the routing and signaling algorithms that allow the implementation of an efficient control plane that addresses the need for flexibility. Finally, the set of our proposals and solutions are evaluated on multiple network topologies with different traffic patterns in order to validate their relevance.

This thesis aims to improve a satellite communication network which carries both data streams and Voice over IP (VoIP) communication sessions with resource reservation. The resource reservations are made using the standard protocols for Traffic Engineering: MPLS-TE and RSVP-TE. The goal of this thesis project is to optimize the number of concurrent VoIP calls that can be made, in order to use the available bandwidth while maintaining a guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) level, which is not possible in the existing system. This thesis proposes and evaluates a solution to this optimization problem in the specific context of a satellite modem system that was developed by Thales Communications. This optimization improves the system's ability to carry VoIP communications through better use of the available transmission resources. A solution to this problem would also increase the  exibility in bandwidth allocation within the modem system, and could provide a framework for future development. The proposed solution allows all of the reservable bandwidth to be used.  The amount of reservable bandwidth must be at least a little lower than the channel's available bandwidth in order to avoid congestion. Some areas of future work are proposed. / Detta projekt har försökt förbättra ett datornätverk bestående av satelliter som används till både data och Voice over IP (VoIP) kommunikation. VoIP använder sig av resursreservation som bestäms av standardprotokollen för Traffic Engineering, MPLS-TE och RSVP-TE.  Målet är att optimera antalet samtidiga VoIP samtal så att det mesta av den befintliga bandbredden kan utnyttjas samtidigt som Quality of Service (QoS) kan garanteras. Detta är omöjligt i det befintliga systemet. Projektet föreslår en lösning för problemet med modemet som utvecklas av Thales Communications och utvärderar därefter lösningen. Dessa optimeringar förbättrar systemets förmåga att driva VoIP kommunikationer genom att bättre använda de befintliga resurserna. En lösning för det här problemet skulle höja systemets flexibilitet och kunna användas som underlag för kommande utvecklingar. Tack vare lösningen kan hela utsedda bandbredden reserveras. Antalet bandbredd som kan reserveras måsta vara minst lite lågre än total befintling bandbredd för att undvika överbelastning. även några möjliga ideer för vidare undersökning föreslås. / Ce projet a pour but d'améliorer un réseau de communication par satellite utilisé pour transporter des flux de données ainsi que des sessions de communication Voix sur IP (VoIP) avec réservation de ressources. Les réservations sont prises en charge par les protocoles standard de Traffic Engineering que sont MPLS-TE et RSVP-TE. L'objectif de ce projet est d'optimiser le nombre d'appels VoIP pouvant être passés en parallèle afin d'utiliser autant de bande passante que possible tout en offrant un niveau de Qualité de Service (QoS) garanti, chose impossible dans le système actuel. Ce rapport propose et évalue une solution à ce problème d'optimisation dans le contexte spécifique du modem satellite développé par Thales Communications. Ces optimisations amélioreraient la capacité du système à transporter des communications VoIP grâce à une meilleure utilisation des ressources disponibles pour la transmission. Une solution à ce problème rendrait aussi l'allocation de ressources plus flexible au sein du système, et pourrait fournir une base à de futurs développements. La solution proposée permet l'utilisation de toute la bande passante réservable. La quantité réservable doit être un peu inférieure à la bande passante totale disponible afin d'éviter la congestion. Les résultats de ces évaluations sont exposés. Enfin, ce rapport propose de futurs développements possibles.

In the modern era there exist applications that require very high resources and generate a tremendous amount of traffic so they require considerable amount of bandwidth and QOS to operate and perform correctly. MPLS is a new and a fast technology that offers much remuneration both in terms of providing trouble-free and efficient security together with the high speed of switching. MPLS not only guarantees quality of service of IP networks but in addition to provides scope for traffic engineering it offers many enhanced features of IP networks as it does not replace IP routing, but works along with existing and future routing technologies to provide high-speed data forwarding between label-switched routers (LSRs) together with QOS. Many network carriers are facing the problem of how to accommodate such ever-growing demands for bandwidth. And the static nature of current routing algorithms, such as OSPF or IS-IS, the situation is going even worse since the traffic is concentrated on the "least cost" paths which causes the congestion for some links while leaving other links lightly loaded. Therefore, MPLS traffic engineering is proposed and by taking advantage of MPLS, traffic engineering can route the packets through explicit paths to optimize network resource utilization and traffic performance. MPLS provides a robust quality of service control feature in the internet. MPLS class of service feature can work in accordance with other quality of service architectures for IP networks.

In recent years, IP based end-to-end services have grown in popularity. Efficiently meeting the user demand for such services, different techniques for traffic engineering transport networks have been developed. One such technique, currently being developed for multilayered networks, is Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS). GMPLS is a necessary networking technique because provisioning end-to-end services will today, and in the foreseeable future, very likely require the co-operation of multiple network layers. Here, the readiness of GMPLS for optical networks is investigated by reviewing the current support for optical networking components in the GMPLS standard documents. Based on this investigation, a candidate solution for routing and constraint-based path computation in optical network segments has been derived. This candidate solution is shown to efficiently handle the additional attributes and constraints inherent in optical networking components. / De senaste åren har IP-baserade tjänster ökat i popularitet. För att effektivt möta de användarkrav som ställs på sådana tjänster har olika tekniker för att styra transportnätverk utvecklats. En sådan teknik, nu under utveckling för multi-lagrade nätverk, är GMPLS. GMPLS är en nödvändig nätverksteknik eftersom tillhandahållandet av sluttjänster mellan olika användare idag, och inom en överskådlig framtid, mycket sannolikt kommer att kräva samarbete mellan flera nätverkslager. Här undersöks GMPLS färdighet i optiska nätverk genom att se över det nuvarande stödet för optiska nätverkskomponenter i GMPLS standarddokument. Baserat på denna undersökning har en kandidatlösning för routing och begränsad vägberäkning i optiska nätverkssegment tagits fram. Denna kandidatlösning visas effektivt hantera de ytterligare attribut och restriktioner som existerar i optiska nätverkskomponenter.