4A0-220 Nokia GMPLS-Controlled Optical Networks Question and Answers

The GMRE functionality is guaranteed in Nokia equipment by controller redundancy. The controller is the hardware component that runs the GMPLS software and controls the switching fabric of the node. Each node has two controllers, one active and one standby, that synchronize their states and databases. If the active controller fails, the standby controller takes over and ensures the continuity of the GMRE functionality. References : Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia, 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) | Nokia

Automation is one of the key features of GMPLS that allows dynamic provisioning of optical transport connections between IP routers and optical network elements2. Automation reduces the operational time and administrative overhead required to provision new connectivity, which in turn reduces the operational expenditure (OPEX) of the network. Reducing CAPEX, providing resilience against multiple failures, and supporting multi-vendor networks are not direct benefits of automation, but rather possible outcomes of using GMPLS in general. References:

• 1: Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia
• 2: GMPLS - Nokia
• 3: Traffic survivability through Protection and Restoration Combined (PRC) - YouTube
• [4]: GMPLS: Architecture and Applications - Google Books

The Soft Shutting Down state in the NFM-T is an administrative maintenance state where services stay up but no new traffic can be routed over the TE-link. This state is used to prepare a TE-link for maintenance or decommissioning without affecting the existing services. The NFM-T sets the TE-link to Soft Shutting Down state by sending a Notify message with the Administrative State Change flag to the head-end node of the TE-link. The head-end node then stops accepting new LSP requests over the TE-link and sends a PathErr message with the Administrative State Change flag to all the tail-end nodes of the LSPs in the TE-link. The tail-end nodes then stop sending new traffic over the LSPs and send a ResvErr message with the Administrative State Change flag to all the intermediate nodes of the LSPs. The intermediate nodes then update their routing tables and stop forwarding new traffic over the LSPs. The existing traffic, however, continues to flow over the LSPs until they are manually deleted or rerouted by the NFM-T. References : Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia, Nokia Advanced Optical Network Management with NFM-T Course | Nokia

 Coordination of L0 and L1 resources in case of a failure in an MRN is achieved by setting the color constraints. Color constraints are used to specify which wavelengths or timeslots can be used by a given LSP request. By setting the color constraints, the NFM-T can ensure that the L0 and L1 resources are compatible and consistent across the network. For example, if an L0 LSP request requires a specific wavelength, the NFM-T can set the color constraint to match that wavelength and assign it to the L0 LSP. Similarly, if an L1 LSP request requires a specific timeslot, the NFM-T can set the color constraint to match that timeslot and assign it to the L1 LSP. This way, the coordination of L0 and L1 resources is achieved by ensuring that the same color is used by both layers. References : Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia, 3. GMPLS - Nokia

The GMPLS technology includes three categories of protocols: routing, signaling, and link management. Routing protocols are used to exchange information about the network topology, resources, and constraints among the nodes. Signaling protocols are used to establish, modify, and release Label Switched Paths (LSPs) across the network. Link management protocols are used to verify the connectivity and status of the links between adjacent nodes. References : Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia, 3. GMPLS - Nokia

A Label Switched Path (LSP) is the path created by MPLS nodes that use labels to forward packets across the network. A label is a short identifier that is attached to each packet and indicates the next hop or destination of the packet. The nodes use a label forwarding table to switch packets based on their labels, without inspecting the packet headers. This can improve the performance, security, and quality of service of the network. An LSP can be established by using GMPLS protocols such as OSPF-TE and RSVP-TE, which exchange information about the network topology, resources, and constraints. References : Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia, GMPLS - Nokia

The label on the top of the MPLS label stack is swapped at an intermediate node. This is because the top label is the one that is visible to the node and determines the forwarding decision. The node looks up the top label in its label forwarding table and swaps it with a new label that corresponds to the next hop or destination. The node then forwards the packet to the next node, which repeats the same process. The bottom label is only used to indicate the end of the label stack and is not swapped. References : [Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia], [MPLS Label Stack - Nokia]

The 3R resource is a type of optical regeneration resource that can be used to extend the reach of optical signals in a GMPLS-controlled optical network. The 3R resource performs three functions: reshaping, retiming, and reamplifying the optical signal. The 3R resource can be added to the Network Planning Application (NPA) in the Nokia Network Functions Manager for Transport (NFM-T) through the Constraint Wizard. The Constraint Wizard is a tool that allows the user to define various constraints and parameters for the network design, such as optical impairments, wavelength availability, protection schemes, and regeneration resources. The user can select the 3R resource from the list of available resources and specify its location, capacity, and cost. The NPA then uses this information to perform feasibility checks and path computation for the LSP requests12. References:

• 1: Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia
• 2: Nokia Network Functions Manager for Transport User Guide | Nokia

Preemption is a mechanism that allows a higher priority LSP to tear down an existing lower priority LSP in order to obtain the required resources for its establishment. Preemption can occur when there is not enough bandwidth or other resources available on a link or node to accommodate a new LSP request. In this case, the node can select one or more lower priority LSPs that are using the resources and send them a PathErr message with a Preempt error code. This causes the lower priority LSPs to beterminated and release their resources. The node can then allocate the resources to the higher priority LSP and send a Resv message to confirm its reservation34. References:

• 3: RFC 4829: Label Switched Path (LSP) Preemption Policies for MPLS Traffic Engineering4
• 4: MPLS Applications User Guide | Juniper Networks5