Conclusion
In this article, we've seen some of the more basic elements of MPLS and associated network management. The provision of carrier-class network management is a complex and expensive process. The need for an end-to-end view of network-managed objects has only been hinted at in this article, but this is a key element of emerging services, such as RFC 2547based IP VPNs.
For More Information
If you would like to read more about network management system software components, see Chapters 69 of the book from which this article is derived, Network Management, MIBs and MPLS: Principles, Design and Implementation (Prentice Hall PTR, 2003, ISBN 0131011138). The book covers many other areas of network management, using MPLS as a modern backdrop.
References
[1] "Carriers struggling to cash in on MPLS," Network World, June 6, 2003
[2] "Is Sprint Rethinking MPLS?" Light Reading, July, 2003
[3] Network Management, MIBs and MPLS: Principles, Design and Implementation (Prentice Hall PTR, 2003, ISBN 0131011138), by Stephen B. Morris
Glossary
API: application programming interface
ATM: Asynchronous Transfer Mode
EMS: element management system
FR: frame relay
LER: label-edge router
LSR: label-switching router
LSP: label-switched path
MPLS: multiprotocol label switching
NMS: network management system
OSS: operations support system
QoS: quality of service
ROI: return on investment
SLA: service-level agreement
SP: service provider
VoIP: voice over IP