Know your gear
Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS) is the next-generation implementation of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). GMPLS extends the functionality of MPLS to include a wider range of label-switched path (LSP) options for a variety of network devices.
Traditional MPLS is designed to carry Layer 3 IP traffic by establishing IP-based paths and associating these paths with arbitrarily assigned labels. These labels can either be configured explicitly by a network administrator or dynamically assigned by a protocol such as the Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) or Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP).
In contrast, GMPLS can carry various types of Layer 1 through Layer 3 traffic. GMPLS labels and LSPs can be processed at four levels. The levels are Fiber-Switched Capable (FSC), Lambda-Switched Capable (LSC), Time-Division Multiplexing Capable (TDM), and Packet-Switched Capable (PSC).
Traditional MPLS is designed to carry Layer 3 IP traffic by establishing IP-based paths and associating these paths with arbitrarily assigned labels. These labels can either be configured explicitly by a network administrator or dynamically assigned by a protocol such as the Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) or Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP).
In contrast, GMPLS can carry various types of Layer 1 through Layer 3 traffic. GMPLS labels and LSPs can be processed at four levels. The levels are Fiber-Switched Capable (FSC), Lambda-Switched Capable (LSC), Time-Division Multiplexing Capable (TDM), and Packet-Switched Capable (PSC).