E-PCM: Ethernet Path Computation Module
OVERVIEW
The VMS Ethernet Path Computation Module is a portable software application designed to enable the scaling of multi-vendor, multi-technology and multi-domain Carrier Ethernet networks by creating an abstracted “off network” traffic engineering layer. This provides the service provider with a modular network capability set to address the operational issues of path planning, traffic engineering and resource management across multi-vendor and multi-technology Ethernet infrastructures. The E-PCM’s innovative algorithms enable service providers to compute QoS compliant, resource optimized paths in large scale networks in seconds. Built on a service oriented architecture (SOA), technology partners can rapidly embed this VMS module into various entities including adjunct network nodes, EMS, NMS and OSS, based on the application requirement.
FUNCTIONS
The E-PCM encompasses three functions as described below.
Path Computation
Unlike single constraint legacy routing algorithms, the E-PCM's innovative, self learning multi-constraint path computation ensures compliancy with the MEF's multi-attribute service definitions. This allows service providers to guarantee delivery of the required bandwidth profile along with QoS parameters: delay, delay variation, loss and availability. In addition, the application supports the input of customized business policies providing carriers further control to meet their unique requirements.
Network Traffic Engineering and Topology Object Model
The network traffic engineering and topology object model is an object based function that stores a topology map of the network infrastructure capabilities and resources available over which to configure paths. This includes an inventory of existing paths with their relevant characteristics, such as bandwidth profile (e.g. CIR, EIR, EBS, CBS) and QoS (e.g. delay, jitter, delay, availability, loss) as well as customizable service provider policies (e.g. included/excluded routes or nodes).
Domain Modeling
The domain modeling function is used to create domain specific rules which are associated with the underlying technology, topology and/or architecture. This provides abstracted input for the path computation function which calculates optimal paths based on a full view of resources available provided by the network traffic engineering and topology object model.
APPLICATIONS
Built on a service oriented architecture (SOA), the VMS E-PCM can be integrated into various entities including adjunct network nodes, EMS, NMS and OSS, based on the application requirement. Using a modular design and an open API, the E-PCM allows technology partners to rapidly embed the capability in a variety of architectures, speeding time to market.