PowerPoint Presentation

October, 2014MPLS Based Metro Ethernet Networks1IntroductionThis presentation outlines an overview of Traditional Metro Ethernet networks in contrast to MPLS based Metro Ethernet in a WAN environment.What is Metro Ethernet? generally defined as the network that bridges or connects geographically separated enterprise LANs while also connecting across the WAN or backbone networks that are generally owned by service providers. The Metro Ethernet Networks provide connectivity services across Metropolitan area, utilising Ethernet as the core protocol and enabling broadband applications Source: Metro Ethernet ForumWhy Metro Ethernet ? Benefits both providers and customers in numerous ways Packet traffic has now overtaken all other traffic types Need for rapid provisioning Reduced CAPEX/OPEX Increased and flexible bandwidth options Well-known interfaces and technology

3What is Metro Ethernet?[Contd]A metropolitan-area Ethernet, Ethernet MAN, or metro Ethernet network is a metropolitan area network (MAN) that is based on Ethernet standards. It is commonly used to connect subscribers to a larger service network or the Internet. Source: WikipediaWhat is Metro Ethernet?[Contd]The Metro Ethernet Forum [MEF] often describes Metro-E as Carrier Grade Ethernet NetworksThe MEF, is the defining body for Carrier Ethernet, a global industry alliance comprising more than 220 organizations including telecommunications service providers, network equipment/software manufacturers, semiconductors vendors and testing organizations.The MEFs mission is to accelerate the worldwide adoption of Carrier-class Ethernet networks and services.The Ethernet Overview

Ethernet was initially developed as a LAN standard for connecting at 10 Mbps speeds but has subsequently been upgraded to offer 100 Mbps, 1Gbps, and now 100Gbps speeds over both copper and Fibre mediums. Ethernet is one of the most significant disruptive innovations of this generationand has now evolved from Local Area Networks (LANs) to the Metro Area Network (MAN). 6Attributes of Metro/Carrier EthernetCarrier Grade Ethernet, or Carrier Ethernet, is a ubiquitous, standardized service defined by five attributes

Standardized services enable end users and service providers to co-ordinate in order to achieve data connectivity based on Carrier Ethernet between multiple end user sites as required by organizations around the globe.The key phrase is standardized service. Private line, virtual private line and multi-point to multi-point LAN services.A ubiquitous[FOUND EVERYWHERE] service providing globally & locally via standardized equipmentRequires no changes to customer LAN equipment or networks and accommodates existing network connectivity such as, time-sensitive, TDM traffic and signalingIdeally suited to converged voice, video & data networksWide choice and granularity of bandwidth and quality of service options

7Attributes of Metro/Carrier Ethernet [Contd]Scalability enables the data connectivity of any number of multiple end user sites over any distance, whether it be metro, regional, national or intercontinental using Carrier Ethernet. Scalability of bandwidth from 1Mbps to 10Gbps and beyond, in granular increments

Reliability enables end users to rely on Carrier Ethernet to run their business and mission critical applications.SCALABLITYThe ability for millions to use a network service that is ideal for the widest variety of business, information, communications and entertainment applications with voice, video and dataSpans Access & Metro to National & Global Services over a wide variety of physical infrastructures implemented by a wide range of Service ProvidersScalability of bandwidth from 1Mbps to 10Gbps and beyond, in granular incrementsRELIABLITYThe ability for the network to detect & recover from incidents without impacting users Meeting the most demanding quality and availability requirementsRapid recovery time when problems do occur, as low as 50ms

8Attributes of Metro/Carrier Ethernet [Contd]

Service management enables service providers to rollout, maintain and troubleshoot data connectivity services based on Carrier Ethernet in a cost effective and timely manner.Quality of Service enables the use of a single network to run multiple services to multiple end-users running a wide variety of applications with different bandwidth and latency requirements - all by using Carrier EthernetSERVICE MANAGEMENTThe ability to monitor, diagnose and centrally manage the network, using standards-based vendor independent implementationsCarrier-class OAMRapid service provisioning

OUALITY OF SERVICEService Level Agreements (SLAs) that deliver end-to-end performance matching the requirements for voice, video and data over converged business and residential networks

-----------------------------------------------Based on the goals of the 5 attributes and the specifications developed by the MEF, Carrier Ethernet:delivers Ethernet frames between different locations in any part of the world at speeds between 1 Mbps and at least 10 Gbps differentiates between traffic of multiple end-users running over a single networkruns over multiple types of infrastructure and transport technologiescoexists with existing Layer 2 and Layer 3 solutions while taking advantage of the huge worldwide Ethernet installed base

9Other Features of Metro-E

Metro Ethernet services can be delivered not only over traditional (native) Ethernet-based networks but can also over other transport technologies. Examples of underlying transport MPLS-based Layer 2 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) IEEE 802.1ad Provider Bridges [VLAN Stacking Q-in-Q] Ethernet over SONET/SDH [EoS]10

MSO/ Cable

COAXDirect FiberWDM FiberDS3/E3Bonded CopperBonded T1/E1

Carrier 2

TDM

EthernetEthernetEthernetEthernetEthernetEthernetEthernet

Direct FiberIEEE 802.3z, ae, G.8031, etc.SONET/ SDH

PON FiberEthernet

Ethernet

Ethernet

Ethernet over Packet Wireless

G.8032 Ethernet RingEthernet

Carrier 1UNIENNI

Carrier Ethernet Delivered over diverse protocolsFig 1: MEFs idea of Ethernet delivered via diverse protocols. then, what is MPLS?12What is MPLS?Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a mechanism in high-performance telecommunications networks that directs data from one network node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses, avoiding complex lookups in a routing table. The labels identify virtual links (paths) between distant nodes rather than endpoints. Source: Wikipedia.In computer networking and telecommunications, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a data-carrying mechanism which emulates some properties of a circuit-switched network over a packet-switched network.

MPLSIt was designed to provide a unified data-carrying service for both circuit-based clients and packet-switching clients which provide a datagram service model.

It can be used to carry many different kinds of traffic, including IP packets, as well as native ATM, SONET, and Ethernet frames.

The major players of the MPLS networks are Service Providers or Enterprise Networks.

And for me MPLS is mainly about VPNs

MPLS also supports traffic separation and the creation of virtual private networks (VPNs) virtual private LAN services (VPLS) and virtual leased lines (VLLs).

MPLS got its name because it works with the Internet Protocol (IP), Asynchronous Transport Mode (ATM) and frame relay network protocols; any of these protocols can be used to create an LSP. It was created in the late 1990s to avoid having routers waste time by having to stop and look up routing tables.

13.so, why should you care?It rides on top of an existing IGPIt can carry the following protocols:IPv4IPv6TDM Traffic ie. E1, T1, E3, DS3.ATMFrame Relay

LDP, traffic engineering, QoS

I believe is MPLS is actually popular for delivering VPNs.14

COMPANY AIBADANCOMPANY A

DEDICATED LEASED CIRCUITVPN over leased linesOREGUN, LAGOSCOMPANY AAGBARADedicated leased circuits have be found to be reliable but it doesnt scale well in terms of Cost. You need an additional physical connection between the two point in question for connection.15

VPN over the InternetCOMPANY AOREGUN, LAGOSIBADANCOMPANY ACOMPANY AAGBARABecause the internet is available everywhere VPN over the internet is another good option. With the IPSecOver GRE implementation.16

VPN with MPLS

MPLS SP

COMPANY AOREGUN, LAGOSIBADANCOMPANY ACOMPANY AAGBARADedicated leased circuits have be found to be reliable but it doesnt scale well in terms of Cost. You need an additional physical connection between the two point in question for connection.

Well the MPLS cloud is full of routers and switches similar to your enterprise network

MPLS is the protocol that the service provider runs in their cloud; the service provider runs it

MPLS VPN provides end-to-end layer-3 VPN transport over a shared IP infrastructure. Its address-agnostic (customers can use their own IP address space) and routing-protocol-agnostic (the customers can use most routing protocols supported by Cisco IOS). In a typical MPLS VPN solution, a large number of customer sites connect to a common Service Provider network (see Figure 1).

MPLS VPNS: L2 AND L3 VPNVRFVirtual routing and forwarding (VRF) is a technology included in IP (Internet Protocol) network routers that allows multiple instances of a routing table to exist in a router and work simultaneously. This increases functionality by allowing network paths to be segmented without using multiple devices.

L2 VPNS, we have Virtual Switching instancesVSIs keepMAC addressentries for a particularVPLSLayer 2 (L2) MPLS VPNs resemble avirtual circuittype service and are very effectively used by service providers in the Metro Ethernet

How MPLS does it s work?Each packet gets labelled on entry into the service provider's network (via the ingress router). All the subsequent routing switches perform packet forwarding based only on those labelsthey never look as far as the IP header. Finally, the egress router removes the label(s) and forwards the original IP packet toward its final destination. Throughout, the label determines which pre-determined path the packet will follow. The paths, which are called label-switched paths (LSPs), allow service providers to decide ahead of time what will be the best way for certain types of traffic to flow within a private or public network.

As against normal IP routing which involve IP table lookups, MPLS labels are predefined 17MPLS Routers Terminologies

PEPPEPEPEPPP

CECECECE router ( customer edge router ) P (provider) routers PE (provider edge) routers

CEA CE router ( customer edge router ) is a router located on the customer premises that provides an Ethernet interface between the customer's LAN and the provider's core network. CE routers, P (provider) routers and PE (provider edge) routers are components in an MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) architecture. Provider routers are located in the core of the provider or carrier's network. Provider edge routers sit at the edge of the network. CE routers connect to PE routers and PE routers connect to other PE routers over P routers.18MPLS Routers Terminologies contdA CE Router [Customer Edge Router] Its a router located on the customer premises that provides an interface between the customer's LAN and the provider's core network.CE routers, P (provider) routers and PE (provider edge) routers are components in an MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) architecture.

19MPLS Routers Terminologies contdPE [Provider Edge]Routers sit at the edge of the network. CE routers connect to PE routers and PE routers connect to the core. Provider edge routers sit at the edge of the network. CE routers connect to PE routers and PE routers connect to other PE routers over P routers.

An edge router in the provider network, connected to other P- or PE-routers as well as at least one CE-router.20MPLS Routers Terminologies contdThe P router [Provider Router]These are the core routers in the provider network that is not connected to any customer site. Provider routers are located in the core of the provider or carrier's network.

A CE router ( customer edge router ) is a router located on the customer premises that provides an Ethernet interface between the customer's LAN and the provider's core network.

CE routers, P (provider) routers and PE (provider edge) routers are components in an MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) architecture.

Provider routers are located in the core of the provider or carrier's network. Provider edge routers sit at the edge of the network. CE routers connect to PE routers and PE routers connect to other PE routers over P routers.21Traditional Metro Ethernet NetworksTraditional methods of Ethernet delivery:

Services identified by VLAN IDs/physical ports VLAN IDs globally significantResiliency provided using variants of the Spanning Tree Protocol (but could be a whole lot of problems sometimes)

Ethernet switching/bridging networks First generation was based on IEEE 802.1q switches One obvious limitation was the VLAN ID space the 12-bit VLAN ID allows a maximum of 4094 VLANs (VLANs 0 and 4095 are reserved). This limited the total number of services in any one switching/bridging domain. The other problem was that of customer VLAN usage customers could not carry tagged traffic transparently across the network

Some important observations about Q-in-Q: it simply results in the addition of a second tag to the customer Ethernet frame, allowing any customer VLAN tags to be preserved across the network

There is no change to the customer destination or source MAC addresses

The number of distinct service instances within each Provider Bridging domain is still limited by the S-VLAN ID space i.e. 4094 S-VLANs. The difference is that customer VLANs can now be preserved and carried transparently across the provider network.

Scalability IEEE 802.1q/802.1ad networks run into scalability limitations in terms of the number of supported services

Resiliency provided using variants of the Spanning Tree Protocol (but could be a whole lot of problems)High Availability is difficult to achieve in traditional Metro Ethernet networks.

Flex Links are a pair of a Layer 2 interfaces (ports or port channels), where one interface is configured to act as a backup to the other. Flex Links are typically configured in service-provider or enterprise networks where customers do not want to run STP. Flex Links provide link-level redundancy that is an alternative to Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). STP is automatically disabled on Flex Links interfaces.22Delivering Ethernet Over MPLS MPLS Layer 2 VPN is known by another name as Virtual Private LAN Service [VPLS].

It creates a Layer 2 broadcast domain that is fully capable of learning and forwarding on Ethernet MAC addresses and that is closed to a given set of users. MPLSL2VPN Brief OverviewMPLS Attributes Convergence: From MPLS over everything to Everything over MPLS ! One network, multiple services Excellent virtualisation capabilities Todays MPLS network can transport IP, ATM, Frame Relay and even TDM ! Scalability MPLS is used in some of the largest service provider networks in the world

Its like an private LAN segment for a given set of users.

23Delivering Ethernet Over MPLS Contd Ethernet delivery over MPLS:

Services identified with the use of Labels in the SP cloudThe Labels are just IDs and are locally significantResiliency is also by redundant uplinks. [No spanning tree]MPLS Attributes Convergence: From MPLS over everything to Everything over MPLS ! One network, multiple services Excellent virtualisation capabilities Todays MPLS network can transport IP, ATM, Frame Relay and even TDM ! Scalability MPLS is used in some of the largest service provider networks in the world

hence no limitation with customer provisioning as against the use of VLANsResiliency is also by redundant uplinksBut no spanning tree involved, it can heal in miliseconds in an event of failure

The primary motivation behind VPLS is to provide connectivity between geographically dispersed customer sites across MANs and WANs, as if they were connected using a LAN.

24MPLSL2VPNs [VPLS] Benefits Benefits for the customer: Simplicity Behaves like an Ethernet switch in the SP cloud No routing interaction with the provider Clear demarcation between subscriber and provider Scalable Provider configures site connectivity only HierarchyMPLS Attributes Convergence: From MPLS over everything to Everything over MPLS ! One network, multiple services Excellent virtualisation capabilities Todays MPLS network can transport IP, ATM, Frame Relay and even TDM ! Scalability MPLS is used in some of the largest service provider networks in the world

25SummaryEthernet Services are in a period of tremendous growth with great revenue potential for service providers

The Metro Ethernet Forum has standardised Ethernet services and continues to enhance specifications26Summary contdTraditional forms of Ethernet delivery are no longer suitable for the delivery of carrier-grade Ethernet services

MPLS provides a proven platform for the delivery of scalable, flexible, feature-rich Ethernet services using the same infrastructure used to deliver other MPLS-based services

27Questions?Other ReferencesAsia Pacific Regional Internet Conference on Operational Technologies [APRICOT]Alcatel Lucent MPLS presentation 2012 By Paresh Khatri

Cisco Solutions

The MetroEthernet Forum

PresentersDavid Olayinka Mosaku

Monday AlikuThank You