Goals and Methods

This book covers the architecture of multiservice switches in which one or more controllers are attached to a controlled switch and the controllers act independently, like ships in the night. In this context, the specific details of MPLS and PNNI implementations are discussed with theory and examples.

Some of the most important details covered include the following:

• How to partition the MSS network between MPLS and PNNI domains and plan for expansion

• How to maintain IP QoS across a cell-based MPLS network

• How to build redundancy into the MSS network and minimize single points of failure

• An explanation of the VSI protocol and how to troubleshoot problems associated with it

• A discussion of PNNI as it relates to the multiservice switching product line, covering limitations on peer group hierarchy and size

• Effective utilization of IISP and AINI routing in a PNNI network

• An explanation of SVC signaling and how it pertains to PNNI

• An explanation of ILMI and how address autoregistration works using ILMI

• A description of cell-based MPLS, including how label distribution occurs and how VC-merge works

• A discussion of POP size and oversubscription

• The theoretical framework and standard bodies that describe the virtual switch and controller, using a switch control protocol for communication