Enrique Hernandez-Valencia

Generic Framing Procedure (GFP)

The Generic Framing Procedure (GFP) is a new protocol recently standardized under ITU-T G.7041/Y.1303 [1] and ANSI T1.105.02 [2] and designed to support variable- and fixed-length packet transport modes over a general-purpose bit or byte synchronous high-speed communications channel. GFP extends the HEC-based packet delineation mechanism used by other broadband applications such as ATM [3] to variable-length data transport applications. GFP exploits the ability of modern point-to-point transmission links to deliver the incoming information stream in a sequential and orderly fashion to greatly simplify data link layer synchronization and frame boundary delineation operations. Unlike packet delineation mechanisms based on the HDLC framing procedure [4], [5], GFP requires no special line encoding for the framed protocol data units (PDU), which substantially reduces processing logic requirements for the data link mapper/demappers. Unlike ATM, GFP delegates high-touch QoS management functions to the client layers, which further reduces operational overhead. The lower implementation complexity makes GFP particularly suitable for high-speed transmission links such as SONET/SDH [6], [7] point-to-point links, wavelength channels in an optical transport network [8], or even dark fiber applications [9]. For high data rate environments, GFP is a very attractive alternative to solutions such as ATM, Frame Relay [10], PPP/HDLC [11], PPP-over-SONET (POS) [12], or X.85/X.86 [13], [14].

T-MPLS: Carrier-Class Transport for Converged Optical/Packet Networks

Transport MPLS (T-MPLS) is a recent recommendation from ITU-T specifying a connection- oriented, packet-switched architecture for carrier class transport networks. Here discuss T-MPLS forwarding model, OA &M and control plane capabilities for connection supervision, performance and survivability.

Ethernet aggregation and core network models for efficient and reliable IPTV services

With the growing interest on wireline network architectures for residential triple-play and business Ethernet services there is a renewed demand for efficient and reliable packet-based transport capabilities between the content providers and the end users. Voice and data traffic carried over a variety of access technologies is collected via technology-specific access networks (e.g., digital subscriber line [xDSL], passive optical network [xPON], and wireless fidelity [WiFi]). Metro and core networks need to aggregate the various user flows from different access network nodes and provide scalable and cost-effective distribution of various flow types (e.g., Internet access, voice, video on demand, and broadcast TV services) to the relevant service access points. Varying quality of service and resiliency requirements for these services are being reflected in a new breed of converged Ethernet and optical network elements with capabilities to interwork the bearer-planes of these two networking technologies seamlessly. Network elements based on Ethernet/Optical converged technology are able to select the most fitting mechanisms from each networking technology to meet the transport requirements for each individual service demand better while providing significantly enhanced implementation and operational efficiencies. This paper discusses network architecture models and network elements addressing these goals.

Exploiting carrier Ethernet to deliver profitable new services

Over the last decade, we have seen the tremendous growth of data traffic spurred by the Internet and broadband applications such as video. Yet this skyrocketing of data traffic has not been accompanied with a large increase in revenue. Revenue for incumbent service providers continues to be dominated by circuit-based services such as voice and private lines. However, these revenues streams are stagnant and even declining. Service providers must find incremental services to mine additional revenue while improving the profitability of their existing services. Ethernet offers a ubiquitous technology for local area networks enjoying a high degree of standardisation. Ethernet interfaces are very common across networking gear and the widespread availability of inexpensive Ethernet components makes the technology attractive. In addition to cost savings, Ethernet supports both point-to-point and multipoint communications. Service providers are increasingly turning their attention to Ethernet as a broadband access technology for point-to-point layer 2 VPN, layer 3 VPN, and Internet services. When coupled with existing, well-known technologies such as SONET/SDH, RPR, VPLS, and MPLS, carrier grade Ethernet offers tremendous potential for providing high-bandwidth connectivity in support of new service provider offerings.

Managed virtual private LAN services

Within the data communications industry, there is renewed interest in a managed transport service that provides an optimized service interface to packet-oriented applications. This transport service is widely envisioned as an intelligent, flexible, and easily provisionable service platform that must also enable the dynamic creation of new revenue-generating data offerings for service providers. Recent standardization activities have focused on a managed virtual private network model as the basis for such service. In particular, the so-called layer 2 VPN (L2VPN) service model based on Ethernet/MPLS is particularly appealing as it combines the simplicity and ubiquity of Ethernet with the powerful service creation capabilities from MPLS. This paper discusses the various L2VPN architectures being proposed by the industry and identifies the key building blocks required to realize such services.

Cost Tradeoffs in Converged Metro Networks Designs

The cost structure of converged packet-oriented metro aggregation networks is evaluated. Hierarchical Layer-2/Layer-3 architectures are shown to have better CAPEX structure than Flat networks models but topology and traffic volumes may justify other point solutions.

Ethernet-Based Services for Next Generation Networks

Over the last few years, Ethernet technology and services have emerged as an indispensable component of the broadband networking and telecommunications infrastructure, both for network operators and service providers. As an example, Worldwide Enterprise customer demand for Ethernet services by itself is expected to hit the

Method for providing quality of service for delay sensitive traffic over IP networks

30B US mark by year 2012. Use of Ethernet technology in the feeder networks that support residential applications, such as “triple play” voice, data, and video services, is equally on the rise. As the synergies between packet-aware transport and service oriented equipment continue to be exploited in the path toward transport convergence. Ethernet technology is expected to play a critical part in the evolution toward converged Optical/Packet Transport networks. Here we discuss the main business motivations, services, and technologies driving the specifications of so-called carrier Ethernet and highlight challenges associated with delivering the expectations for low implementation complexity, easy of use, provisioning and management of networks and network elements embracing this technology.