Network Working Group                                       Eiji Oki
     Internet Draft                                                   NTT
     Category: Informational                           Jean-Louis Le Roux
     Expires: October 2006                                 France Telecom
                                                            Adrian Farrel
                                                       Old Dog Consulting
                                                               April 2006
  
         Framework for PCE-Based Inter-Layer MPLS and GMPLS Traffic
                                 Engineering
  
                    draft-oki-pce-inter-layer-frwk-00.txt
  
  
  
     Status of this Memo
  
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     Abstract
  
     A network may comprise of multiple layers. It is important to
     globally optimize network resources utilization, taking into
     account all layers, rather than optimizing resource utilization at
     each layer independently. This allows better network efficiency to
     be achieved through a process that we call inter-layer traffic
     engineering. The Path Computation Element (PCE) can be a powerful
     tool to achieve inter-layer traffic engineering.
  
     This document describes a framework for the PCE-based path
     computation architecture to inter-layer MPLS and GMPLS traffic
     engineering. It provides suggestions for the deployment of PCE in
     support of multi-layer networks. This document also describes
     network models where PCE performs inter-layer traffic engineering,
  
  
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     and the relationship between PCE and a functional component called
     the Virtual Network Topology Manager (VNTM).
  
     Conventions used in this document
  
     The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT",
     "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED",  "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in
     this document are to be interpreted as described in RFC 2119
     [RFC2119].
  
     Table of Contents
  
    1. Terminology.....................................................2
    2. Introduction....................................................2
    3. Inter-Layer Path Computation....................................3
    4. Inter-layer Path Computation Models.............................5
    4.1.  Single PCE Inter-Layer Path Computation......................5
    4.2.  Multiple PCE Inter-Layer Path Computation....................6
    4.3.  General observation..........................................6
    5. Inter-Layer Path Control........................................7
    5.1.  VNT Management...............................................7
    5.2.  Inter-Layer Path Control Models..............................7
    5.2.1.  Cooperation model between PCE and VNTM.....................7
    5.2.2.  Higher-Layer Signaling Trigger Model.......................9
    5.2.3.  Examples of multi-layer ERO...............................11
    6. Choosing between inter-layer path control models...............11
    7. Security Considerations........................................13
    8. Acknowledgment.................................................13
    9. References.....................................................13
    9.1.  Normative Reference.........................................13
    9.2.  Informative Reference.......................................14
    10.  Authors' Addresses...........................................14
    11.  Intellectual Property Statement..............................15
  
  
  1. Terminology
  
     This document uses terminology from the PCE-based path computation
     Architecture [PCE-ARCH] and also common terminology from Multi
     Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) [RFC3031], Generalized MPLS (GMPLS)
     [RFC3945] and Multi-Layer Networks [MLN-REQ].
  
  2. Introduction
  
     A network may comprise of multiple layers. These layers may
     represent separations of technologies (e.g., packet switch capable
     (PSC), time division multiplex (TDM) lambda switch capable (LSC))
     [RFC3945], separation of data plane switching granularity levels
     (e.g. PSC-1, PSC-2, VC4, VC12) [MLN-REQ], or a distinction between
     client and server networking roles. In this multi-layer network,
     LSPs in a lower layer are used to carry higher-layer LSPs across
  
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            draft-oki-pce-inter-layer-frwk-00.txt   April 2006
  
     the lower-layer network. The network topology formed by lower-layer
     LSPs and advertised to the higher layer is called a Virtual Network
     Topology (VNT) [MLN-REQ].
  
     It is important to optimize network resource utilization globally,
     i.e. taking into account all layers, rather than optimizing
     resource utilization at each layer independently. This allows
     better network efficiency to be achieved and is what we call inter-
     layer traffic engineering. This includes mechanisms allowing the
     computation of end-to-end paths across layers (known as inter-layer
     path computation), and mechanisms for control and management of the
     VNT by setting up and releasing LSPs in the lower layers [MLN-REQ].
  
     Inter-layer traffic engineering is included in the scope of the
     PCE-based path computation architecture [PCE-ARCH], and PCE can
     provide a suitable mechanism for resolving inter-layer path
     computation issues.
  
     PCE Communication Protocol requirements for inter-layer traffic
     engineering are set forth in [PCE-INTER-LAYER-REQ].
  
     This document describes a framework for the PCE-based path
     computation Architecture to inter-layer traffic engineering. It
     provides suggestions for the deployment of PCE in support of multi-
     layer networks. This document also describes network models where
     PCE performs inter-layer traffic engineering, and the relationship
     between PCE and a functional component in charge of the control and
     management of the VNT, and called the Virtual Network Topology
     Manager (VNTM).
  
  3. Inter-Layer Path Computation
  
     This section describes key topics of inter-layer path computation
     in MPLS and GMPLS networks.
  
     [RFC4206] defines a way to signal a higher-layer LSP, whose
     explicit route includes hops traversed by LSPs in lower layers. The
     computation of end-to-end paths across layers is called Inter-Layer
     Path Computation.
  
     An LSR in the higher-layer may not have information on the lower-
     layer topology, particularly in an overlay or augmented model, and
     hence may not be able to compute an end-to-end path across layers.
  
     PCE-based inter-layer path computation, consists of relying on one
     or more PCEs to compute an end-to-end path across layers. This
     could rely on a single PCE path computation where the PCE has
     topology information about multiple layers and can directly compute
     an end-to-end path across layers considering the topology of all of
     the layers. Alternatively, the inter-layer path computation could
     be performed as a multiple PCE computation where each member of a
     set of PCEs have information about the topology of one or more
     layers, but not all layers, and collaborate to compute an end-to-
     end path.
  
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     Consider a two-layer network where the higher-layer network is a
     packet-based IP/MPLS network or GMPLS network and the lower-layer
     network is a GMPLS optical network. An ingress LSR in the higher-
     layer network tries to set up an LSP to an egress LSR also in the
     higher-layer network across the lower-layer network, and needs a
     path in the higher-layer network. However, suppose that there is no
     TE link between border LSRs, which are located on the boundary
     between the higher-layer and lower-layer networks, and that the
     ingress LSR does not have topology visibility in the lower layer.
     If a single-layer path computation is applied for the higher-layer,
     the path computation fails. On the other hand, inter-layer path
     computation is able to provide a route in the higher-layer and a
     suggestion that a lower-layer LSP be setup between border LSRs,
     considering both layers' TE topologies.
  
     Lower-layer LSPs form a Virtual Network Topology (VNT), which can
     be used for routing higher-layer LSPs or to carry IP traffic.
     Inter-layer path computation for end-to-end LSPs in the higher-
     layer network that span the lower-layer network may utilize the VNT,
     and PCE is a candidate for computing the paths of such higher-layer
     LSPs within the higher-layer network. The PCE-based path
     computation model can:
  
     - Perform a single computation on behalf of the ingress LSR using
     information gathered from more than one layer. This mode is
     referred to as Single PCE Computation in [PCE-ARCH].
  
     - Compute a path on behalf of the ingress LSR through cooperation
     between PCEs responsible for each layer. This mode is referred to
     as Multiple PCE Computation with inter-PCE communication in [PCE-
     ARCH].
  
     - Perform separate path computations on behalf of the TE-LSP head-
     end and each transit LSR that is the entry point to a new layer.
     This mode is referred to as Multiple PCE Computation (without
     inter-PCE communication) in [PCE-ARCH]. This option utilizes per-
     layer path computation performed independently by successive PCEs.
  
     The PCE computes and returns a path to the PCC that the PCC can use
     to build an MPLS or GMPLS LSP once converted to an Explicit Route
     Object (ERO) for use in RSVP-TE signaling. There are two options.
  
     - Option 1: Mono-layer path.
     The PCE computes a "mono layer" path, i.e. a path that includes
     only TE-links from the same layer. There are two cases for this
     option. In the first case the PCE computes a path that includes
     already established lower-layer LSPs: that is the resulting ERO
     includes sub-object(s) corresponding to lower-layer hierarchical
     LSPs expressed as the TE link identifiers, which  can be numbered
     or unnumbered ones, of the hierarchical LSPs when advertised as TE
     links in the higher-layer network. The TE link may be a regular TE
     link that is actually established, or a virtual TE link that is not
     established yet (see [MLN-REQ]). If it is a regular TE link, this
  
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     does not trigger new lower-layer LSP setup, but the utilization of
     existing lower-layer LSPs. If it is a virtual TE link, this
     triggers a new lower-layer LSP setup (provided that there are
     available resources in the lower layer). A transit LSR
     corresponding to the entry point of the virtual TE link is expected
     to trigger the new lower-layer LSP setup. Note that the path of a
     virtual TE link is not necessarily known in advance, and this may
     require path computation either on the entry point or on a PCE. The
     second case is that the PCE computes a path that includes loose
     hop(s). The higher layer would select which lower layers to use and
     would select the entry and exit points from those layers, but would
     not select the path across the layers. A transit LSR corresponding
     to the entry point is expected to expand the loose hop (either
     itself or relying on the services of a PCE). Path expansion process
     on border LSR may result either in the selection of an existing
     lower-layer LSP, or in the computation and setup of a new lower-
     layer LSP.
  
     - Option 2: Multi-layer path. The PCE computes a "multi-layer" path,
     i.e. a path that includes TE links from distinct layers [RFC4206].
     Such a path can include the complete path of one or more lower-
     layer LSPs that already exist or are not yet established. In the
     latter case, the signaling of the higher-layer LSP will trigger the
     establishment of the lower-layer LSPs.
  
  4. Inter-layer Path Computation Models
  
     As stated in Section 3, two PCE modes defined in the PCE
     architecture can be used to perform inter-layer path computation.
     They are discussed below.
  
  4.1.  Single PCE Inter-Layer Path Computation
  
     In this model Inter-layer path computation is performed by a single
     PCE that has topology visibility in all layers. Such a PCE is
     called a multi-layer PCE.
  
     In Figure 1, the network is comprised of two layers. LSR H1, H2, H3
     and H4 belong to the higher layer, and LSRs L1 and L2 belong to the
     lower layer. The PCE is a multi-layer PCE that has visibility into
     both layers.  It can perform end-to-end path computation across
     layers (single PCE path computation). For instance, it can compute
     an optimal path H2-L1-L2-H3-H4, for a higher layer LSP from H1 to
     H4. This path includes the path of a lower layer LSP from H2 to H3,
     already established or not.
  
  
                             -----
                            | PCE |
                             -----
         -----    -----                  -----    -----
        | LSR |--| LSR |................| LSR |--| LSR |
        | H1  |  | H2  |                | H3  |  | H4  |
         -----    -----\                /-----    -----
  
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                        \-----    -----/
                        | LSR |--| LSR |
                        | L1  |  | L2  |
                         -----    -----
  
       Figure 1 : Multi-Layer PCE - A single PCE with multi-layer
     visibility
  
  4.2.  Multiple PCE Inter-Layer Path Computation
  
     In this model there is at least one PCE per layer, and each PCE has
     topology visibility restricted to its own layer. These PCEs are
     called mono-layer PCEs. Mono-layer PCEs collaborate to compute an
     end-to-end optimal path across layers.
  
     In Figure 2, there is one PCE in each layer. The PCEs from each
     layer collaborate to compute an end-to-end path across layers. PCE
     Hi is responsible for computations in the higher layer and may
     consult with PCE Lo to compute paths across the lower layer. PCE
     Lo is responsible for path computation in the lower layer. A simple
     example of cooperation between the PCEs could be: PCE Hi requests a
     path H2-H3 from PCE Lo. Of course more complex cooperation may be
     required if an end-to-end optimal path is desired.
  
                                  -----
                                 | PCE |
                                 | Hi  |
                                  --+--
                                    |
         -----    -----             |            -----    -----
        | LSR |--| LSR |............|...........| LSR |--| LSR |
        | H1  |  | H2  |            |           | H3  |  | H4  |
         -----    -----\          --+--         /-----    -----
                        \        | PCE |       /
                         \       | Lo  |      /
                          \       -----      /
                           \                /
                            \-----    -----/
                            | LSR |--| LSR |
                            | L1  |  | L2  |
                             -----    -----
  
     Figure 2 : Cooperating Mono-Layer PCEs - Multiple PCEs with single-
     layer visibility
  
  
  4.3.  General observation
  
     - Depending on implementation details, inter-layer path computation
     time in the Single PCE inter-layer path computation model may be
     less than that of the Multiple PCE model with cooperating mono-
     layer PCEs, because there is no requirement to exchange messages
     between cooperating PCEs.
  
  
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     - When TE topology for all layered networks is visible within one
     routing domain, the single PCE inter-layer path computation model
     may be adopted because a PCE is able to collect all layers' TE
     topologies by participating in only one routing domain.
  
     - As the single PCE inter-layer path computation model uses more TE
     topology information than is used by PCEs in the Multiple PCE path
     computation model, it requires more computation power and memory.
  
  5. Inter-Layer Path Control
  
  5.1.  VNT Management
  
     As a result of inter-layer path computation, a PCE may determine
     that there is insufficient bandwidth available in the higher-layer
     network to support this or future higher-layer LSPs. The problem
     might be resolved if new LSPs are provisioned across the lower-
     layer network. Further, the modification, re-organization and new
     provisioning of lower-layer LSPs may enable better utilization of
     lower-layer network resources given the demands of the higher-layer
     network. In other words, the VNT needs to be controlled or managed
     in cooperation with inter-layer path computation.
  
     A VNT Manager (VNTM) is defined as a network element that manages
     and controls the VNT. PCE and "VNT Management" are distinct
     functions that may or may not be co-located. To describe each
     function clearly, VNTM is considered as a functional element in
     this draft.
  
  5.2.  Inter-Layer Path Control Models
  
   5.2.1.
           Cooperation model between PCE and VNTM
  
        -----      ------
       | PCE |--->| VNTM |
        -----      ------
          ^           :
          :           :
          :           :
          v           V
         -----      -----                  -----      -----
        | LSR |----| LSR |................| LSR |----| LSR |
        | H1  |    | H2  |                | H3  |    | H4  |
         -----      -----\                /-----      -----
                          \-----    -----/
                          | LSR |--| LSR |
                          | L1  |  | L2  |
                           -----    -----
  
     Figure 3: Cooperation model between PCE and VNTM
  
     A multi-layer network consists of higher-layer and lower-layer
     networks. LSRs H1, H2, H3, and H4 belong to the higher-layer
     network, LSRs H2, L1, L2, and H3 belong to the lower-layer network,
  
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     as shown in Figure 3. Consider that H1 requests PCE to compute an
     inter-layer path between H1 and H4. There is no TE link in the
     higher-layer between H2 and H3 before the path computation request.
  
     The roles of PCE and VNTM are as follows. PCE performs inter-layer
     path computation and is unable to supply a path because there is
     not TE link between H2 and H3. The computation fails, but PCE
     suggests to VNTM that a lower-layer LSP (H2-H3) should be
     established to support future LSP requests. VNTM uses local policy
     and possibly management/configuration input to determine how to
     process the suggestion from PCE, and may request an ingress LSR
     (e.g. H2) to establish a lower-layer LSP. VNTM or the ingress LSR
     (H2) may use a PCE with visibility into the lower layer to compute
     the path of this new LSP.
  
     If the PCE cannot compute a path for the higher-layer LSP without
     the establishment of a further lower-layer LSP, the PCE may notify
     VNTM and wait for the lower-layer LSP to be set up and advertised
     as a TE link. It can then compute the complete end-to-end path for
     the higher-layer LSP and return the result to the PCC. In this case,
     the PCC may be kept waiting some time, and it is important that the
     PCC understands this. It is also important that the PCE and VNTM
     have an agreement that the lower-layer LSP will be set up in a
     timely manner, the PCE operates a timeout, or the PCE will be
     notified by VNTM that no new LSP will become available. An example
     of such a cooperative procedure between PCE and VNTM is as follows.
  
     Step 1: H1 (PCC) requests PCE to compute a path between H1 and H4.
     In the request, it indicates that inter-layer path computation is
     allowed.
  
     Step 2: As a result of the inter-layer path computation, PCE judges
     that a new lower-layer LSP needs to be established.
  
     Step 3: PCE suggests to VNTM that a new lower-layer LSP should be
     established if necessary and if acceptable within VNTM’s policy
     constraints. The inter-layer path route computed by PCE may include
     one or more virtual TE links. If PCE knows the inclusion of the
     virtual TE link(s) in the inter-layer route, PCE may suggest VNTM
     that the corresponding new lower-layer LSP(s) should be established.
     Otherwise, new lower-layer LSP(s) may be setup according to the
     higher-layer signaling trigger model.
  
     Step 4: VNTM requests an ingress LSR (e.g. H2) to establish a
     lower-layer LSP. The request message may include a pre-computed
     lower-layer LSP route obtained from the PCE responsible for the
     lower-layer network.
  
     Step 5: The ingress LSR starts signaling to establish a lower-layer
     LSP.
  
     Step 6: If the lower-layer LSP setup is completed, the ingress LSR
     notifies VNTM that the LSP is complete and supplies the tunnel
     information.
  
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     Step 7: VNTM replies to PCE to inform it that the lower-layer LSP
     is now established, and includes the lower-layer tunnel information.
     Alternatively, PCE may get to know about the existence of the
     lower-layer LSP when a new TE link in the higher-layer
     corresponding to the lower-layer LSP is advertised to PCE through
     the IGP.
  
     Step 8: PCE replies to H1 (PCC) with a computed higher-layer LSP
     route. The computed path is categorized as a mono-layer path that
     includes the already-established lower layer-LSP. The higher-layer
     route is specified as H2-H3-H4, where all hops are strict.
  
     Step 9: H1 initiates signaling with the computed path H2-H3-H4 to
     establish the higher-layer LSP.
  
   5.2.2.
           Higher-Layer Signaling Trigger Model
  
        -----
       | PCE |
        -----
          ^
          :
          :
          v
         -----      -----                  -----    -----
        | LSR |----| LSR |................| LSR |--| LSR |
        | H1  |    | H2  |                | H3  |  | H4  |
         -----      -----\                /-----    -----
                          \-----    -----/
                          | LSR |--| LSR |
                          | L1  |  | L2  |
                           -----    -----
  
     Figure 4: Higher-layer signaling trigger model
  
     Figure 4 shows the higher-layer signaling trigger model. As in the
     case described in section 5.2.1, consider that H1 requests PCE to
     compute an inter-layer path between H1 and H4. There is no TE link
     in the higher-layer between H2 and H3 before the path computation
     request.
  
     If PCE judges that a lower-layer LSP needs to be established based
     on the inter-layer path computation result, a lower-layer LSP is
     established during the higher-layer signaling procedure. After PCE
     completes inter-layer path computation, PCE sends a reply message
     including explicit route to the ingress LSR (PCC). There are two
     ways to express the higher-layer LSP route, which are a multi-layer
     path and a mono-layer path that includes loose hop(s).
  
     In the higher-layer signaling trigger model with a multi-layer path,
     a high-layer LSP route includes a route for a lower-layer LSP that
     is not yet established. An LSR that is located at the boundary
     between the higher-layer and lower-layer networks, called a border
  
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     LSR, receives a higher-layer signaling message and then starts to
     setup the lower-layer LSP.
  
     An example procedure of the signaling trigger model with a multi-
     layer path is as follows.
  
     Step 1: H1 (PCC) requests PCE to compute a path between H1 and H4.
     The request indicates that inter-layer path computation is allowed.
  
     Step 2: As a result of the inter-layer path computation, PCE judges
     that a new lower-layer LSP needs to be established.
  
     Step 3: PCE replies to H1 (PCC) with a computed multi-layer route
     including higher-layer and lower-layer LSP routes. The route may be
     specified as H2-L1-L2-H3-H4, where all hops are strict.
  
     Step 4: H1 initiates higher-layer signaling using the computed
     explicit router of H2-L1-L2-H3-H4.
  
     Step 5: The border LSR (H2) that receives the higher-layer
     signaling message starts lower-layer signaling to establish a
     lower-layer LSP along the specified lower-layer route of L1-L2-H3.
     That is, the border LSR recognizes the hops within the explicit
     route that apply to the lower-layer network, verifies with local
     policy that a new LSP is acceptable, and establishes the required
     lower-layer LSP. Note that it is possible that a suitable lower-
     layer LSP has been established (or become available) between the
     time that the computation was performed and the moment when the
     higher-layer signaling message reached the border LSR. In this case,
     the border LSR may select such a lower-layer LSP without the need
     to signal a new LSP provided that the lower-layer LSP satisfies the
     explicit route in the higher-layer signaling request.
  
     Step 6: After the lower-layer LSP is established, the higher-layer
     signaling continues along the specified higher-layer route of H2-
     H3-H4.
  
     On the other hand, in the signaling trigger model with mono-layer
     path, a higher-layer LSP route includes a loose or strict hop to
     traverse the lower-layer network between the two border LSRs. In
     the strict hop case, a virtual TE link may be advertised, but a
     lower-layer LSP is not setup. A border LSR that receives a higher-
     layer signaling message needs to determine a path for a new lower-
     layer LSP. It applies local policy to verify that a new LSP is
     acceptable and then either consults a PCE with responsibility for
     the lower-layer network or computes the path by itself, and
     initiates signaling to establish a lower-layer LSP. Again, it is
     possible that a suitable lower-layer LSP has been established (or
     become available) between the time that the higher-layer
     computation was performed and the moment when the higher-layer
     signaling message reached the border LSR. In this case, the border
     LSR may select such a lower-layer LSP without the need to signal a
     new LSP provided that the lower-layer LSP satisfies the explicit
     route in the higher-layer signaling request. Since the higher-layer
  
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     signaling request used a loose hop without specifying any specifics
     of the path within the lower-layer network, the border LSR has
     greater freedom to choose a lower-layer LSP than in the previous
     example.
  
     The difference between procedures of the signaling trigger model
     with a multi-layer path and a mono-layer path is Step 5. Step 5 of
     the signaling trigger model with a mono layer path is as follows:
  
     Step 5: The border LSR (H2) that receives the higher-layer
     signaling message applies local policy to verify that a new LSP is
     acceptable and then initiates establishment of a lower-layer LSP.
     It either consults a PCE with responsibility for the lower-layer
     network or computes the route by itself to expand the loose hop
     route in the higher-layer path.
  
   5.2.3.
          Examples of multi-layer ERO
  
     PCE
      ^
      :
      :
      V
     H1--H2             H3--H4
          \                  /
           L1==L2==L3--L4--L5
                    |
                    |
                   L6--L7
                         \
                          H5--H6
  
     Figure 5 Example of multi-layer network
  
     This section describes how lower-layer LSP setup is performed in
     the higher-layer signaling trigger model using an ERO that can
     include subobjects in both the higher and lower layers. It gives
     rise to several options for the ERO when it reaches the last LSR in
     the higher layer network (H2).
     1. The next subobject is a loose hop to H3 (mono layer ERO).
     2. The next subobject is a strict hop to L1 followed by a loose hop
     to H3.
     3. The next subobjects are a series of hops (strict or loose) in
     the lower-layer network followed by H3. For example, {L1(strict),
     L3(loose), L5(loose), H3(strict)}
  
     In the first, the lower layer can utilize any LSP tunnel that will
     deliver the end-to-end LSP to H3. In the third case, the lower
     layer must select an LSP tunnel that traverses L3 and L5. However,
     this does not mean that the lower layer can or should use an LSP
     from L1 to L3 and another from L3 to L5.
  
  6. Choosing between inter-layer path control models
  
  
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     This section compares the cooperation model between PCE and VNTM,
     and the higher-layer signaling trigger model, in terms of VNTM
     functions, border LSR functions, and higher-layer signaling time.
  
     VNTM functions:
  
     In the cooperation model, VNTM functions are required. In this
     model, additional overhead communications between PCE and VNTM and
     between VNTM and a border LSR are required.
  
     In the higher-layer signaling trigger model, no VNTM functions are
     required, and no such communications are required.
  
     If VNTM functions are not supported in a multi-layer network, the
     higher-layer signaling trigger model has to be chosen.
  
     The inclusion of VNTM functionality allows better coordination of
     cross-network LSP tunnels and application of network-wide policy
     that is not available in the trigger model.
  
     Border LSR functions:
  
     In the higher-layer signaling trigger model, a border LSR must have
     some additional functions. It needs to trigger lower-layer
     signaling when a higher-layer path message suggests that lower-
     layer LSP setup is necessary. The triggering signaling is also
     required in the cooperation case when the VNTM support virtual TE
     links. Note that, if only the cooperation model is applied, it is
     required that a PCE knows whether a link is a regular TE link or
     virtual TE link.
  
     If the ERO in the higher-layer Path message uses a mono-layer path
     or specifies loose hop, a border LSR receiving the Path message
     MUST obtain a lower-layer route either by consulting PCE or by
     using its own computation engine. If the ERO in the higher-layer
     Path message uses multi-layer path, the border LSR MUST judge
     whether lower-layer signaling is needed.
  
     In the cooperation model, no additional function for triggered
     signaling in border LSRs is required except when virtual TE links
     are used. Therefore, if these additional functions are not
     supported in border LSRs, the cooperation model, where a border LSR
     is controlled by VNTM to set up a lower-layer LSP, has to be chosen.
  
     Complete inter-layer LSP setup time:
  
     Complete inter-layer LSP setup time includes inter-layer path
     computation, signaling, and communication time between PCC and PCE,
     PCE and VNTM, and VNTM and LSR. In the cooperation model, the
     additional communication steps are required compared with the
     higher-layer signaling trigger model. On the other hand, the
     cooperation model provides better control at the cost of a longer
     service setup time.
  
  
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     Note that, in terms of higher-layer signaling time, in the higher-
     layer signaling trigger model, the required time from when higher-
     layer signaling starts to when it is completed, is more than that
     of the cooperation model except when any virtual TE link is
     included. This is because the former model requires lower-layer
     signaling to take place during the higher-layer signaling. A
     higher-layer ingress LSR has to wait for more time until the
     higher-layer signaling is completed. A higher-layer ingress LSR is
     required to be tolerant of longer path setup times.
  
     An appropriate model is chosen, taking into all of the above
     considerations.
  
  7. Security Considerations
  
     Inter-layer traffic engineering with PCE may raise new security
     issues in both inter-layer path control models.
  
     In the cooperation model between PCE and VNTM, when PCE judges a
     new lower-layer LSP, communications between PCE and VNTM and
     between VNTM and a border LSR are needed. In this case, there are
     some security concerns that need to be addressed for these
     communications. These communications should have some security
     mechanisms to ensure authenticity, privacy and integrity.
  
     In the higher-layer signaling trigger model, there are several
     security concerns. First, PCE may inform PCC, which is located in
     the higher-layer network, of multi-layer path information that
     includes an ERO in the lower-layer network, while the PCC may not
     have TE topology visibility into the lower-layer network. This
     raises a security concern, where lower-layer hop information is
     known to transit LSRs supporting a higher-layer LSP. Some security
     mechanisms to ensure authenticity, privacy and integrity may be
     used.
  
     Security issues may also exist when a single PCE is granted full
     visibility of TE information that applies to multiple layers.
  
  8. Acknowledgment
  
    We would like to thank Kohei Shiomoto, Ichiro Inoue, Julien Meuric
    and Jean-Francois Peltier for their useful comments.
  
  9. References
  
  9.1.  Normative Reference
  
     [RFC2119] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to indicate
     requirements levels", RFC 2119, March 1997.
  
     [RFC3945] Mannie, E., "Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching
     Architecture", RFC 3945, October 2004.
  
  
  
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     [RFC4206] Kompella, K., and Rekhter, Y., "Label Switched Paths
     (LSP) Hierarchy with Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching
     (GMPLS) Traffic Engineering (TE)", RFC 4206, October 2005.
  
     [RFC4208] G. Swallow et al., "Generalized Multiprotocol Label
     Switching (GMPLS) User-Network Interface (UNI): Resource
     ReserVation Protocol-Traffic Engineering (RSVP-TE) Support for the
     Overlay Model", RFC 4208, October 2005.
  
  9.2.  Informative Reference
  
     [PCE-ARCH] A. Farrel, JP. Vasseur and J. Ash, "Path Computation
     Element (PCE) Architecture", draft-ietf-pce-architecture (work in
     progress).
  
     [PCE-COM-REQ] J. Ash, J.L Le Roux et al., "PCE Communication
     Protocol Generic Requirements", draft-ietf-pce-comm-protocol-gen-
     reqs (work in progress).
  
     [PCE-DISC-REQ] JL Le Roux et al., "Requirements for Path
     Computation Element (PCE) Discovery", draft-ietf-pce-discovery-reqs
     (work in progress).
  
     [MLN-REQ] K. Shiomoto et al., "Requirements for GMPLS-based multi-
     region networks (MRN) ", draft-ietf-ccamp-gmpls-mln-reqs (work in
     progress).
  
     [PCE-INTER-LAYER-REQ] E. Oki et al., "PCC-PCE Communication
     Requirements for Inter-Layer Traffic Engineering", draft-ietf-pce-
     inter-layer-req (work in progress).
  
     [PCEP] JP. Vasseur et al, "Path Computation Element (PCE)
     communication Protocol (PCEP) - Version 1 - draft-ietf-pce-pcep
     (work in progress).
  
  10.     Authors' Addresses
  
     Eiji Oki
     NTT
     3-9-11 Midori-cho,
     Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8585, Japan
     Email: oki.eiji@lab.ntt.co.jp
  
     Jean-Louis Le Roux
     France Telecom R&D,
     Av Pierre Marzin,
     22300 Lannion, France
     Email: jeanlouis.leroux@francetelecom.com
  
     Adrian Farrel
     Old Dog Consulting
     Email: adrian@olddog.co.uk
  
  
  
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