Research On SUPANET-MPLS Network Inter-Working

In the fields of the next generation computer network, the heterogeneity of networks has arisen due to several reasons. The studies on inter-connection, inter-working, inter-operation between heterogeneous networks have, therefore, attracted the extensive attention. MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) as a new switching technique for the Next Generation Network is currently a popular research topic. MPLS is a new kind of technology which conducts data transmission and switch at the open communication network by using fixed label. MPLS technology have developed with high speed because of its high efficiency and unprecedented features since 1977. A label is associated with a Forward Equivalence Class (FEC) expecting underneath layers to ensure. In other words, MPLS alone does not add many credits to QoS provisioning. For the very reason, SC-Netcom Lab (Sichuan Network Communication Technology Laboratory) has introduced the Single User-data transfer & switching Platform Architecture Network (SUPANET). The SUPANET simplifies User-data transfer & switching platform (U-platform) into a single physical layer platform by adopting the out-band signaling concept, while keeps existing protocol stacks of Internet in the Signaling & Management platform (S&M-platform) to enable interoperation with Internet. The key technique enabling the single U-platform is called EPFTS (Ethernet-oriented Physical Frame Timeslot Switching). SUPANET provides multimedia traffic with a QoS-insured, connection-oriented transmission service.While there is a certain QoS provisioning problem about MPLS, but as the very important technology in the Next Generation Networks, MPLS plays an important role in the scope of technical and commercial markets. SUPANET as the next generation of advanced network technology can technically solve the MPLS problems. However, the next generation network architecture research is a long-term process of exploring. The research of SUPANET and EPFTS is still in the early stage, and there also needs a certain amount of time like MPLS in the practical application and product development. As full consideration for the protection of investment in wide-area networks, we study and SUPANET and MPLS interworking technology, this will be more easily and smoothly transiting from MPLS to SUPANET.This paper presents the SUPANET and MPLS inter-working and the basic idea is: using the out-of-band signaling characteristics, the half-gateway creates a label and virtual line identifiers mapping table at the edge of SUPANET and MPLS domain. when MPLS frame arrived SUPANET edge switches, the half-gateway find the corresponding virtual connection according to the label, and MPLS frame can be directly encapsulated to EPF frame. The inter-working technology needs the support of SUPANET and MPLS signaling. In order to finish the completion of MPLS to SUPANET efficient inter-working, the signaling mainly used for the definition and exchange of information process between the SUPANET and MPLS networks.Using OPNET Modeler, The simulation of inter-working signaling mechanism based on SUPANET and MPLS is taken, in which a simple network topology structure is established to help analyze and explain the process of interworking in the SUPANET and MPLS network topology structure. It turns out that the result of simulation is in agreement with the conclusions drawn from the theoretical analysis. The validity and accurateness of the multicast signaling mechanism is verified.