What are the different MPLS traffic engineering techniques?

1 Why use MPLS traffic engineering?

MPLS traffic engineering can provide several advantages for network operators, such as increasing network efficiency by utilizing the available bandwidth more proficiently and avoiding unused links. Additionally, it can improve network resilience by providing rapid rerouting and backup paths in case of link failures or congestion. It can also support different service levels and traffic classes by applying different QoS policies and priorities to different LSPs. Furthermore, it can simplify network management by decreasing the complexity of routing protocols and configuration.

2 How does MPLS traffic engineering work?

MPLS traffic engineering works by establishing LSPs between source and destination nodes in the network, using a signaling protocol such as RSVP-TE (Resource Reservation Protocol - Traffic Engineering) or LDP-TE (Label Distribution Protocol - Traffic Engineering). These protocols allow the source node to request and reserve the resources needed for the LSP, such as bandwidth, latency, and hop count, and to receive the labels from the intermediate nodes along the path. The source node then attaches the labels to the packets and sends them to the destination node, which removes the labels and delivers the packets.

3 What are the different MPLS traffic engineering techniques?

Different techniques can be used to implement MPLS traffic engineering, depending on the network topology, traffic patterns, and performance goals. Constraint-based routing is one technique that uses a routing algorithm to find the optimal LSP for each traffic flow. This can be done either offline with a centralized controller or online with a distributed algorithm. Admission control is another technique that determines whether a new LSP request can be accepted or rejected based on the availability of network resources and the QoS requirements of the LSP. This can be done statically or dynamically. Load balancing is another technique that distributes the traffic load among multiple LSPs with the same source and destination nodes, but different paths. This can be done per-flow or per-packet. Lastly, fast rerouting provides fast recovery from link or node failures by switching the traffic to a backup LSP that has been precomputed and reserved. This can be done locally or globally.

4 How to learn MPLS traffic engineering?

MPLS traffic engineering is a complex and advanced topic that requires a solid understanding of MPLS fundamentals, routing protocols, network design, and performance analysis. To learn MPLS traffic engineering, it is important to review the basic concepts and principles of MPLS, such as label switching and label stacks. Additionally, one should study the different signaling protocols and mechanisms used to establish and manage LSPs, such as RSVP-TE and LDP-TE. Furthermore, it is essential to learn how to configure and troubleshoot MPLS traffic engineering on different network devices and platforms. Practicing MPLS traffic engineering scenarios and labs using simulation tools, such as GNS3 or EVE-NG, is also recommended. Finally, exploring the different applications and use cases of MPLS traffic engineering is important for gaining a full understanding of the subject matter.

5 What are the MPLS certification options?

If you want to validate your skills and knowledge in MPLS traffic engineering, you may consider taking one of the following certification exams. The Cisco CCNP Service Provider is a professional-level certification that covers the core technologies and services of service provider networks, including MPLS traffic engineering. To obtain this certification, you must pass two exams: SPCOR and SPRI. The Juniper JNCIP-SP is another professional-level certification that validates the ability to configure and troubleshoot service provider networks, including MPLS traffic engineering. To achieve this certification, you need to pass JN0-663. Lastly, Huawei HCIP-SP is a professional-level certification that demonstrates proficiency in building and maintaining service provider networks, including MPLS traffic engineering. To earn this certification, you must pass three exams: H12-221, H12-222, and H12-223.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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