How do you leverage MPLS segment routing for new applications and use cases like 5G, IoT, and edge computing?

1 5G and MPLS SR

5G is the next generation of mobile communication that promises to deliver ultra-fast, low-latency, high-capacity, and reliable connectivity for a variety of devices and applications. However, 5G also poses new demands and challenges for the underlying network infrastructure, such as supporting massive traffic volumes, diverse service requirements, dynamic network slicing, and end-to-end security. MPLS SR can help address these challenges by enabling efficient and flexible traffic engineering, path optimization, network segmentation, and policy enforcement. For example, MPLS SR can create dedicated paths for different 5G slices, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC), and apply different quality of service (QoS) and security policies to them. MPLS SR can also leverage the segment routing traffic engineering (SR-TE) and segment routing path computation element (SR-PCE) capabilities to dynamically adjust the paths based on the network conditions and service demands.

2 IoT and MPLS SR

IoT is the term that describes the network of physical objects or devices that are embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity to collect and exchange data. IoT applications can range from smart homes and cities to industrial automation and healthcare. However, IoT also introduces new challenges for the network infrastructure, such as supporting a large number and variety of devices, ensuring low-latency and reliable data transmission, and protecting the data privacy and integrity. MPLS SR can help overcome these challenges by providing a scalable and secure way to connect and manage the IoT devices and applications. For example, MPLS SR can use the segment routing header (SRH) to carry the device or application identifiers and metadata, and use the segment routing policy (SRP) to apply specific routing and forwarding actions to them. MPLS SR can also use the segment routing over IPv6 (SRv6) to enable end-to-end IPv6 connectivity and interoperability for the IoT devices and applications.

3 Edge computing and MPLS SR

Edge computing is the concept that involves moving the computation and data processing closer to the source or destination of the data, rather than relying on centralized cloud servers. Edge computing can improve the performance, latency, bandwidth, and security of the data-intensive and time-sensitive applications, such as augmented reality, video streaming, and autonomous driving. However, edge computing also requires a robust and agile network infrastructure that can support the dynamic and distributed nature of the edge nodes and applications. MPLS SR can help achieve this by enabling seamless and flexible connectivity and orchestration between the edge nodes and the core network. For example, MPLS SR can use the segment routing flexible algorithm (SR-FA) to create customized paths for different edge applications, such as latency-sensitive, bandwidth-intensive, or load-balanced. MPLS SR can also use the segment routing service programming (SR-SP) to enable service chaining and function offloading between the edge nodes and the core network.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?