Linux-based networking middleware rev'd for GMPLS

By Eric Brown
2010-02-04

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Access subsidiary IP Infusion announced a new version of its Linux-based, Next Generation Network (NGN) carrier-grade middleware. ZebOS Network Platform 7.8 adds support for Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS), Data Center Bridging, and MPLS resiliency for wireless backhaul and Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) implementations, says the company.

ZebOS is a Layer 2 and Layer 3 carrier-class routing and switching software suite, says IP Infusion. The Linux-based middleware is said to support provider edge, metro access/aggregation, and mobile backhaul equipment, as well as data center switches and enterprise switches and routers.

The software was rev'd early last year in a version 7.7 that added support for OpenSAF high-availability (HA) standards, as well as PBB-TE (provider backbone bridge-traffic engineering). ZebOS 7.7 also added new MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) features, including BFD (bidirectional forwarding detection) for improving the resiliency of MPLS signaling. (For more background on ZebOS and NGN technology, please see our version 7.7 coverage, here. )

Primary enhancements to ZebOS 7.8 fall in the areas of GMPLS, Data Center Bridging, and MPLS resiliency over wireless backhaul networks. Other new features include support for BGP multipath routing and policy-based routing, as well as support for MEF specifications (MEF-2,9,11,16,13,17,19,20), says IP Infusion.

ZebOS architecture

The following summarizes the three chief new additions:

GMPLS -- Generalized MPLS is an emerging standard that completely separates control and data planes for various network layers. GMPLS builds upon MPLS to better upgrade networks for NGN packet-based optical technology, says IP Infusion. The technology is said to offer features required for automated interface-independent provisioning, simplified network administration, and IP/MPLS enabled end-to-end networks. To help accomplish this, GMPLS has been standardized to add control plane functionality.
Data Center Bridging -- Data Center Bridging is an Ethernet-based technology for switch fabrics in the data center that enables the implementation of converged single technology switch fabrics, aimed at optimizing traffic, as well as reducing costs, power, and space requirements. The technology is said to avoid redundant equipment and non-optimized management among linked data centers, thereby reducing operational and plant costs.
MPLS resiliency in wireless access/backhaul -- To enable backhaul networks to transition to an all-Ethernet/IP architecture, ZebOS 7.8 has enhanced its wireless backhaul functionality on Carrier Ethernet and MPLS systems, says IP Infusion. ZebOS 7.8 enhances MPLS reliability with features such as Virtual Circuit Connectivity Verification (VCCV), BFD for MPLS LSPs, and BFD for VCCV, says the company.

In October, IP Infusion, a subsidiary of Japanese mobile software vendor Access, announced a Linux-based networking server package based on ZebOS. The ZebOS Internet Route Server enables service providers to remotely view, monitor, filter, and track networking routes, identifying and avoiding Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) hijacking and other denial-of-service attacks.

Stated Koichi Narasaki, president and CEO, IP Infusion, "Driven by the explosive growth in today's mobile devices, demand for network traffic bandwidth and capacity is doubling every year, and is now overwhelming the legacy SONET based networks. The new, ground-breaking features included in ZebOS 7.8 will change the way network equipment manufacturers design networks."

Availability

ZebOS 7.8 will ship in April, says IP Infusion. More information on ZebOS may be found here. IP Infusion will be exhibiting its technologies at the MPLS & Ethernet World Congress, Stand #116, Feb. 9-12 in Paris, France, as well as at the Access Stand #CY10 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, on Feb. 15-18.

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