MPLS Traffic Engineering for LEO Satellite Constellation Networks

Abstract

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a technique designed for IP backbone networks which o®ers providers the possibility to exert in°uence on tra±c °ows. Due to this tra±c engineering potential MPLS is also considered to be an interesting candidate for use in non-geostationary satellite constellations with intersatellite links, which su®er from their continuously changing topologies. The logical structure of an MPLS domain with its ingress, egress and core routers has to be mapped onto the elements of the satellite network, and special attention has to be paid to route computation in order to ful¯ll user Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. A general MPLS-based networking concept for satellite networks is developed and di®erent possible scenarios considering the particularities and constraints of satellite networks are discussed. One key feature of these networks is their inherent topology dynamics which leads to inevitable rerouting of established paths. Simulation results assessing the related signaling e®ort for setup and rerouting of paths are presented.