Modeling and Simulating MPLS Networks Azeddien M. Sllame Computer Network Department Faculty of Information Technology University of Tripoli Tripoli, Libya Aziz239@yahoo.com

Paper goal This paper describes modeling and simulation tools that are used to evaluate MPLS-based networks GNS3 could be used in designing and modeling computer networks; while Wireshark can enhance the protocols investigation process OpenSimMPLS tool which enable the designers to make the modeling & simulation as an interactive process OPNET tool: VOIP application is examined on MPLS network and compared with IP network

MPLS Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is an evolving technology that Assures permanent and steady delivery of the Internet services with high transmission speed and lower delays MPLS features lower network delay efficient forwarding technique Scalability guaranteed performance of the services Hence, this makes MPLS An effective implementation for backbone communication and computer networks

MPLS network 1_ Label creation and distribution 2_ Table creation at each router 3_ Label-switched path creation 4_ Label insertion/table lookup 5_ Packet forwarding

Tools of interest ((GNS3)) is used to simulate networks with elements of different wide area networks (WAN) technologies such as frame relay and ATM GNS3 supports IOS routers, Ethernet switches and PIX firewalls virtual machines and devices images during simulation process GNS3 can capture packets on a capture file for further use and analysis with applications like Wireshark

GNS3 example : MPLS network MPLS domain

The following is a sample of configuring MPLS protocol for router R1 using GNS3 hostname R1 interface FastEthernet0/0 ip address 192.168.10.46 255.255.255.252 duplex auto speed auto mpls label protocol ldp tag-switching mtu 1512 tag-switching ip

The following is a sample of showing MPLS and LDP protocols configurations on the router R1 using GNS3 R1#show mpls ldp neighbor Peer LDP Ident: 192.168.10.45:0; Local LDP Ident 192.168.10.46:0 TCP connection: 192.168.10.45.646 - 192.168.10.46.40899 State: Oper; Msgs sent/rcvd: 31/31; Downstream Up time: 00:12:38 LDP discovery sources: FastEthernet0/0,Src IP addr: 192.168.10.45 Addresses bound to peer LDP Ident:192.168.10.9 192.168.10.45 192.168.10.42 192.168.10.6

Figure shows the LDP messaging that is used for label exchange process

EIGRP and LDP hello messages in MPLS domain

Tools of interest: OpenSimMPLS simulator Developed as multiplatform software at University of Extremadura in Spain It assists students to animatedly interact with the simulation allows visual designing of scenes guarantee of service technology simulation Using this tool designers can see packets flow packets rerouting due to node congestion packets rerouting due to link failures Node’s buffer overflow show the simulation course events step by step

Tools of interest: OpenSimMPLS simulator

OpenSimMPLS simulator: figure shows LSP paths and their backup paths that are created by MPLS domain routers

OpenSimMPLS simulator: node configurations

OpenSimMPLS simulator: link failure between Nalut) and Garyan:

OpenSimMPLS simulator: Node congestion in the case study

Tools of interest :OPNET applied in advanced computer network courses By using this tool students will gain well insight practical knowledge by modeling their computer network projects in depth OPNET allows students to examine the application behavior and the background traffic of the designed network advanced applications such as VOIP and multimedia streaming behaviors in different computer networks can be studied effectively

OPNET Example: VOIP case study

The configuration of the MPLS network topology Six router LERs (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6) normal IP routers with MPLS enabled feature; Four routers LSRs in the middle with light gray color (MPLS_R1, MPLS_R3, MPLS_R3 and MPLS_R4); Two VOIP stations (VOIP_West and VOIP_East).

OPNET: some of VOIP app. results The VOIP parameters are: call rate=500 calls/hour with using G.711encoder, average call duration=300s (5 min) voice flow duration: 9000000s (25 min) for the experiment; encoder scheme is interactive voice with delay, throughput and reliability including overhead (bytes) of RTP/UDP/IP protocols.

OPNET: some of VOIP app. results Figure shows: VOIP Packet delay variation (Red for IP, Blue for MPLS) Figure shows: VOIP Packet End-to-End delay (Red for IP, Blue for MPLS)

OPNET: some of VOIP app. results Figure shows: VOIP delay Jitter (sec) with PQ queuing (Red for IP, Blue for MPLS) Figure shows: VOIP Packet End-to-End delay using WFQ queuing mechanism (Red for IP, Blue for MPLS)

Conclusions This paper highlighted MPLS-based networks which is now considered as an effective implementation for backbone communication and computer networks The main goal of this paper is to show the different capabilities of a three different modeling and simulation tools in modeling and simulating MPLS-based networks These tools can be used in hands-on projects by students in project-based learning in computer network courses to enhance students’ skills in solving real network design problems

Thank you

The following protocols are incorporated in the OpenSimMPLS in addition to the MPLS protocol •Tiny Label Distribution Protocol (TLDP): it incorporates a reduced set from LDP it is the main MPLS signaling protocol in which the label mapping information is exchanged between LSRs. It is responsible in establishing and maintaining labels. •GoS PDU Store and Retransmit Protocol (GPSRP) support: this protocol comprises of supporting GoS over MPLS. It allows making local retransmission of privileged packets when they are discarded in buffers nodes. However, this feature is only available for active nodes. •Dynamic Memory for GoS (PDU) (DMGP) implementation: this component belongs to the proposal of supporting GoS over MPLS. DMGP node is a node internal memory that allows the temporary storage of the privileged packets that are switched by the node. This makes possible their later retransmission if necessary. This feature is available only for active nodes.