Integrated network management system for MPLS-based networks

We architect an integrated network management system for Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) based network. The system provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) front-end that can graphically display the topology and emulate an MPLS network. It allows the network manager to emulate Labeled Switched Paths (LSPs) before requesting MPLS signaling to actually set it up. A modified constraint-based routing algorithm is introduced that calculates alternate paths so that redundancy can be accomplished. In addition to the emulator, the system interacts directly with the routing component of the router. We provide a unique set of programming interfaces that directly accesses the Open Shortest Path First algorithm with Traffic Engineering (OSPF-TE) database to update the topology regularly. These unique interfaces are architected in such a way that they are router invariant and any third party routers can use them. In addition, the system provides a network management entity based on Command Line Interface (CLI) and web through which MPLS signaling modules such as with Resource Reservation Protocol with Traffic Engineering (RSVP-TE) can be directly invoked to set up a LSP. This novel method allows the network administrators to make intelligent decisions outside the router and send LSP set up commands only when they are sure about the network paths and their availability. This also empowers the network administrators to emulate and choose certain paths over others and to incorporate fault-tolerance and congestion management. Finally, we conduct performance analysis of this architecture and show that the overhead due to external calculation of LSPs are very minimal and do not add additional overhead to router resources.