T-MPLS 1

T-MPLS
T-MPLS or Transport MPLS is a transport network layer technology that uses extensions to a subset of the
existing MPLS standards and is designed specifically for application in transport networks. Work to define T-MPLS
was started by the ITU-T in February 2006. It was intended specifically as a connection-oriented packet-switched
(co-ps) application offering a simpler implementation by removing MPLS features that are not relevant to co-ps
applications and adding mechanisms that provide support of critical transport functionality.
ITU-T ceased work on T-MPLS in December 2008, in favour of MPLS-TP standardization.[1]
T-MPLS uses the same architectural principles of layered networking that are used in other technologies like SDH
and OTN. Service providers have already developed management processes and work procedures based on these
principles for use in networks that use those other technologies.
In this way T-MPLS was intended to provide a reliable packet-based technology that is familiar and also aligned
with circuit-based transport networking; it supports current organizational processes and large-scale work
procedures.
T-MPLS is a low cost Layer 2 technology that provides QoS, end-to-end OA&M and protection switching.
The following ITU-T Recommendations exist for T-MPLS. These Recommendations will be superseded (i.e.,
replaced) by new revisions that apply to MPLS-TP and reference the joint work being understaken by the ITU-T and
IETF.

Recommendation Title

[2] Architecture of Transport MPLS (T-MPLS) Layer Network

G.8110.1

[3] Interfaces for the Transport MPLS (T-MPLS) Hierarchy

G.8112

[4] Characteristics of Transport MPLS equipment functional blocks

G.8121

[5] Linear protection switching for Transport MPLS (T-MPLS) networks

G.8131

[6]
Y.Sup4 ex G.8113 (draft) Requirements for OAM function in T-MPLS based networks

A further set of ITU-T Recommendations were at a draft stage when work on T-MPLS was halted. These may be
resumed at a later stage to reference the material developed as part of the MPLS-TP effort.

Draft Recommendation Title

G.8114 (draft) Operation & Maintenance mechanisms for T-MPLS layer networks

G.8132 (draft) Shared Protection Ring switching for T-MPLS networks

After IETF raised concerns over T-MPLS technology, mainly about incompatibility with the already established
IP/MPLS, the ITU-T and the IETF started a joint activity to solve potential issues. The decision was to transfer
control to IETF to develop a new MPLS profile specialized for transport (MPLS-TP) with input from ITU
recommendations[7] A new activity was added to the charter of the MPLS working group of IETF.
T-MPLS 2

References
[1] Clarifications on MPLS for transport network (http:/ / www. itu. int/ ITU-T/ newslog/ Clarifications+ On+ MPLS+ For+ Transport+ Network.
aspx) - ITU-T newslog, 10 March 2009
[2] "Architecture of Transport MPLS (T-MPLS) layer network" (http:/ / www. itu. int/ rec/ T-REC-G. 8110. 1/ en) (HTML). International
Telecommunication Union. November, 2006. .
[3] "Interfaces for the Transport MPLS (T-MPLS) hierarchy" (http:/ / www. itu. int/ rec/ T-REC-G. 8112/ en) (HTML). International
Telecommunication Union. October, 2006. .
[4] "Characteristics of Transport MPLS (T-MPLS) equipment functional blocks" (http:/ / www. itu. int/ rec/ T-REC-G. 8121/ en) (HTML).
International Telecommunication Union. March, 2006. .
[5] "Linear protection switching for Transport MPLS (T-MPLS) networks" (http:/ / www. itu. int/ rec/ T-REC-G. 8131/ en) (HTML).
International Telecommunication Union. February, 2007. .
[6] "ITU-T Y.1300 series - Supplement on transport requirements for T-MPLS OAM and considerations for the application of IETF MPLS
technology" (http:/ / www. itu. int/ rec/ T-REC-Y. Sup4/ en) (HTML). International Telecommunication Union. January, 2008. .
[7] "ITU-T/IETF interoperability issues addressed" (http:/ / www. itu. int/ ITU-T/ e-flash/ 035-may08. html#003) (HTML). ITU-T Study Group
15. .

External links
• ITU-T series G recommendations (http://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-G/e)
• IETF MPLS Charter (http://www.ietf.org/html.charters/mpls-charter.html)
Article Sources and Contributors 3

Article Sources and Contributors

T-MPLS  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=299177118  Contributors: BertK, Dthomsen8, Frap, G3ysx, GiovanniFiaschi, Hu12, Huub v H, Madmedea,
OldBlackAndWhiteDog, Tagishsimon, TellWeb, 5 anonymous edits

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