We present the first step of integration and interoperation of heterogeneous IT and network services in the ldquoGrid services over Telecom networkrdquo vision, and, in particular, the linkage between Grid Service Provider and network service provider in a mono-domain configuration.

Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) has become the protocol suite of choice for unified control plane implementation. However, its adoption is facing major challenges in terms of feasibility, performance, and gain when migrating from legacy packet over optical multi-layer networks driven by overlaid control planes. The ITEA TBONES project aims at tackling both objectives through the development of a platform including all the elements constituting such networks: network dimensioning, management plane and GMPLS control plane. This paper details the control plane architecture of the TBONES software platform, including its realization and applicability for multi-area networks, as well as the Testbed. Several experiments are described, both for validation and for demonstration of its capabilities and future usage.

Generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS) is an important enabling technology for the "All-IP" vision, but raises new challenges in multilayer network operations. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the policy-based management (PBM) approach applied to GMPLS network functionality, covering both packet switching and circuit switching technologies. We propose PBM mechanisms and policies to facilitate and improve the collaboration between the management plane and the GMPLS control plane, for the purpose of efficient GMPLS TE and service provisioning. We point out guidelines for policy information modeling, and we propose to extend the PCIM/e with policy event, to explicitly model the triggering of policy rules. This will increase automation and operational efficiency. We also recommend that the relationships between policy and management information and related support information must be explicitly captured and represented in a coherent modeling approach. The topic of GMPLS TE and service provisioning should be put on the IETF agenda.

In future multilayer packet circuit networks, the traffic engineering (TE) apparatus is foreseen as a fundamental (logically independent) toolset, which carries out TE tasks, taking into account the operators operational considerations and fulfilling their TE constraints. The TE toolset relies on the generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS) suite of protocols; its description is provided in terms of its functional scope and properties. Next a new TE element (TeE) is proposed that complements the existing TE toolset and its delivered features. Finally, this paper analyzes and compares the architectural and implementation options for the TeE logical entity

Automatically switched circuit establishment is a big step for the operators towards the automation of transport services. The aim is to reduce OPEX while improving service capabilities through a distributed generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS) control plane. Nevertheless, the control plane may not operate on its own and, hence, network operators need a holistic service production platform where intensified traffic engineering (TE) capabilities exist when operating the control plane. The aim of this paper is to point out and discuss issues to be addressed and to provide guiding principles as well as a policy-based management (PBM) solution pertaining to enhanced TE related to the GMPLS control plane protocols and the corresponding network management issues.

This document presents provisioning strategies for emerging hybrid optical networks. The idea is to make use of policy-based management that guides the behavior of a network through high-level declarative directives. In this regard and in the context of hybrid optical networks, policy rules are employed as the main means to extend the functionality of the control system and to complement its role in order to achieve the service provisioning.

In this paper, promising technologies and a network architecture are presented for future optical packet switched networks. The overall network concept is presented and the major choices are highlighted and compared with alternative solutions. Both long and shorter term approaches are considered, as well as both the wide-area network and multiple-area networks parts of the network. The results presented in this paper were developed in the frame of the research project DAVID (Data And Voice Integration over DWDM) project, funded by the European Commission through the IST-framework.