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INFORMATIONAL
Errata Exist
Network Working Group                                        S. YasukawaRequest for Comments: 5439                                           NTTCategory: Informational                                        A. Farrel                                                      Old Dog Consulting                                                             O. Komolafe                                                           Cisco Systems                                                           February 2009An Analysis of Scaling Issues in MPLS-TE Core NetworksStatus of This Memo   This memo provides information for the Internet community.  It does   not specify an Internet standard of any kind.  Distribution of this   memo is unlimited.Copyright Notice   Copyright (c) 2009 IETF Trust and the persons identified as the   document authors.  All rights reserved.   This document is subject toBCP 78 and the IETF Trust's Legal   Provisions Relating to IETF Documents (http://trustee.ietf.org/license-info) in effect on the date of publication of this document.   Please review these documents carefully, as they describe your rights   and restrictions with respect to this document.Abstract   Traffic engineered Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS-TE) is   deployed in providers' core networks.  As providers plan to grow   these networks, they need to understand whether existing protocols   and implementations can support the network sizes that they are   planning.   This document presents an analysis of some of the scaling concerns   for the number of Label Switching Paths (LSPs) in MPLS-TE core   networks, and examines the value of two techniques (LSP hierarchies   and multipoint-to-point LSPs) for improving scaling.  The intention   is to motivate the development of appropriate deployment techniques   and protocol extensions to enable the application of MPLS-TE in large   networks.   This document only considers the question of achieving scalability   for the support of point-to-point MPLS-TE LSPs.  Point-to-multipoint   MPLS-TE LSPs are for future study.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                      [Page 1]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009Table of Contents1. Introduction ....................................................31.1. Overview ...................................................31.2. Glossary of Notation .......................................52. Issues of Concern for Scaling ...................................52.1. LSP State ..................................................52.2. Processing Overhead ........................................62.3. RSVP-TE Implications .......................................62.4. Management .................................................73. Network Topologies ..............................................83.1. The Snowflake Network Topology .............................93.2. The Ladder Network Topology ...............................113.3. Commercial Drivers for Selected Configurations ............143.4. Other Network Topologies ..................................154. Required Network Sizes .........................................164.1. Practical Numbers .........................................165. Scaling in Flat Networks .......................................165.1. Snowflake Networks ........................................175.2. Ladder Networks ...........................................186. Scaling Snowflake Networks with Forwarding Adjacencies .........226.1. Two-Layer Hierarchy .......................................22           6.1.1. Tuning the Network Topology to Suit the                  Two-Layer Hierarchy ................................236.2. Alternative Two-Layer Hierarchy ...........................246.3. Three-Layer Hierarchy .....................................256.4. Issues with Hierarchical LSPs .............................267. Scaling Ladder Networks with Forwarding Adjacencies ............277.1. Two-Layer Hierarchy .......................................277.2. Three-Layer Hierarchy .....................................287.3. Issues with Hierarchical LSPs .............................298. Scaling Improvements through Multipoint-to-Point LSPs ..........308.1. Overview of MP2P LSPs .....................................308.2. LSP State: A Better Measure of Scalability ................318.3. Scaling Improvements for Snowflake Networks ...............328.3.1. Comparison with Other Scenarios ....................338.4. Scaling Improvements for Ladder Networks ..................348.4.1. Comparison with Other Scenarios ....................368.4.2. LSP State Compared with LSP Numbers ................378.5. Issues with MP2P LSPs .....................................379. Combined Models ................................................3910. An Alternate Solution .........................................3910.1. Pros and Cons of the Alternate Solution ..................4011. Management Considerations .....................................4212. Security Considerations .......................................4213. Recommendations ...............................................42Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                      [Page 2]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 200914. Acknowledgements ..............................................4315. Normative References ..........................................4316. Informative References ........................................431.  Introduction   Network operators and service providers are examining scaling issues   as they look to deploy ever-larger traffic engineered Multiprotocol   Label Switching (MPLS-TE) networks.  Concerns have been raised about   the number of Label Switched Paths (LSPs) that need to be supported   at the edge and at the core of the network.  The impact on control   plane and management plane resources threatens to outweigh the   benefits and popularity of MPLS-TE, while the physical limitations of   the routers may constrain the deployment options.   Historically, it has been assumed that all MPLS-TE scaling issues can   be addressed using hierarchical LSP [RFC4206].  However, analysis   shows that the improvement gained by LSP hierarchies is not as   significant in all topologies and at all points in the network as   might have been presumed.  Further, additional management issues are   introduced to determine the end-points of the hierarchical LSPs and   to operate them.  Although this does not invalidate the benefits of   LSP hierarchies, it does indicate that additional techniques may be   desirable in order to fully scale MPLS-TE networks.   This document examines the scaling properties of two generic MPLS-TE   network topologies and investigates the benefits of two scaling   techniques.1.1.  Overview   Physical topology scaling concerns are addressed by building networks   that are not fully meshed.  Network topologies tend to be meshed in   the core but tree-shaped at the edges, giving rise to a snowflake   design.  Alternatively, the core may be more of a ladder shape with   tree-shaped edges.   MPLS-TE, however, establishes a logical full mesh between all edge   points in the network, and this is where the scaling problems arise   since the structure of the network tends to focus a large number of   LSPs within the core of the network.   This document presents two generic network topologies (the snowflake   and the ladder) and attempts to parameterize the networks by making   some generalities.  It introduces terminology for the different   scaling parameters and examines how many LSPs might be required to be   carried within the core of a network.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                      [Page 3]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   Two techniques (hierarchical LSPs and multipoint-to-point LSPs) are   introduced and an examination is made of the scaling benefits that   they offer as well as of some of the concerns with using these   techniques.   Of necessity, this document makes many generalizations.  Not least   among these is a set of assumptions about the symmetry and   connectivity of the physical network.  It is hoped that these   generalizations will not impinge on the usefulness of the overview of   the scaling properties that this document attempts to give.  Indeed,   the symmetry of the example topologies tends to highlight the scaling   issues of the different solution models, and this may be useful in   exposing the worst case scenarios.   Although protection mechanisms like Fast Reroute (FRR) [RFC4090] are   briefly discussed, the main body of this document considers stable   network cases.  It should be noted that make-before-break   re-optimisation after link failure may result in a significant number   of 'duplicate' LSPs.  This issue is not addressed in this document.   It should also be understood that certain deployment models where   separate traffic engineered LSPs are used to provide different   services (such as layer 3 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) [RFC4110]   or pseudowires [RFC3985]) or different classes of service [RFC3270]   may result in 'duplicate' or 'parallel' LSPs running between any pair   of provider edge nodes (PEs).  This scaling factor is also not   considered in this document, but may be easily applied as a linear   factor by the reader.   The operation of security mechanisms in MPLS-TE networks [MPLS-SEC]   may have an impact on the ability of the network to scale.  For   example, they may increase both the size and number of control plane   messages.  Additionally, they may increase the processing overhead as   control plane messages are subject to processing algorithms (such as   encryption), and security keys need to be managed.  Deployers will   need to consider the trade-offs between scaling objectives and   security objectives in their networks, and should resist the   temptation to respond to a degradation of scaling performance by   turning off security techniques that have previously been deemed as   necessary.  Further analysis of the effects of security measures on   scalability are not considered further in this document.   This document is designed to help service providers discover whether   existing protocols and implementations can support the network sizes   that they are planning.  To do this, it presents an analysis of some   of the scaling concerns for MPLS-TE core networks and examines theYasukawa, et al.             Informational                      [Page 4]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   value of two techniques for improving scaling.  This should motivate   the development of appropriate deployment techniques and protocol   extensions to enable the application of MPLS-TE in large networks.   This document only considers the question of achieving scalability   for the support of point-to-point MPLS-TE LSPs.  Point-to-multipoint   MPLS-TE LSPs are for future study.1.2.  Glossary of Notation   This document applies consistent notation to define various   parameters of the networks that are analyzed.  These terms are   defined as they are introduced throughout the document, but are   grouped together here for quick reference.  Refer to the full   definitions in the text for detailed explanations.   n      A network level.  n = 1 is the core of the network.          SeeSection 3 for more details on the definition of a level.   P(n)   A node at level n in the network.   S(n)   The number of nodes at level n.  That is, the number of P(n)          nodes.   L(n)   The number of LSPs seen by a P(n) node.   X(n)   The number of LSP segment states held by a P(n) node.   M(n)   The number of P(n+1) nodes subtended to a P(n) node.   R      The number of rungs in a ladder network.   E      The number of edge nodes (PEs) subtended below (directly or          indirectly) a spar-node in a ladder network.   K      The cost-effectiveness of the network expressed in terms of          the ratio of the number of PEs to the number of network nodes.2.  Issues of Concern for Scaling   This section presents some of the issues associated with the support   of LSPs at a Label Switching Router (LSR) or within the network.   These issues may mean that there is a limit to the number of LSPs   that can be supported.2.1.  LSP State   LSP state is the data (information) that must be stored at an LSR in   order to maintain an LSP.  Here, we refer to the information that is   necessary to maintain forwarding plane state and the additional   information required when LSPs are established through control plane   protocols.  While the size of the LSP state is implementation-   dependent, it is clear that any implementation will require some data   in order to maintain LSP state.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                      [Page 5]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   Thus, LSP state becomes a scaling concern because as the number of   LSPs at an LSR increases, so the amount of memory required to   maintain the LSPs increases in direct proportion.  Since the memory   capacity of an LSR is limited, there is a related limit placed on the   number LSPs that can be supported.   Note that techniques to reduce the memory requirements (such as data   compression) may serve to increase the number of LSPs that can be   supported, but this will only achieve a moderate multiplier and may   significantly decrease the ability to process the state rapidly.   In this document, we define X(n) as "the number of LSP segment states   held by a P(n) node."  This definition observes that an LSR at the   end of an LSP only has to maintain state in one direction (i.e., into   the network), while a transit LSR must maintain state in both   directions (i.e., toward both ends of the LSP).  Furthermore, in   multipoint-to-point (MP2P) LSPs (seeSection 8), a transit LSR may   need to maintain LSP state for one downstream segment (toward the   destination) and multiple upstream segments (from multiple sources).   That is, we define LSP segment state as the state necessary to   maintain an LSP in one direction to one adjacent node.2.2.  Processing Overhead   Depending largely on implementation issues, the number of LSPs   passing through an LSR may impact the processing speed for each LSP.   For example, control block search times can increase with the number   of control blocks to be searched, and even excellent implementations   cannot completely mitigate this fact.  Thus, since CPU power is   constrained in any LSR, there may be a practical limit to the number   of LSPs that can be supported.   Further processing overhead considerations depend on issues specific   to the control plane protocols, and are discussed in the next   section.2.3.  RSVP-TE Implications   Like many connection-oriented signaling protocols, RSVP-TE (Resource   Reservation Protocol - Traffic Engineering) requires that state is   held within the network in order to maintain LSPs.  The impact of   this is described inSection 2.1.  Note that RSVP-TE requires that   separate information is maintained for upstream and downstream   relationships, but does not require any specific implementation of   that state.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                      [Page 6]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   RSVP-TE is a soft-state protocol, which means that protocol messages   (refresh messages) must be regularly exchanged between signaling   neighbors in order to maintain the state for each LSP that runs   between the neighbors.  A common period for the transmission (and   receipt) of refresh messages is 30 seconds, meaning that each LSR   must send and receive one message in each direction (upstream and   downstream) every 30 seconds for every LSP it supports.  This has the   potential to be a significant constraint on the scaling of the   network, but various improvements [RFC2961] mean that this refresh   processing can be significantly reduced, allowing an implementation   to be optimized to remove nearly all concerns about soft-state   scaling in a stable network.   Observations of existing implementations indicate that there may be a   threshold of around 50,000 LSPs above which an LSR struggles to   achieve sufficient processing to maintain LSP state.  Although   refresh reduction [RFC2961] may substantially improve this situation,   it has also been observed that under these circumstances the size of   the Srefresh may become very large, and the processing required may   still cause significant disruption to an LSR.   Another approach is to increase the refresh time.  There is a   correlation between the percentage increase in refresh time and the   improvement in performance for the LSR.  However, it should be noted   that RSVP-TE's soft-state nature depends on regular refresh messages;   thus, a degree of functionality is lost by increasing the refresh   time.  This loss may be partially mitigated by the use of the RSVP-TE   Hello message, and can also be reduced by the use of various GMPLS   extensions [RFC3473], such as the use of [RFC2961] message   acknowledgements on all messages.   RSVP-TE also requires that signaling adjacencies be maintained   through the use of Hello message exchanges.  Although [RFC3209]   suggests that Hello messages should be retransmitted every 5 ms, in   practice, values of around 3 seconds are more common.  Nevertheless,   the support of Hello messages can represent a scaling limitation on   an RSVP-TE implementation since one message must be sent and received   to/from each signaling adjacency every time period.  This can impose   limits on the number of neighbors (physical or logical) that an LSR   supports, but does not impact the number of LSPs that the LSR can   handle.2.4.  Management   Another practical concern for the scalability of large MPLS-TE   networks is the ability to manage the network.  This may be   constrained by the available tools, the practicality of managing   large numbers of LSPs, and the management protocols in use.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                      [Page 7]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   Management tools are software implementations.  Although such   implementations should not constrain the control plane protocols, it   is realistic to appreciate that network deployments will be limited   by the scalability of the available tools.  In practice, most   existing tools have a limit to the number of LSPs that they can   support.  While a Network Management System (NMS) may be able to   support a large number of LSPs, the number that can be supported by   an Element Management System (EMS) (or the number supported by an NMS   per-LSR) is more likely to be limited.   Similarly, practical constraints may be imposed by the operation of   management protocols.  For example, an LSR may be swamped by   management protocol requests to read information about the LSPs that   it supports, and this might impact its ability to sustain those LSPs   in the control plane.  OAM (Operations, Administration, and   Management), alarms, and notifications can further add to the burden   placed on an LSR and limit the number of LSPs it can support.   All of these considerations encourage a reduction in the number of   LSPs supported within the network and at any particular LSR.3.  Network Topologies   In order to provide some generic analysis of the potential scaling   issues for MPLS-TE networks, this document explores two network   topology models.  These topologies are selected partly because of   their symmetry, which makes them more tractable to a formulaic   approach, and partly because they represent generalizations of real   deployment models.Section 3.3 provides a discussion of the   commercial drivers for deployed topologies and gives more analysis of   why it is reasonable to consider these two topologies.   The first topology is the snowflake model.  In this type of network,   only the very core of the network is meshed.  The edges of the   network are formed as trees rooted in the core.   The second network topology considered is the ladder model.  In this   type of network, the core of the network is shaped and meshed in the   form of a ladder and trees are attached rooted to the edge of the   ladder.   The sections that follow examine these topologies in detail in order   to parameterize them.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                      [Page 8]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 20093.1.  The Snowflake Network Topology   The snowflake topologies considered in this document are based on a   hierarchy of connectivity within the core network.  PE nodes have   connectivity to P-nodes as shown in Figure 1.  There is no direct   connectivity between the PEs.  Dual homing of PEs to multiple P-nodes   is not considered in this document, although it may be a valuable   addition to a network configuration.            P           /|\          / | \         /  |  \        /   |   \      PE    PE   PE      Figure 1 : PE to P-Node Connectivity   The relationship between P-nodes is also structured in a hierarchical   way.  Thus, as shown in Figure 2, multiple P-nodes at one level are   connected to a P-node at a higher level.  We number the levels such   that level 1 is the top level (top in our figure, and nearest to the   core of the network) and level (n) is immediately above level (n+1);   we denote a P-node at level n as a P(n).   As with PEs, there is no direct connectivity between P(n+1) nodes.   Again, dual homing of P(n+1) nodes to multiple P(n) nodes is not   considered in this document, although it may be a valuable addition   to a network configuration.              P(n)              /|\             / | \            /  |  \           /   |   \      P(n+1) P(n+1) P(n+1)      Figure 2 : Relationship between P-Nodes   At the top level, P(1) nodes are connected in a full mesh.  In   reality, the level 1 part of the network may be slightly less well-   connected than this, but assuming a full mesh provides for   generality.  Thus, the snowflake topology comprises a clique with   topologically equivalent trees subtended from each node in the   clique.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                      [Page 9]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   The key multipliers for scalability are the number of P(1) nodes and   the multiplier relationship between P(n) and P(n+1) at each level,   down to and including PEs.   We define the multiplier M(n) as the number of P(n+1) nodes at level   (n+1) attached to any one P(n).  Assume that M(n) is constant for all   nodes at level n.  Since nodes at the same level are not   interconnected (except at the top level), and since each P(n+1) node   is connected to precisely one P(n) node, M(n) is one less than the   degree of the node at level n (that is, the P(n) node is attached to   M(n) nodes at level (n+1) and to 1 node at level (n-1)).   We define S(n) as the number of nodes at level (n).   Thus:      S(n) = S(1)*M(1)*M(2)*...*M(n-1)   So the number of PEs can be expressed as:      S(PE) = S(1)*M(1)*M(2)*...*M(n)   where the network has (n) layers of P-nodes.   Thus, we may depict an example snowflake network as shown in Figure   3.  In this case:      S(1) = 3      M(1) = 3      S(2) = S(1)*M(1) = 9      M(2) = 2      S(PE) = S(1)*M(1)*M(2) = 18Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 10]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009        PE      PE  PE     PE  PE      PE           \      \/         \/       /        PE--P(2)  P(2)      P(2)  P(2)--PE                \ |            | /                 \|            |/       PE--P(2)---P(1)------P(1)---P(2)--PE          /           \    /           \        PE             \  /             PE                        \/                        P(1)                        /|\                       / | \                      /  |  \              PE--P(2)  P(2) P(2)--PE                  /      /\      \                PE     PE  PE     PE      Figure 3 : An Example Snowflake Network3.2.  The Ladder Network Topology   The ladder networks considered in this section are based on an   arrangement of routers in the core network that resembles a ladder.   Ladder networks typically have long and thin cores that are arranged   as conventional ladders.  That is, they have one or more spars   connected by rungs.  Each node on a spar may have:   - connection to one or more other spars,   - connection to a tree of other core nodes,   - connection to customer nodes.   Figure 4 shows a simplified example of a ladder network.  A core of   twelve nodes makes up two spars connected by six rungs.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 11]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009                PE    PE           PE   PE       PE PE PE | PE  | PE  PE  PE |  PE | PE         \|    \|/    |/    |     \|    \|/       PE-P-----P-----P-----P------P-----P--PE          |     |     |     |      |     |\          |     |     |     |      |     | PE          |     |     |     |      |     |       PE-P-----P-----P-----P------P-----P         /|    /|\    |\    |\     |\     \       PE PE PE | PE  | PE  | PE   | PE    PE                PE    PE    PE     PE      Figure 4 : A Simplified Ladder Network   In practice, not all nodes on a spar (call them spar-nodes) need to   have subtended PEs.  That is, they can exist simply to give   connectivity along the spar to other spar-nodes, or across a rung to   another spar.  Similarly, the connectivity between spars can be more   complex with multiple connections from one spar-node to another spar.   Lastly, the network may be complicated by the inclusion of more than   two spars (or simplified by reduction to a single spar).   These variables make the ladder network non-trivial to model.  For   the sake of simplicity, we will make the following restrictions:   - There are precisely two spars in the core network.   - Every spar-node connects to precisely one spar-node on the other     spar.  That is, each spar-node is attached to precisely one rung.   - Each spar-node connects to either one (end-spar) or two (core-spar)     other spar-nodes on the same spar.   - Every spar-node has the same number of PEs subtended.  This does     not mean that there are no P-nodes subtended to the spar-nodes, but     does mean that the edge tree subtended to each spar-node is     identical.   From these restrictions, we are able to quantify a ladder network as   follows:      R    - The number of rungs.  That is, the number of spar-nodes on             each spar.      S(1) - The number of spar-nodes in the network.  S(1)=2*R.      E    - The number of subtended edge nodes (PEs) to each spar-node.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 12]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   The number of rungs may vary considerably.  A number less than 3 is   unlikely (since that would not be a significantly connected network),   and a number greater than 100 seems improbable (because that would   represent a very long, thin network).   E can be treated as for the snowflake network.  That is, we can   consider a number of levels of attachment from P(1) nodes, which are   the spar-nodes, through P(i) down to P(n), which are the PEs.   Practically, we need to only consider n=2 (PEs attached direct to the   spar-nodes) and n=3 (one level of P-nodes between the PEs and the   spar-nodes).   Let M(i) be the ratio of P(i) nodes to P(i-1) nodes, i.e., the   connectivity between levels of P-node as defined for the snowflake   topology.  Hence, the number of nodes at any level (n) is:      S(n) = S(1)*M(1)*M(2)*...*M(n-1)   So the number of PEs subtended to a spar-node is:      E = M(1)*M(2)*...*M(n)   And the number of PEs can be expressed as:      S(PE) = S(1)*M(1)*M(2)*...*M(n)            = S(1)*E   Thus, we may depict an example ladder network as shown in Figure 5.   In this case:     R = 5     S(1) = 10     M(1) = 2     S(2) = S(1)*M(1) = 20     M(2) = 2     E = M(1)*M(2) = 4     S(PE) = S(1)*E = 40Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 13]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009      PE PE  PE PE PE PE PE PE PE PE PE PE PE PE  PE PE        \|     \|    \|    \|   |/    |/    |/     |/         P(2)   P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2)     P(2)             \      \  |   \    /    |  /        /      PE      \      \ |    \  /     | /        /       PE        \      \      \|     \/      |/        /       /      PE-P(2)---P(1)---P(1)---P(1)---P(1)---P(1)---P(2)-PE                |      |      |      |      |                |      |      |      |      |                |      |      |      |      |      PE-P(2)---P(1)---P(1)---P(1)---P(1)---P(1)---P(2)-PE        /      /     / |     /\      |\        \       \      PE      /     /  |    /  \     | \        \       PE             /     /   |   /    \    |  \        \         P(2)   P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2)     P(2)        /|     /|    /|    /|   |\    |\    |\     |\      PE PE  PE PE PE PE PE PE PE PE PE PE PE PE  PE PE      Figure 5 : An Example Ladder Network3.3.  Commercial Drivers for Selected Configurations   It is reasonable to ask why these two particular network topologies   have been chosen.   The most important consideration is physical scalability.  Each node   (Label Switching Router - LSR) is only able to support a limited   number of physical interfaces.  This necessarily reduces the ability   to fully mesh a network and leads to the tree-like structure of the   network toward the PEs.   A realistic commercial consideration for an operator is the fact that   the only revenue-generating nodes in the network are the PEs.  Other   nodes are needed only to support connectivity and scalability.   Therefore, there is a desire to maximize S(PE) while minimizing the   sum of S(n) for all values of (n).  This could be achieved by   minimizing the number of levels and maximizing the connectivity at   each layer, M(n).  Ultimately, however, this would produce a network   of just interconnected PEs, which is clearly in conflict with the   physical scaling situation.   Therefore, the solution calls for a "few" levels with "relatively   large" connectivity at each level.  We might say that the cost-   effectiveness of the network can be stated as:   K = S(PE)/(S(1)+S(2) + ... + S(n)) where n is the level above the PEsYasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 14]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   We should observe, however, that this equation may be naive in that   the cost of a network is not actually a function of the number of   routers (since a router chassis is often free or low cost), but is   really a function of the cost of the line cards, which is, itself, a   product of the capacity of the line cards.  Thus, the relatively high   connectivity decreases the cost-effectiveness, while a topology that   tends to channel data through a network core tends to demand higher   capacity (and so, more expensive) line cards.   A further consideration is the availability of connectivity (usually   fibers) between LSR sites.  Although it is always possible to lay new   fiber, this may not be cost-effective or timely.  The physical shape   and topography of the country in which the network is laid is likely   to be as much of a problem.  If the country is 'long and thin', then   a ladder network is likely to be used.   This document examines the implications for control plane and data   plane scalability of this type of network when MPLS-TE LSPs are used   to provide full connectivity between all PEs.3.4.  Other Network Topologies   As explained inSection 1, this document is using two symmetrical and   generalized network topologies for simplicity of modelling.  In   practice, there are two other topological considerations.   a. Multihoming      It is relatively common for a node at level (n) to be attached to      more than one node at level (n-1).  This is particularly common at      PEs that may be connected to more than one P(n).   b. Meshing within a level      A level in the network will often include links between P-nodes at      the same level, including the possibility of links between PEs.      This may result in a network that looks like a series of      concentric circles with spokes.   Both of these features are likely to have some impact on the scaling   of the networks.  However, for the purposes of establishing the   ground rules for scaling, this document restricts itself to the   consideration of the symmetrical networks described in Sections2.1   and 2.2.  Discussion of other network formats is for future study.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 15]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 20094.  Required Network Sizes   An important question for this evaluation and analysis is the size of   the network that operators require.  How many PEs are required?  What   ratio of P to PE is acceptable?  How many ports do devices have for   physical connectivity?  What type of MPLS-TE connectivity between PEs   is required?   Although presentation of figures for desired network sizes must be   treated with caution because history shows that networks grow beyond   all projections, it is useful to set some acceptable lower bounds.   That is, we can state that we are interested in networks of at least   a certain size.   The most important features are:   - The network should have at least 1000 PEs.   - Each pair of PEs should be connected by at least one LSP in each     direction.4.1.  Practical Numbers   In practice, reasonable target numbers are as follows.   S(PE) >= 1000   Number of levels is 3.  That is: 1, 2, and PE.   M(2) <= 20   M(1) <= 20   S(1) <= 1005.  Scaling in Flat Networks   Before proceeding to examine potential scaling improvements, we need   to examine how well the flat networks described in the previous   sections scale.   Consider the requirement for a full mesh of LSPs linking all PEs.   That is, each PE has an LSP to and from every other LSP.  Thus, if   there are S(PE) PEs in the network, there are S(PE)*(S(PE) - 1) LSPs.   Define L(n) as the number of LSPs handled by a level (n) LSR.   L(PE) = 2*(S(PE) - 1)Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 16]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 20095.1.  Snowflake Networks   There are a total of S(PE) PEs in the network and, since each PE   establishes an LSP with every other PE, it would be expected that   there are S(PE) - 1 LSPs incoming to each PE and the same number of   LSPs outgoing from the same PE, giving a total of 2(S(PE) - 1) on the   incident link.  Hence, in a snowflake topology (see Figure 3), since   there are M(2) PEs attached to each P(2) node, it may tempting to   think that L(2) (the number of LSPs traversing each P(2) node) is   simply 2*(S(PE) - 1)*M(2).  However, it should be noted that of the   S(PE) - 1 LSPs incoming to each PE, M(2) - 1 originated from nodes   attached to the same P(2) node, and so this value would count the   LSPs between the M(2) PEs attached to each P(2) node twice: once when   outgoing from the M(2) - 1 other nodes and once when incoming into a   particular PE.   There are a total of M(2)*(M(2) - 1) LSPs between these M(2) PEs and,   since this value is erroneously included twice in 2*(S(PE) - 1)*M(2),   the correct value is:   L(2) = 2*M(2)*(S(PE) - 1) - M(2)*(M(2) - 1)        = M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2) - 1)   An alternative way of looking at this, that proves extensible for the   calculation of L(1), is to observe that each PE subtended to a P(2)   node has an LSP in each direction to all S(PE) - M(2) PEs in the rest   of the system, and there are M(2) such locally subtended PEs; thus,   2*M(2)*(S(PE) - M(2)).  Additionally, there are M(2)*(M(2) - 1) LSPs   between the locally subtended PEs.  So:   L(2) = 2*M(2)*(S(PE) - M(2)) + M(2)*(M(2) - 1)        = M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2) - 1)   L(1) can be computed in the same way as this second evaluation of   L(2).  Each PE subtended below a P(1) node has an LSP in each   direction to all PEs not below the P(1) node.  There are M(1)*M(2)   PEs below the P(1) node, so this accounts for 2*M(1)*M(2)*(S(PE) -   M(1)*M(2)) LSPs.  To this, we need to add the number of LSPs that   pass through the P(1) node and that run between the PEs subtended   below the P(1).  Consider each P(2): it has M(2) PEs, each of which   has an LSP going to all of the PEs subtended to the other P(2) nodes   subtended to the P(1).  There are M(1) - 1 such other P(2) nodes, and   so M(2)*(M(1) - 1) other such PEs.  So the number of LSPs from the   PEs below a P(2) node is M(2)*M(2)*(M(1) - 1).  And there are M(1)   P(2) nodes below the P(1), giving rise to a total of   M(2)*M(2)*M(1)*(M(1) - 1) LSPs.  Thus:Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 17]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   L(1) = 2*M(1)*M(2)*(S(PE) - M(1)*M(2)) + M(2)*M(2)*M(1)*(M(1) - 1)        = M(1)*M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2)*(M(1) + 1))   So, for example, with S(1) = 5, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 20, we see:      S(PE) = 1000      L(PE) = 1998      L(2)  = 39580      L(1)  = 356000   Alternatively, with S(1) = 10, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 20, we see:      S(PE) = 2000      L(PE) = 3998      L(2)  = 79580      L(1)  = 756000   In both examples, the number of LSPs at the core (P(1)) nodes is   probably unacceptably large, even though there are only a relatively   modest number of PEs.  In fact, L(2) may even be too large in the   second example.5.2.  Ladder Networks   In ladder networks, L(PE) remains the same at 2*(S(PE) - 1).   L(2) can be computed using the same mechanism as for the snowflake   topology because the subtended tree is the same format.  Hence,   L(2) = 2*M(2)*(S(PE) - 1) - M(2)*(M(2) - 1)   But L(1) requires a different computation because each P(1) not only   sees LSPs for the subtended PEs, but is also a transit node for some   of the LSPs that cross the core (the core is not fully meshed).   Each P(1) sees:   o  all of the LSPs between locally attached PEs,   o  less those LSPs between locally attached PEs that can be served      exclusively by the attached P(2) nodes,   o  all LSPs between locally attached PEs and remote PEs, and   o  LSPs in transit that pass through the P(1).   The first three numbers are easily determined and match what we have   seen from the snowflake network.  They are:Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 18]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   o  E*(E-1)   o  M(1)*M(2)*(M(2)-1) = E*(M(2) - 1)   o  2*E*E*(S(1) - 1)   The number of LSPs in transit is more complicated to compute.  It is   simplified by not considering the ends of the ladders but by   examining an arbitrary segment of the middle of the ladder, such as   shown in Figure 6.  We look to compute and generalize the number of   LSPs traversing each core link (labeled a and b in Figure 6) and so   determine the number of transit LSPs seen by each P(1).         :    :    :    :    :    :         :    :    :    :    :    :       P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2)           \  |   \    /    |  /            \ |    \  /     | /             \|     \/      |/        ......P(1)---P(1)---P(1)......              |   a  |      |              |      |b     |              |      |      |        ......P(1)---P(1)---P(1)......             /|     /\      |\            / |    /  \     | \           /  |   /    \    |  \       P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2)         :    :    :    :    :    :         :    :    :    :    :    :      Figure 6 : An Arbitrary Section of a Ladder Network   Of course, the number of LSPs carried on links a and b in Figure 6   depends on how LSPs are routed through the core network.  But if we   assume a symmetrical routing policy and an even distribution of LSPs   across all shortest paths, the result is the same.   Now we can see that each P(1) sees half of 2a+b LSPs (since each LSP   would otherwise be counted twice as it passed through the P(1)),   except that some of the LSPs are locally terminated and so are only   included once in the sum 2a+b.   So L(1) = a + b/2 -             (locally terminated transit LSPs)/2 +             (locally contained LSPs)Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 19]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   Thus:   L(1) = a + b/2 -          2*E*E*(S(1) - 1)/2 +          E*(E-1) - E*(M(2) - 1)        = a + b/2 +          E*E*(2 - S(1)) - E*M(2)   So all we have to do is work out a and b.   Recall that the ladder length R = S(1)/2, and define X = E*E.   Consider the contribution made by all of the LSPs that make n hops on   the ladder to the totals of each of a and b.  If the ladder was   unbounded, then we could say that in the case of a, there are n*2X   LSPs along the spar only, and n(n-1)*2X/n = 2X(n-1) LSPs use a rung   and the spar.  Thus, the LSPs that make n hops on the ladder   contribute (4n-2)X LSPs to a.  Note that the edge cases are special   because LSPs that make only one hop on the ladder cannot transit a   P(1) but only start or end there.   So with a ladder of length R = S(1)/2, we could say:         R   a = SUM[(4i-2)*X] + 2RX       i=2     = 2*X*R*(R+1)   And similarly, considering b in an unbounded ladder, the LSPs that   only travel one hop on the LSP are a special case, contributing 2X   LSPs, and every other LSP that traverses n hops on the ladder   contributes 2n*2X/n = 4X LSPs.  So:            R+1   b = 2X + SUM[4X]            i=2     = 2*X + 4*X*R   In fact, the ladders are bounded, and so the number of LSPs is   reduced because of the effect of the ends of the ladders.  The links   that see the most LSPs are in the middle of the ladder.  Consider a   ladder of length R; a node in the middle of the ladder is R/2 hops   away from the end of the ladder.  So we see that the formula for the   contribution to the count of spar-only LSPs for a is only valid up to   n=R/2, and for spar-and-rung LSPs, up to n=1+R/2.  Above these   limits, the contribution made by spar-only LSPs decays as (n-R/2)*2X.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 20]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   However, for a first-order approximation, we will use the values of a   and b as computed above.  This gives us an upper bound of the number   of LSPs without using a more complex formula for the reduction made   by the effect of the ends of the ladder.   From this:   L(1) = a + b/2 +          E*E*(2 - S(1)) - E*M(2)        = 2*X*R*(R+1) +          X + 2*X*R +          E*E*(2 - S(1)) - E*M(2)        = E*E*S(1)*(1 + S(1)/2) +          E*E + E*E*S(1) +          2*E+E - E*E*S(1) - E*M(2)        = E*E*S(1)*(1 + S(1)/2) + 3*E+E - E*M(2)        = E*E*S(1)*S(1)/2 + E*E*S(1) + 3*E*E - E*M(2)   So, for example, with S(1) = 6, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 17, we see:      E     = 170      S(PE) = 1020      L(PE) = 2038      L(2)  = 34374      L(1)  = 777410   Alternatively, with S(1) = 10, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 20, we see:      E     = 200      S(PE) = 2000      L(PE) = 3998      L(2)  = 79580      L(1)  = 2516000   In both examples, the number of LSPs at the core (P(1)) nodes is   probably unacceptably large, even though there are only a relatively   modest number of PEs.  In fact, L(2) may even be too large in the   second example.   Compare the L(1) values with the total number of LSPs in the system   S(PE)*(S(PE) - 1), which is 1039380 and 3998000, respectively.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 21]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 20096.  Scaling Snowflake Networks with Forwarding Adjacencies   One of the purposes of LSP hierarchies [RFC4206] is to improve the   scaling properties of MPLS-TE networks.  LSP tunnels (sometimes known   as Forwarding Adjacencies (FAs)) may be established to provide   connectivity over the core of the network, and multiple edge-to-edge   LSPs may be tunneled down a single FA LSP.   In our network we consider a mesh of FA LSPs between all core nodes   at the same level.  We consider two possibilities here.  In the   first, all P(2) nodes are connected to all other P(2) nodes by LSP   tunnels, and the PE-to-PE LSPs are tunneled across the core of the   network.  In the second, an extra layer of LSP hierarchy is   introduced by connecting all P(1) nodes in an LSP mesh and tunneling   the P(2)-to-P(2) tunnels through these.6.1.  Two-Layer Hierarchy   In this hierarchy model, the P(2) nodes are connected by a mesh of   tunnels.  This means that the P(1) nodes do not see the PE-to-PE   LSPs.   It remains the case that:      L(PE) = 2*(S(PE) - 1)   L(2) is slightly increased.  It can be computed as the sum of all   LSPs for all attached PEs, including the LSPs between the attached PE   (this figure is unchanged fromSection 5.1, i.e., M(2)*(2*S(PE) -   M(2) - 1)), plus the number of FA LSPs providing a mesh to the other   P(2) nodes.  Since the number of P(2) nodes is S(2), each P(2) node   sees 2*(S(2) - 1) FA LSPs.  Thus:      L(2) = M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2) - 1) + 2*(S(2) - 1)   L(1), however, is significantly reduced and can be computed as the   sum of the number of FA LSPs to and from each attached P(2) to each   other P(2) in the network, including (but counting only once) the FA   LSPs between attached P(2) nodes.  In fact, the problem is identical   to the L(2) computation inSection 5.1.  So:   L(1) = M(1)*(2*S(2) - M(1) - 1)Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 22]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   So, for example, with S(1) = 5, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 20, we see:      S(PE) = 1000      S(2)  = 50      L(PE) = 1998      L(2)  = 39678      L(1)  = 890   Alternatively, with S(1) = 10, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 20, we see:      S(PE) = 2000      S(2)  = 100      L(PE) = 3998      L(2)  = 79778      L(1)  = 1890   So, in both examples, potential problems at the core (P(1)) nodes   caused by an excessive number of LSPs can be avoided, but any problem   with L(2) is made slightly worse, as can be seen from the table   below.   Example| Count | Unmodified    | 2-Layer          |       | (Section 5.1) | Hierarchy   -------+-------+---------------+----------   A      | L(2)  |      39580    |   39678          | L(1)  |     356000    |     890   -------+-------+---------------+----------   B      | L(2)  |      79580    |   79778          | L(1)  |     756000    |    18906.1.1.  Tuning the Network Topology to Suit the Two-Layer Hierarchy   Clearly, we can reduce L(2) by selecting appropriate values of S(1),   M(1), and M(2).  We can do this without negative consequences, since   no change will affect L(PE) and since a large percentage increase in   L(1) is sustainable now that L(1) is so small.   Observe that:      L(2) = M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2) - 1) + 2*(S(2) - 1)   where S(PE) = S(1)*M(1)*M(2) and S(2) = S(1)*M(1).  So L(2) scales   with M(2)^2 and we can have the most impact by reducing M(2) while   keeping S(PE) constant.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 23]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   For example, with S(1) = 10, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 10, we see:      S(PE) = 1000      S(2)  = 100      L(PE) = 1998      L(2)  = 20088      L(1)  = 1890   And similarly, with S(1) = 20, M(1) = 20, and M(2) = 5, we see:      S(PE) = 2000      S(2)  = 400      L(PE) = 3998      L(2)  = 20768      L(1)  = 15580   These considerable scaling benefits must be offset against the cost-   effectiveness of the network.  Recall fromSection 3.3 that:      K = S(PE)/(S(1)+S(2) ... + S(n))   where n is the level above the PEs, so that for our network:      K = S(PE) / (S(1) + S(2))   Thus, in the first example the cost-effectiveness has been halved   from 1000/55 to 1000/110.  In the second example, it has been reduced   to roughly one quarter, changing from 2000/110 to 2000/420.   So, although the tuning changes may be necessary to reach the desired   network size, they come at a considerable cost to the operator.6.2.  Alternative Two-Layer Hierarchy   An alternative to the two-layer hierarchy presented inSection 6.1 is   to provide a full mesh of FA LSPs between P(1) nodes.  This technique   is only of benefit to any nodes in the core of the level 1 network.   It makes no difference to the PE and P(2) nodes since they continue   to see only the PE-to-PE LSPs.  Furthermore, this approach increases   the burden at the P(1) nodes since they have to support all of the   PE-to-PE LSPs as in the flat model plus the additional 2*(S(1) - 1)   P(1)-to-P(1) FA LSPs.  Thus, this approach should only be considered   where there is a mesh of P-nodes within the ring of P(1) nodes, and   is not considered further in this document.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 24]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 20096.3.  Three-Layer Hierarchy   As demonstrated bySection 6.2, introducing a mesh of FA LSPs at the   top level (P(1)) has no benefit, but if we introduce an additional   level in the network (P(3) between P(2) and PE) to make a four-level   snowflake, we can introduce a new layer of FA LSPs so that we have a   full mesh of FA LSPs between all P(3) nodes to carry the PE-to-PE   LSPs, and a full mesh of FA LSPs between all P(2) nodes to carry the   P(3)-to-P(3) LSPs.   The number of PEs is S(PE) = S(1)*M(1)*M(2)*M(3), and the number of   PE-to-PE LSPs at a PE remains L(PE) = 2*(S(PE) - 1).   The number of LSPs at a P(3) can be deduced fromSection 6.1.  It is   the sum of all LSPs for all attached PEs, including the LSPs between   the attached PE, plus the number of FA LSPs providing a mesh to the   other P(3) nodes.   L(3) = M(3)*(2*S(PE) - M(3) - 1) + 2*(S(3) - 1)   The number of LSPs at P(2) can also be deduced fromSection 6.1 since   it is the sum of all LSPs for all attached P(3) nodes, including the   LSPs between the attached PE plus the number of FA LSPs providing a   mesh to the other P(2) nodes.   L(2) = M(2)*(2*S(3) - M(2) - 1) + 2*(S(2) - 1)   Finally, L(1) can be copied straight from 6.1.   L(1) = M(1)*(2*S(2) - M(1) - 1)   For example, with S(1) = 5, M(1) = 5, M(2) = 5, and M(3) = 8, we see:      S(PE) = 1000      S(3)  = 125      S(2)  = 25      L(PE) = 1998      L(3)  = 16176      L(2)  = 1268      L(1)  = 220Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 25]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   Similarly, with S(1) = 5, M(1) = 5, M(2) = 8, and M(3) = 10, we see:      S(PE) = 2000      S(3)  = 200      S(2)  = 25      L(PE) = 3998      L(3)  = 40038      L(2)  = 3184      L(1)  = 220   Clearly, there are considerable scaling improvements with this three-   layer hierarchy, and all of the numbers (even L(3) in the second   example) are manageable.   Of course, the extra level in the network tends to reduce the cost-   effectiveness of the networks with values of K = 1000/155 and K =   2000/230 (from 1000/55 and 2000/110) for the examples above.  That is   a reduction by a factor of 3 in the first case and 2 in the second   case.  Such a change in cost-effectiveness has to be weighed against   the desire to deploy such a large network.  If LSP hierarchies are   the only scaling tool available, and networks this size are required,   the cost-effectiveness may need to be sacrificed.6.4.  Issues with Hierarchical LSPs   A basic observation for hierarchical scaling techniques is that it is   hard to have any impact on the number of LSPs that must be supported   by the level of P(n) nodes adjacent to the PEs (for example, it is   hard to reduce L(3) inSection 6.3).  In fact, the only way we can   change the number of LSPs supported by these nodes is to change the   scaling ratio M(n) in the network -- in other words, to change the   number of PEs subtended to any P(n).  But such a change has a direct   effect on the number of PEs in the network and so the cost-   effectiveness is impacted.   Another concern with the hierarchical approach is that it must be   configured and managed.  This may not seem like a large burden, but   it must be recalled that the P(n) nodes are not at the edge of the   network -- they are a set of nodes that must be identified so that   the FA LSPs can be configured and provisioned.  Effectively, the   operator must plan and construct a layered network with a ring of   P(n) nodes giving access to the level (n) network.  This design   activity is open to considerable risk as failing to close the ring   (i.e., allowing a node to be at both level (n+1) and at level (n))   may cause operational confusion.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 26]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   Protocol techniques (such as IGP automesh [RFC4972]) have been   developed to reduce the configuration necessary to build this type of   multi-level network.  In the case of automesh, the routing protocol   is used to advertise the membership of a 'mesh group', and all   members of the mesh group can discover each other and connect with   LSP tunnels.  Thus, the P(n) nodes giving access to level (n) can   advertise their existence to each other, and it is not necessary to   configure each with information about all of the others.  Although   this process can help to reduce the configuration overhead, it does   not eliminate it, as each member of the mesh group must still be   planned and configured for membership.   An important consideration for the use of hierarchical LSPs is how   they can be protected using MPLS Fast Reroute (FRR) [RFC4090].  FRR   may provide link protection either by protecting the tunnels as they   traverse a broken link or by treating each level (n) tunnel LSP as a   link in level (n+1) and providing protection for the level (n+1) LSPs   (although in this model, fault detection and propagation time may be   an issue).  Node protection may be performed in a similar way, but   protection of the first and last nodes of a hierarchical LSP is   particularly difficult.  Additionally, the whole notion of scaling   with regard to FRR gives rise to separate concerns that are outside   the scope of this document as currently formulated.   Finally, observe that we have been explaining these techniques using   conveniently symmetrical networks.  Consider how we would arrange the   hierarchical LSPs in a network where some PEs are connected closer to   the center of the network than others.7.  Scaling Ladder Networks with Forwarding Adjacencies7.1.  Two-Layer Hierarchy   InSection 6.2, we observed that there is no value to placing FA LSPs   between the P(1) nodes of our example snowflake topologies.  This is   because those LSPs would be just one hop long and would, in fact,   only serve to increase the burden at the P(1) nodes.  However, in the   ladder model, there is value to this approach.  The P(1) nodes are   the spar-nodes of the ladder, and they are not all mutually adjacent.   That is, the P(1)-to-P(1) hierarchical LSPs can create a full mesh of   P(1) nodes where one does not exist in the physical topology.   The number of LSPs seen by a P(1) node is then:   o all of the tunnels terminating at the P(1) node,   o any transit tunnels, and   o all of the LSPs due to subtended PEs.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 27]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   This is a substantial reduction; all of the transit LSPs are reduced   to just one per remote P(1) that causes any transit LSP.  So:   L(1) = 2*(S(1) - 1) +          O(S(1)*S(1)/2) +          2*E*E*(S(1) - 1) + E*(E-1) - E*(M(2) - 1)   where O(S(1)*S(1)/2) gives an upper bound order of magnitude.  So:   L(1) = S(1)*S(1)/2 + 2*S(1) + 2*E*E*(S(1) - 1) - E*M(2) - 2   So, in our two examples:   With S(1) = 6, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 17, we see:      E     = 170      S(PE) = 1020      L(PE) = 2038      L(2)  = 34374      L(1)  = 286138   Alternatively, with S(1) = 10, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 20, we see:      E     = 200      S(PE) = 2000      L(PE) = 3998      L(2)  = 79580      L(1)  = 716060   Both of these show significant improvements over the previous L(1)   figures of 777410 and 2516000.  But the numbers are still too large   to manage, and there is no improvement in the L(2) figures.7.2.  Three-Layer Hierarchy   We can also apply the three-layer hierarchy to the ladder model.  In   this case, the number of LSPs between P(1) nodes is not reduced, but   tunnels are also set up between all P(2) nodes.  Thus, the number of   LSPs seen by a P(1) node is:   o all of the tunnels terminating at the P(1) node,   o any transit tunnels between P(1) nodes, and   o all of the LSPs due to subtended P(2) nodes.   No PE-to-PE LSPs are seen at the P(1) nodes.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 28]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   L(1) = 2*(S(1) - 1) +          O(S(1)*S(1)/2) +          2*(S(1) - 1)*M(1)*M(1) + M(1)*(M(1) - 1)   where O(S(1)*S(1)/2) gives an upper bound order of magnitude.  So:   L(1) = S(1)*S(1)/2 + 2*S(1) + 2*M(1)*M(1)*S(1) - M(1)(M(1) + 1) - 2   Unfortunately, there is a small increase in the number of LSPs seen   by the P(2) nodes.  Each P(2) now sees all of the PE-to-PE LSPs that   it saw before and is also an end-point for a set of P(2)-to-P(2)   tunnels.  Thus, L(2) increases to:   L(2) = 2*M(2)*(S(PE) - 1) - M(2)*(M(2) - 1) + 2*(S(1)*M(1) - 1)   So, in our two examples:   With S(1) = 6, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 17, we see:      E     = 170      S(PE) = 1020      L(PE) = 2038      L(2)  = 34492      L(1)  = 1118   Alternatively, with S(1) = 10, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 20, we see:      E     = 200      S(PE) = 2000      L(PE) = 3998      L(2)  = 79778      L(1)  = 1958   This represents a very dramatic decrease in LSPs across the core.7.3.  Issues with Hierarchical LSPs   The same issues exist for hierarchical LSPs as described inSection6.4.  Although dramatic improvements can be made to the scaling   numbers for the number of LSPs at core nodes, this can only be done   at the cost of configuring P(2) to P(2) tunnels.  The mesh of P(1)   tunnels is not enough.   But the sheer number of P(2) to P(2) tunnels that must be configured   is a significant management burden that can only be eased by using a   technique like automesh [RFC4972].Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 29]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   It is significant, however, that the scaling problem at the P(2)   nodes cannot be improved by using tunnels and that the only solution   to ease this in the hierarchical approach would be to institute   another layer of hierarchy (that is, P(3) nodes) between the P(2)   nodes and the PEs.  This is, of course, a significant expense.8.  Scaling Improvements through Multipoint-to-Point LSPs   An alternative (or complementary) scaling technique has been proposed   using multipoint-to-point (MP2P) LSPs.  The fundamental improvement   in this case is achieved by reducing the number of LSPs toward the   destination as LSPs toward the same destination are merged.   This section presents an overview of MP2P LSPs and describes their   applicability and scaling benefits.8.1.  Overview of MP2P LSPs   Note that the MP2P LSPs discussed here are for MPLS-TE and are not   the same concept familiar in the Label Distribution Protocol (LDP)   described in [RFC5036].   Traffic flows generally converge toward their destination and this   can be utilized by MPLS in constructing an MP2P LSP.  With such an   LSP, the Label Forwarding Information Base (LFIB) mappings at each   LSR are many-to-one so that multiple pairs {incoming interface,   incoming label} are mapped to a single pair {outgoing interface,   outgoing label}.  Obviously, if per-platform labels are used, this   mapping may be optimized within an implementation.   It is important to note that with MP2P MPLS-TE LSPs, the traffic   flows are merged.  That is, some additional form of identifier is   required if de-merging is required.  For example, if the payload is   IP traffic belonging to the same client network, no additional de-   merging information is required since the IP packet contains   sufficient data.  On the other hand, if the data comes, for example,   from a variety of VPN client networks, then the flows will need to be   labeled in their own right as point-to-point (P2P) flows, so that   traffic can be disambiguated at the egress of the MP2P LSPs.   Techniques for establishing MP2P MPLS-TE LSPs and for assigning the   correct bandwidth downstream of LSP merge points are out of the scope   of this document.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 30]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 20098.2.  LSP State: A Better Measure of Scalability   Consider the network topology shown in Figure 3.  Suppose that we   establish MP2P LSP tunnels such that there is one tunnel terminating   at each PE, and that that tunnel has every other PE as an ingress.   Thus, a PE-to-PE MP2P LSP tunnel would have S(PE)-1 ingresses and one   egress, and there would be S(PE) such tunnels.   Note that there still remain 2*(S(PE) - 1) PE-to-PE P2P LSPs that are   carried through these tunnels.   Let's consider the number of LSPs handled at each node in the   network.   The PEs continue to handle the same number of PE-to-PE P2P LSPs, and   must also handle the MP2P LSPs.  So:   L(PE) = 2*(S(PE) - 1) + S(PE)   But all P(n) nodes in the network only handle the MP2P LSP tunnels.   Nominally, this means that L(n) = S(PE) for all values of n.  This   would appear to be a great success with the number of LSPs cut to   completely manageable levels.   However, the number of LSPs is not the only issue (although it may   have some impact for some of the scaling concerns listed inSection4).  We are more interested in the amount of LSP state that is   maintained by an LSR.  This reflects the amount of storage required   at the LSR, the amount of protocol processing, and the amount of   information that needs to be managed.   In fact, we were also interested in this measure of scalability in   the earlier sections of this document, but in those cases we could   see a direct correlation between the number of LSPs and the amount of   LSP state since transit LSPs had two pieces of state information (one   on the incoming and one on the outgoing interface), and ingress or   egress LSPs had just one piece of state.   We can quantify the amount of LSP state according to the number of   LSP segments managed by an LSR.  So (as above), in the case of a P2P   LSP, an ingress or egress has one segment to maintain, while a   transit has two segments.  Similarly, for an MP2P LSP, an LSR must   maintain one set of state information for each upstream segment   (which, we can assume, is in a one-to-one relationship with the   number of upstream neighbors) and exactly one downstream segment --   ingresses obviously have no upstream neighbors, and egresses have no   downstream segments.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 31]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   So we can start again on our examination of the scaling properties of   MP2P LSPs using X(n) to represent the amount of LSP state held at   each P(n) node.8.3.  Scaling Improvements for Snowflake Networks   At the PEs, there is only connectivity to one other network node: the   P(2) node.  But note that if P2P LSPs need to be used to allow   disambiguation of data at the MP2P LSP egresses, then these P2P LSPs   are tunneled within the MP2P LSPs.  So X(PE) is:   X(PE) = 2*(S(PE) - 1) if no disambiguation is required,   and   X(PE) = 4*(S(PE) - 1) if disambiguation is required.   Each P(2) node has M(2) downstream PEs.  The P(2) sees a single MP2P   LSP targeted at each downstream PE with one downstream segment (to   that PE) and M(2) - 1 upstream segments from the other subtended PEs.   Additionally, each of these LSPs has an upstream segment from the one   upstream P(1).  This gives a total of M(2)*(1 + M(2)) LSP segments.   There are also LSPs running from the subtended PEs to every other PE   in the network.  There are S(PE) - M(2) such PEs, and the P(2) sees   one upstream segment for each of these from each subtended PE.  It   also has one downstream segment for each of these LSPs.  This gives   (M(2) + 1)*(S(PE) - M(2)) LSP segments.   Thus:   X(2) = M(2)*(1 + M(2)) + (M(2) + 1)*(S(PE) - M(2))        = S(PE)*(M(2) + 1)   Similarly, at each P(1) node there are M(1) downstream P(2) nodes and   so a total of M(1)*M(2) downstream PEs.  Each P(1) is connected in a   full mesh with the other P(1) nodes and so has (S(1) - 1) neighbors.   The P(1) sees a single MP2P LSP targeted at each downstream PE.  This   has one downstream segment (to the P(2) to which the PE is connected)   and M(1) - 1 upstream segments from the other subtended P(2) nodes.   Additionally, each of these LSPs has an upstream segment from each of   the P(1) neighbors.  This gives a total number of LSP segments of   M(1)*M(2)*(M(1) + S(1) - 1).   There are also LSPs running from each of the subtended PEs to every   other PE in the network.  There are S(PE) - M(1)M(2) such PEs, and   the P(1) sees one upstream segment for each of these from eachYasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 32]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   subtended P(2) (since the aggregation from the subtended PEs has   already happened at the P(2) nodes).  It also has one downstream   segment to the appropriate next hop P(1) neighbor for each of these   LSPs.  This gives (M(1) + 1)*(S(PE) - M(1)*M(2)) LSP segments.   Thus:   X(1) = M(1)*M(2)*(M(1) + S(1) - 1) +          (M(1) + 1)*(S(PE) - M(1)*M(2))        = M(1)*M(2)*(S(1) - 2) + S(PE)*(M(1) + 1)   So, for example, with S(1) = 10, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 10, we see:      S(PE) = 1000      S(2)  = 100      X(PE) = 3996   (or 1998)      X(2)  = 11000      X(1)  = 11800   And similarly, with S(1) = 20, M(1) = 20, and M(2) = 5, we see:      S(PE) = 2000      S(2)  = 400      X(PE) = 5996   (or 2998)      X(2)  = 12000      X(1)  = 398008.3.1.  Comparison with Other Scenarios   For comparison with the examples in Sections5 and6, we need to   convert those LSP-based figures to our new measure of LSP state.   Observe that each LSP in Sections5 and6 generates two state units   at a transit LSR and one at an ingress or egress.  So we can provide   conversions as follows:Section 5 (flat snowflake network)     L(PE) = 2*(S(PE) - 1)     L(2)  = M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2) - 1)     L(1)  = M(1)*M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2)*(M(1) + 1))     X(PE) = 2*(S(PE) - 1)     X(2)  = 2*M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2) - 1)     X(1)  = 2*M(1)*M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2)*(M(1) + 1))     For the example with S(1) = 10, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 10, this     gives a comparison table as follows:Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 33]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009        Count | Unmodified  |  MP2P        ------+-------------+----------        X(PE) |     1998    |   3996        X(2)  |    39780    |  11000        X(1)  |   378000    |  11800     Clearly, this technique is a significant improvement over the flat     network within the core of the network, although the PEs are more     heavily stressed if disambiguation is required.Section 6.1 (two-layer hierarchy snowflake network)     L(PE) = 2*(S(PE) - 1)     L(2)  = M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2) - 1) + 2*(S(2) - 1)     L(1)  = M(1)*(2*S(2) - M(1) - 1)     X(PE) = 2*(S(PE) - 1)     X(2)  = 2*M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2) - 1) + 2*(S(2) - 1)     X(1)  = 2*M(1)*(2*S(2) - M(1) - 1)     Note that in the computation of X(2) the hierarchical LSPs only add     one state at each P(2) node.     For the same example with S(1) = 10, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 10, this     gives a comparison table as follows:        Count |   2-Layer   |  MP2P              |  Hierarchy  |        ------+-------------+----------        X(PE) |     1998    |   3996        X(2)  |    39978    |  11000        X(1)  |     3780    |  11800     We can observe that the MP2P model is better at P(2), but the     hierarchical model is better at P(1).   In fact, this comparison can be generalized to observe that the MP2P   model produces its best effects toward the edge of the network, while   the hierarchical model makes most impression at the core.  However,   the requirement for disambiguation of P2P LSPs tunneled within the   MP2P LSPs does cause a double burden at the PEs.8.4.  Scaling Improvements for Ladder Networks   MP2P LSPs applied just within the ladder will not make a significant   difference, but applying MP2P for all LSPs and at all nodes makes a   very big difference without requiring any further configuration.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 34]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   LSP state at a spar-node may be divided into those LSPs' segments   that enter or leave the spar-node due to subtended PEs (local LSP   segments), and those that enter or leave the spar-node due to remote   PEs (remote segments).   The local segments may be counted as:   o  E LSPs targeting local PEs   o  (S(1)-1)*E*M(1) LSPs targeting remote PEs   The remote segments may be counted as:   o  (S(1)-1)*E outgoing LSPs targeting remote PEs   o  <= 3*S(1)*E incoming LSPs targeting any PE (there are precisely      P(1) nodes attached to any other P(1) node)   Hence, using X(1) as a measure of LSP state rather than a count of   LSPs, we get:   X(1) <= E + (S(1)-1)*E*M(1) + (S(1)-1)*E + 3*S(1)*E        <= (4 + M(1))*S(1)*E - M(1)*E   The number of LSPs at the P(2) nodes is also improved.  We may also   count the LSP state in the same way so that there are:   o  M(2) LSPs targeting local PEs,   o  M(2)*(S(1)*E) LSPs from local PEs to all other PEs, and   o  S(1)*E - M(2) LSPs to remote PEs.   So using X(2) as a measure of LSP state and not a count of LSPs, we   have:   X(2) = M(2) + M(2)*(S(1)*E) + S(1)*E - M(2)        = (M(2) + 1)*S(1)*E   Our examples fromSection 5.2 give us the following numbers:   With S(1) = 6, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 17, we see:      E     = 170      S(PE) = 1020      X(PE) = 2038      X(2)  = 18360      X(1) <= 12580Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 35]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   Alternatively, with S(1) = 10, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 20, we see:      E     = 200      S(PE) = 2000      X(PE) = 3998      X(2)  = 42000      X(1) <= 260008.4.1.  Comparison with Other Scenarios   The use of MP2P compares very favorably with all scaling scenarios.   It is the only technique able to reduce the value of X(2), and it   does this by a factor of almost two.  The impact on X(1) is better   than everything except the three-level hierarchy.   The following table provides a quick cross-reference for the figures   for the example ladder networks.  Note that the previous figures are   modified to provide counts of LSP state rather than LSP numbers.   Again, each LSP contributes one state at its end points and two   states at transit nodes.   Thus, for the all cases we have:     X(PE) = 2*(S(PE) - 1) or     X(PE) = 4*(S(PE) - 1) if disambiguation is required.   In the unmodified (flat) case, we have:     X(2) = 2*(M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2) - 1))     X(1) = 2*(M(1)*M(2)*(2*S(PE) - M(2)*(M(1) + 1)))   In the two-level hierarchy, we have:     X(2) = 2*(2*M(2)*(S(PE) - 1) - M(2)*(M(2) - 1))     X(1) = S(1)*S(1) + 2*S(1) + 4*E*E*(S(1) - 1) - 2*E*M(2) - 2   In the three-level hierarchy, we have:     X(2) = 2*(2*M(2)*(S(PE) - 1) - M(2)*(M(2) - 1)) + 2*(S(1)*M(1) - 1)     X(1) = S(1)*S(1) + 2*S(1) + 4*M(1)*M(1)*S(1) - 2*M(1)(M(1) + 1) - 2   Example A: S(1) = 6, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 17   Example B: S(1) = 10, M(1) = 10, and M(2) = 20Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 36]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   Example| Count | Unmodified |  2-Level   |  3-Level    |  MP2P          |       |            | Hierarchy  | Hierarchy   |   -------+-------+------------+------------+-------------+-------   A      | X(2)  |     68748  |    68748   |    68866    |  18360          | X(1)  |   1554820  |   572266   |     2226    |  12580   -------+-------+------------+------------+-------------+-------   B      | X(2)  |    159160  |   159160   |   159358    |  42000          | X(1)  |   5032000  |  1433998   |     3898    |  260008.4.2.  LSP State Compared with LSP Numbers   Recall that inSection 8.3, the true benefit of MP2P was analyzed   with respect to the LSP segment state required, rather than the   actual number of LSPs.  This proved to be a more accurate comparison   of the techniques because the MP2P LSPs require state on each branch   of the LSP, so the saving is not linear with the reduced number of   LSPs.   A similar analysis could be performed here for the ladder network.   The net effect is that it increases the state by an order of two for   all transit LSPs in the P2P models, and by a multiplier equal to the   degree of a node in the MP2P model.   A rough estimate shows that, as with snowflake networks, MP2P   provides better scaling than the one-level hierarchical model and is   considerably better at the core.  But MP2P compares less will with   the two-level hierarchy especially in the core.8.5.  Issues with MP2P LSPs   The biggest challenges for MP2P LSPs are the provision of support in   the control and data planes.  To some extent, support must also be   provided in the management plane.   Control plane support is just a matter of defining the protocols and   procedures [MP2P-RSVP], although it must be clearly understood that   this will introduce some complexity to the control plane.   Hardware issues may be a little more tricky.  For example, the   capacity of the upstream segments must never (allowing for   statistical over-subscription) exceed the capacity of the downstream   segment.  Similarly, data planes must be equipped with sufficient   buffers to handle incoming packet collisions.   The management plane will be impacted in several ways.  Firstly, the   management applications will need to handle LSPs with multiple   senders.  This means that, although the applications need to process   fewer LSPs, they will be more complicated and will, in fact, need toYasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 37]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   process the same number of ingresses and egresses.  Other issues like   diagnostics and OAM would also need to be enhanced to support MP2P,   but might be borrowed heavily from LDP networks.   Lastly, note that when the MP2P solution is used, the receiver (the   single egress PE of an MP2P tunnel) cannot use the incoming label as   an indicator of the source of the data.  Contrast this with P2P LSPs.   Depending on deployment, this might not be an issue since the PE-PE   connectivity may in any case be a tunnel with inner labels to   discriminate the data flows.   In other deployments, it may be considered necessary to include   additional PE-PE P2P LSPs and tunnel these through the MP2P LSPs.   This would require the PEs to support twice as many LSPs.  Since PEs   are not usually as fully specified as P-routers, this may cause some   concern; however, the use of penultimate hop popping on the MP2P LSPs   might help to reduce this issue.   In all cases, care must be taken not to confuse the reduction in the   number of LSPs with a reduction in the LSP state that is required.   In fact, the discussion inSection 8.3 is slightly optimistic since   LSP state toward the destination will probably need to include sender   information and so will increase depending on the number of senders   for the MP2P LSP.Section 8.4, on the other hand, counts LSP state   rather than LSPs.  This issue is clearly dependent on the protocol   solution for MP2P RSVP-TE, which is out of scope for this document.   MPLS Fast Reroute (FRR) [RFC4090] is an attractive scheme for   providing rapid local protection from node or link failures.  Such a   scheme has, however, not been designed for MP2P at the time of   writing, so it remains to be seen how practical it could be,   especially in the case of the failure of a merge node.  Initial   examination of this case suggests that FRR would not be a problem for   MP2P, given that each flow can be handled separately.   As a final note, observe that the MP2P scenario presented in this   document may be optimistic.  MP2P LSP merging may be hard to achieve   between LSPs with significantly different traffic and Quality of   Service (QoS) parameters.  Therefore, it may be necessary to increase   the number of MP2P LSPs arriving at an egress.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 38]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 20099.  Combined Models   There is nothing to prevent the combination of hierarchical and MP2P   solutions within a network.   Note that if MP2P LSPs are tunneled through P2P FA LSPs across the   core, none of the benefit of LSP merging is seen for the hops during   which the MP2P LSPs are tunneled.   On the other hand, it is possible to construct solutions where MP2P   FA LSPs are constructed within the network, resulting in savings from   both modes of operation.10.  An Alternate Solution   A simple solution to reducing the number of LSP tunnels handled by   any node in the network has been proposed.  In this solution it is   observed that part of the problem is caused purely by the total   number of LSP in the network, and that this is a function of the   number of PEs since a full mesh of PE-PE LSPs is required.  The   conclusion of this observation is to move the tunnel end-points   further into the network so that, instead of having a full mesh of   PE-PE tunnels, we have only a full mesh of P(n)-P(n) tunnels.   Obviously, there is no change in the physical network topology, so   the PEs remain subtended to the P(n) nodes, and the consequence is   that there is no TE on the links between PEs and P(n) nodes.   In this case, we have already done the hard work for computing the   number of LSPs in the previous sections.  The power of the analysis   in the earlier sections is demonstrated by its applicability to this   new model -- all we need to do is make minor changes to the formulae.   This is most simply done by removing a layer from the network.  We   introduce the term "tunnel end-point" (TEP) and replace the P(n)   nodes with TEPs.  Thus, the example of a flat snowflake network in   Figure 3 becomes as shown in Figure 7.  Corresponding changes can be   made to all of the sample topologies.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 39]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009        PE    PE  PE     PE  PE     PE          \     \/         \/      /       PE--TEP  TEP        TEP  TEP--PE              \ |            | /               \|            |/      PE--TEP---P(1)------P(1)---TEP--PE         /          \    /          \       PE            \  /            PE                      \/                      P(1)                      /|\                     / | \                    /  |  \             PE--TEP  TEP  TEP--PE                /      /\     \              PE     PE  PE    PE      Figure 7 : An Example Snowflake Network with Tunnel End-Points   To perform the scaling calculations we need only replace the PE   counts in the formulae with TEP counts, and observe that there is one   fewer layer in the network.  For example, in the flat snowflake   network shown in Figure 7, we can see that the number of LSPs seen at   a TEP is:   L(TEP) = 2*(S(TPE) - 1)   In our sample networks, S(TPE) is typically of the order of 50 or 100   (the original values of S(2)), so L(TEP) is less than 200, which is   quite manageable.   Similarly, the number of LSPs handled by a P(1) node can be derived   from the original formula for the number of LSPs seen at a P(2) node,   since all we have done is reduce n in P(n) from 2 to 1.  So our new   formula is:   L(1) = M(1)*(2*S(TEP) - M(1) - 1)   With figures for M(1) = 10 and S(TEP) = 100, this gives us L(1) =   1890.  This is also very manageable.10.1.  Pros and Cons of the Alternate Solution   On the face of it, this alternate solution seems very attractive.   Simply by contracting the edges of the tunnels into the network, we   have shown a dramatic reduction in the number of tunnels needed, and   there is no requirement to apply any additional scaling techniques.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 40]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   But what of the PE-P(n) links?  In the earlier sections of this   document, we have assumed that there was some requirement for PE-PE   LSPs with TE properties that extended to the PE-P(n) links at both   ends of each LSP.  That means that there was a requirement to provide   reservation-based QoS on those links, to be able to discriminate   traffic flows for priority-based treatment, and to be able to   distinguish applications and sources that send data based on the LSPs   that carry the data.   It might be argued that, since the PE-P(n) links do not offer any   routing options (each such link provides the only access to the   network for a PE), most of the benefits of tunnels are lost on these   peripheral links.  However, TE is not just about routing.  Just as   important are the abilities to make resource reservations, to   prioritize traffic, and to discriminate between traffic from   different applications, customers, or VPNs.   Furthermore, in multihoming scenarios where each PE is connected to   more than one P(n) or where a PE has multiple links to a single P(n),   there may be a desire to pre-select the link to be used and to direct   the traffic to that link using a PE-PE LSP.  Note that multihoming   has not been considered in this document.   Operationally, P(n)-P(n) LSPs offer the additional management   overhead that is seen for hierarchical LSPs described inSection 6.   That is, the LSPs have to be configured and established through   additional configuration or management operations that are not   carried out at the PEs.  As described inSection 6, automesh   [RFC4972] could be used to ease this task.  But it must be noted   that, as mentioned above, some of the key uses of tunnels require   that traffic is classified and placed in an appropriate tunnel   according to its traffic class, end-points, originating application,   and customer (such as client VPN).  This information may not be   readily available for each packet at the P(n) nodes since it is PE-   based information.  Of course, it is possible to conceive of   techniques to make this information available, such as assigning a   different label for each class of traffic, but this gives rise to the   original problem of larger numbers of LSPs.   Our conclusion is, therefore, that this alternate technique may be   suitable for the general distribution of traffic based solely on the   destination, or on a combination of the destination and key fields   carried in the IP header.  In this case, it can provide a very   satisfactory answer to the scaling issues in an MPLS-TE network.  But   if more sophisticated packet classification and discrimination is   required, this technique will make the desired function hard toYasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 41]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   achieve, and the trade-off between scaling and feature-level will   swing too far towards solving the scaling issue at the expense of   delivery of function to the customer.11.  Management Considerations   The management issues of the models presented in this document have   been discussed in-line.  No one solution is without its management   overhead.   Note, however, that scalability of management tools is one of the   motivators for this work and that network scaling solutions that   reduce the active management of LSPs at the cost of additional effort   to manage the more static elements of the network represent a   benefit.  That is, it is worth the additional effort to set up MP2P   or FA LSPs if it means that the network can be scaled to a larger   size without being constrained by the management tools.   The MP2P technique may prove harder to debug through OAM methods than   the FA LSP approach.12.  Security Considerations   The techniques described in this document use existing or yet-to-be-   defined signaling protocol extensions and are subject to the security   provided by those extensions.  Note that we are talking about   tunneling techniques used within the network and that both approaches   are vulnerable to the creation of bogus tunnels that deliver data to   an egress or consume network resources.   The fact that the MP2P technique may prove harder to debug through   OAM methods than the FA LSP approach is a security concern since it   is important to be able to detect misconnections.   General issues of the relationship between scaling and security are   covered inSection 1.1, but the details are beyond the scope of this   document.  Readers are referred to [MPLS-SEC] for details of MPLS   security techniques.13.  Recommendations   The analysis in this document suggests that the ability to signal   MP2P MPLS-TE LSPs is a desirable addition to the operator's MPLS-TE   toolkit.   At this stage, no further recommendations are made, but it would be   valuable to consult more widely to discover:Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 42]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   - The concerns of other service providers with respect to network     scalability.   - More opinions on the realistic constraints to the network     parameters listed inSection 4.   - Desirable values for the cost-effectiveness of the network     (parameter K).   - The applicability, manageability, and support for the two     techniques described.   - The feasibility of combining the two techniques, as discussed inSection 9.   - The level of concern over the loss of functionality that would     occur if the alternate solution described inSection 10 was     adopted.14.  Acknowledgements   The authors are grateful to Jean-Louis Le Roux for discussions and   review input.  Thanks to Ben Niven-Jenkins, JP Vasseur, Loa   Andersson, Anders Gavler, Ben Campbell, and Tim Polk for their   comments.  Thanks to Dave Allen for useful discussion of the math.15.  Normative References   [RFC4206]   Kompella, K. and Y. Rekhter, "Label Switched Paths (LSP)               Hierarchy with Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching               (GMPLS) Traffic Engineering (TE)",RFC 4206, October               2005.16.  Informative References   [RFC2961]   Berger, L., Gan, D., Swallow, G., Pan, P., Tommasi, F.,               and S. Molendini, "RSVP Refresh Overhead Reduction               Extensions",RFC 2961, April 2001.   [RFC3209]   Awduche, D., Berger, L., Gan, D., Li, T., Srinivasan, V.,               and G. Swallow, "RSVP-TE: Extensions to RSVP for LSP               Tunnels",RFC 3209, December 2001.   [RFC3270]   Le Faucheur, F., Wu, L., Davie, B., Davari, S., Vaananen,               P., Krishnan, R., Cheval, P., and J. Heinanen, "Multi-               Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) Support of Differentiated               Services",RFC 3270, May 2002.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 43]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009   [RFC3473]   Berger, L., Ed., "Generalized Multi-Protocol Label               Switching (GMPLS) Signaling Resource ReserVation               Protocol-Traffic Engineering (RSVP-TE) Extensions",RFC3473, January 2003.   [RFC3985]   Bryant, S., Ed., and P. Pate, Ed., "Pseudo Wire Emulation               Edge-to-Edge (PWE3) Architecture",RFC 3985, March 2005.   [RFC4090]   Pan, P., Ed., Swallow, G., Ed., and A. Atlas, Ed., "Fast               Reroute Extensions to RSVP-TE for LSP Tunnels",RFC 4090,               May 2005.   [RFC4110]   Callon, R. and M. Suzuki, "A Framework for Layer 3               Provider-Provisioned Virtual Private Networks (PPVPNs)",RFC 4110, July 2005.   [RFC4972]   Vasseur, JP., Ed., Leroux, JL., Ed., Yasukawa, S.,               Previdi, S., Psenak, P., and P. Mabbey, "Routing               Extensions for Discovery of Multiprotocol (MPLS) Label               Switch Router (LSR) Traffic Engineering (TE) Mesh               Membership",RFC 4972, July 2007.   [RFC5036]   Andersson, L., Ed., Minei, I., Ed., and B. Thomas, Ed.,               "LDP Specification",RFC 5036, October 2007.   [MP2P-RSVP] Yasukawa, Y., "Supporting Multipoint-to-Point Label               Switched Paths in Multiprotocol Label Switching Traffic               Engineering", Work in Progress, October 2008.   [MPLS-SEC]  Fang, L., Ed., "Security Framework for MPLS and GMPLS               Networks", Work in Progress, November 2008.Yasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 44]

RFC 5439                   Scaling in MPLS-TE              February 2009Authors' Addresses   Seisho Yasukawa   NTT Corporation   9-11, Midori-Cho 3-Chome   Musashino-Shi, Tokyo 180-8585 Japan   Phone: +81 422 59 4769   EMail: s.yasukawa@hco.ntt.co.jp   Adrian Farrel   Old Dog Consulting   EMail: adrian@olddog.co.uk   Olufemi Komolafe   Cisco Systems   96 Commercial Street   Edinburgh   EH6 6LX   United Kingdom   EMail: femi@cisco.comYasukawa, et al.             Informational                     [Page 45]

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