Applicability of Abstraction and Control of Traffic Engineered Networks (ACTN) to Packet Optical Integration (POI)

1.1. Terminology

This document uses the ACTN terminology defined in [RFC8453].¶

In addition, this document uses the following terminology.¶

Customer service:

The end-to-end service from CE to CE.¶

Network service:

The PE to PE configuration, including both the network service layer (VRFs, RT import/export policies configuration) and the network transport layer (e.g. RSVP-TE LSPs). This includes the configuration (on the PE side) of the interface towards the CE (e.g. VLAN, IP address, routing protocol etc.).¶

Technology domain:

short for "switching technology domain", defined as "region" in [RFC5212], where the term "region" is applied to (GMPLS) control domains.¶

PNC Domain:

part of the network under control of a single PNC instance. It is subject to the capabilities of the PNC which technology is controlled.¶

Port:

The physical entity that transmits and receives physical signals.¶

Interface:

A physical or logical entity that transmits and receives traffic.¶

Link:

An association between two interfaces that can exchange traffic directly.¶

Intra-domain link:

a link between two adjacent nodes that belong to the same PNC domain.¶

Inter-domain link:

a link between two adjacent nodes that belong to different PNC domains.¶

Ethernet link:

A link between two Ethernet interfaces.¶

Single-technology Ethernet link:

An Ethernet link between two Ethernet interfaces on physically adjacent IP routers.¶

Multi-technology Ethernet link:

An Ethernet link between between two Ethernet interfaces on logically adjacent IP routers, which is supported by an underlay tunnel in a different technology domain.¶

Cross-technology Ethernet link:

An Ethernet link between an Ethernet interface on an IP router and an Ethernet interface on a physically adjacent optical node.¶

Inter-domain Ethernet link:

An Ethernet link between between two Ethernet interfaces on physically adjacent IP routers that belong to different P-PNC domains.¶

Single-technology intra-domain Ethernet link:

An Ethernet link between between two Ethernet interfaces on physically adjacent IP routers that belong to the same P-PNC domain.¶

Multi-technology intra-domain Ethernet link:

An Ethernet link between between two Ethernet interfaces on logically adjacent IP routers that belong to the same P-PNC domain, which is supported by supported by two cross-technology Ethernet links and an optical tunnel in between.¶

IP link:

A link between two IP interfaces.¶

Single-technology intra-domain IP link:

An IP link supported by a single-technology intra-domain Ethernet link.¶

Inter-domain IP link:

An IP link supported by an inter-domain Ethernet link.¶

Multi-technology intra-domain IP link:

An IP link supported by a multi-technology intra-domain Ethernet link.¶

2.1. Multi-domain Service Coordinator (MDSC) functions

The MDSC in Figure 1 is responsible for multi-domain and multi-technology coordination across multiple packet and optical domains and provides multi-layer/multi-domain L2/L3 VPN network services requested by an OSS/Orchestration layer.¶

From an implementation perspective, the functions associated with MDSC described in [RFC8453] may be grouped differently.¶

1. The service- and network-related functions are collapsed into a single, monolithic implementation, dealing with the end customer service requests received from the CMI (Customer MDSC Interface) and adapting the relevant network models. An example is represented in Figure 2 of [RFC8453].¶

2. An implementation can choose to split the service-related and the network-related functions into different functional entities, as described in [RFC8309] and in section 4.2 of [RFC8453]. In this case, MDSC is decomposed into a top-level Service Orchestrator, interfacing the customer via the CMI, and into a Network Orchestrator interfacing at the southbound with the PNCs. The interface between the Service Orchestrator and the Network Orchestrator is not specified in [RFC8453].¶

3. Another implementation can choose to split the MDSC functions between an "higher-level MDSC" (MDSC-H) responsible for packet and optical multi-technology coordination, interfacing with one Optical "lower-level MDSC" (MDSC-L), providing multi-domain coordination between the O-PNCs and one Packet MDSC-L, providing multi-domain coordination between the P-PNCs (see for example Figure 9 of [RFC8453]).¶

4. Another implementation can also choose to combine the MDSC and the P-PNC functions.¶

In the current service provider's network deployments, at the North Bound of the MDSC, instead of a CNC, typically, there is an OSS/Orchestration layer. In this case, the MDSC would implement only the Network Orchestration functions, as in [RFC8309] described in point 2 above. Therefore, the MDSC deals with the network services requests received from the OSS/Orchestration layer.¶

The functionality of the OSS/Orchestration layer and the interface toward the MDSC are usually operator-specific and outside the scope of this draft. Therefore, this document assumes that the OSS/Orchestrator requests the MDSC to set up L2/L3 VPN network services through mechanisms outside this document's scope.¶

There are two prominent workflow cases when the MDSC multi-technology coordination is initiated:¶

• Initiated by request from the OSS/Orchestration layer to setup L2/L3 VPN network services that require multi-layer/multi-domain coordination;¶

• The MDSC initiates them to perform multi-layer/multi-domain optimizations and/or maintenance activities (e.g. rerouting LSPs with their associated services when putting a resource, like a fibre, in maintenance mode during a maintenance window). Unlike service fulfillment, these workflows are not related to a network service provisioning request received from the OSS/Orchestration layer.¶

The latter workflow cases are outside the scope of this document.¶

This document analyses the use cases where multi-layer coordination is triggered by a network service request received from the OSS/Orchestration layer.¶

     ------
    | CE13 |    Packet Domain 1              Packet Domain 2
     ------ ____________________            __________________
     ( |                         )         (                  )
    (  | PE13     P15       BR11  )       (  BR21       P24     )
   (   |____         ___       ____ )      ( ____      ___       )
  (    /    \ _ _ _ /   \ _ _ /    \________/    \    /   \     )
 (     \____/       \___/     \___ /        \____/    \_ _/     )
(   PE14  :\_ _               /      )  (    /  :      : \__     )
(    ____  :   \__ P16    ___/      )  (  __/_             _\__  )
 (  /    \  :  /   \- - -/    \__________/    \ :_ _ _ :_ /    \  )
 (  \____/     \___/     \____/     )  ( \____/           \____/ )
   (  / :   :    :         :  BR12  )   (   :    :     :     |  )
    (/                              )   ( BR22           PE23|   )
 ------ :   :    :         :       )      ( :     :    :     |  )
| CE14 | (__ ____ _________ _____)           (_____ ___ _ ------
 ------ :   :    :         :                :      :   : | CE23 |
                                                          ------
        :   :    :         :                :      :   :
       _ ___ ____ _________ ________         ______ ___ _______
      ( :   :    :         :        )       :      :   :       )
     (      ____  :      ____        )     (      ____  .. ..   )
    (   :  /    \_ _ _ _/    \ NE12   )   ( :    /    \ _    :   )
   (  NE11 \____/ :     \____/         )  ( NE21 \____/   \     )
   (    :  /    \    _ _ /  \          )  ( :     /        \ :   )
   (   ___/      \:_|        \____    )  (   .___/         _\__  )
   (  /    \_ _ /    \ _ _ _ /    \   )  (   /    \ _ _ _ /    \  )
    ( \____/    \____/       \____/  )    (  \____/       \____/  )
     ( NE13      NE14         NE15   )     (  NE22         NE23  )
      (_____________________________)       (___________________)

             Optical Domain 1                  Optical Domain 2


       _____  = Inter-domain links
       .. ..  = Cross-layer links
       _ _ _  = Intra-domain links

     ------
    | CE13 |    Packet Domain 1              Packet Domain 2
     ------ ____________________            _________________
     ( |                         )         (                 )
    (  | PE13     P15       BR11  )       (  BR21       P24    )
   (   |____         ___       ____ )      ( ____     ___       )
  (    / H  \       /   \     /    \________/..  \   / ..\ ..  )
 (     \____/.....  \___/     \___ / .. .. ..___:/   \___/   : )
(   PE14  :      :              .. .. )  (             :        )
(    ____  :    _:_ P16   ____ :     )  ( ____  :          __:_ )
 (  / S  \  :  / ..\     /   ..__________/    \        :  /  S \ )
 (  \____/     \__:/     \____/     )  ( \____/ :         \____/ )
   (  / :   :     :          :BR12  )   (              :     |  )
    (/  :         :                 )   ( BR22  :        PE23|   )
 ------ :   :     :          :     )      (            :     | )
| CE14 |:(__ _____:__________ ___)           (__:______ __ ------
 ------ :   :      :         :                         :  | CE23 |
        :           :                           :          ------
        :   :       :        :                         :
       _:___________:________ ______         ___:______ _______
      ( :   :       :        :      )       (          : .. .. )
     (  :   ____    :    ____        )     (     :____          )
    (   :  / .. \.. : ../ .. \ NE12   )   (      /..  \      :   )
   (  NE11 \____/   :   \____/         )  ( NE21 \__:_/          )
   (    :           :                  )  (                  :  )
   (   _:__      ___:         ____    )  (    ____  : ..  ____  )
   (  / :..\..../...:\       /    \   )  (   /    \      /.. :\  )
    ( \____/    \____/       \____/  )    (  \____/      \____/  )
     ( NE13      NE14         NE15   )     (  NE22        NE23  )
      (_____________________________)       (__________________)

             Optical Domain 1                  Optical Domain 2


        H / S = Hub VRF / Spoke VRF

       .....  = Intra-domain TE Path 1 {PE13, P16, NE14, NE13, PE14}
       .. ..  = Inter-domain TE Path 2 {PE13, NE11, NE12, BR12,
                BR11, BR21, NE21, NE23, P24, PE23}

2.2. IP/MPLS Domain Controller and IP router Functions

Each packet domain in Figure 1, corresponding to either an IGP area or an Autonomous System (AS) within the same operator network, is controlled by a packet domain controller (P-PNC).¶

P-PNCs are responsible for setting up the TE paths between any two PEs or BRs in their respective controlled domains, as requested by MDSC, and providing topology information to the MDSC.¶

For example, for inter-domain SR-TE, the setup bidirectional SR-TE path from PE13 in domain 1 to PE23 in domain 2, as shown in Figure 3, requires the MDSC to coordinate the actions of:¶

• P-PNC1 to push a SID list to PE13 including the Binding SID associated to the SR-TE path in Domain 2 with PE23 as the target destination (forward direction);¶

• P-PNC2 to push a SID list to PE23, including the Binding SID associated with the SR-TE path in Domain 1 with PE13 as the target destination (reverse direction).¶

With reference to Figure 4, P-PNCs are then responsible:¶

1. To expose to MDSC their respective detailed TE topology¶

2. To perform single-layer single-domain local TE path computation, when requested by MDSC between two PEs (for single-domain end-to-end TE path) or between PEs and BRs for an inter-domain TE path selected by MDSC;¶

3. To configure the routers in their respective domain to setup a TE path;¶

4. To configure the VRF and PE-CE interfaces (Service access points) of the intra-domain and inter-domain network services requested by the MDSC.¶

          +------------------+            +------------------+
          |                  |            |                  |
          |      P-PNC1      |            |      P-PNC2      |
          |                  |            |                  |
          +--|-----------|---+            +--|-----------|---+
             | 1.TE      | 2.VPN             | 1.TE      | 2.VPN
             | Path      | Provisioning      | Path      | Provisioning
             | Config    |                   | Config    |
             V           V                   V           V
           +---------------------+         +---------------------+
      CE  / PE     TE path 1    BR\       / BR     TE path 2   PE \  CE
      o--/---o..................o--\-----/--o..................o---\--o
         \                         /     \                         /
          \        Domain 1       /       \       Domain 2        /
           +---------------------+         +---------------------+

                              End-to-end TE path
             <------------------------------------------------->

When requesting the setup of a new TE path, the MDSC provides the P-PNCs with the explicit path to be created or modified. In other words, the MDSC can communicate to the P-PNCs the complete list of nodes involved in the path (strict mode). In this case, the P-PNC is just responsible to set up that explicit TE path. For example:¶

• with SR-TE, the P-PNC pushes to headend PE or BR the list of SIDs to create the explicit SR-TE path, provided by the MDSC;¶

• with RSVP-TE, the P-PNC requests the headend PE or BR to start signaling the explicit RSVP-TE path, provided by the MDSC.¶

To scale in large SR-TE packet domains, the MDSC can provide P-PNC a loose path, together with per-domain TE constraints. The P-PNC can then select the complete path within its domain.¶

In such a case, it is mandatory that P-PNC signals back to the MDSC which path it has chosen so that the MDSC keeps track of the relevant resources utilization.¶

From the Figure 3 example, the TE path requested by the MDSC touches PE13 - P16 - BR12 - BR21 - PE23. P-PNC2 is aware of two paths with the same topology metric, e.g. BR21 - P24 - PE23 and BR21 - BR22 - PE23, but with different loads. It may prefer to steer the traffic on the latter because it is less loaded.¶

For the purposes of this document it is assumed that the MDSC always provides the explicit list of all the hops to the P-PNCs to setup or modify the TE path.¶

2.3. Optical Domain Controller and NE Functions

The optical network provides underlay connectivity services to IP/MPLS networks. The packet and optical multi-layer coordination is done by the MDSC, as shown in Figure 1.¶

The O-PNC is responsible to:¶

• provide to the MDSC an abstract TE topology view of its underlying optical network resources;¶

• perform single-domain local path computation, when requested by the MDSC;¶

• perform optical tunnel setup, when requested by the MDSC.¶

The mechanisms used by O-PNC to perform intra-domain topology discovery and path setup are usually vendor-specific and outside the scope of this document.¶

Depending on the type of optical network, TE topology abstraction, path computation and path setup can be single-layer (either OTN or WDM) or multi-layer OTN/WDM. In the latter case, the multi-layer coordination between the OTN and WDM layers is performed by the O-PNC.¶

3.1. RESTCONF Protocol at the MPIs

The RESTCONF protocol, as defined in [RFC8040], using the JSON representation defined in [RFC7951], is assumed to be used at these interfaces. In addition, extensions to RESTCONF, as defined in [RFC8527], to be compliant with Network Management Datastore Architecture (NMDA) defined in [RFC8342], are assumed to be used as well at these MPI interfaces and also at MDSC NBI interfaces.¶

3.2. YANG Data Models at the MPIs

The data models used on these interfaces are assumed to use the YANG 1.1 Data Modeling Language, as defined in [RFC7950].¶

This section describes the YANG data models that are applicable to the Packet and Optical MPIs. Some of these YANG data models can be optional depending on the specific network configuration detailed in Section 4 and Section 5.¶

3.3. Path Computation Element Protocol (PCEP)

[RFC8637] examines the applicability of a Path Computation Element (PCE) [RFC5440] and PCE Communication Protocol (PCEP) to the ACTN framework. It further describes how the PCE architecture applies to ACTN and lists the PCEP extensions needed to use PCEP as an ACTN interface. The stateful PCE [RFC8231], PCE-Initiation [RFC8281], stateful Hierarchical PCE (H-PCE) [RFC8751], and PCE as a central controller (PCECC) [RFC8283] are some of the key extensions that enable the use of PCE/PCEP for ACTN.¶

Since the PCEP supports path computation in the packet and optical networks, PCEP is well suited for inter-layer path computation. [RFC5623] describes a framework for applying the PCE-based architecture to interlayer (G)MPLS traffic engineering. Furthermore, section 6.1 of [RFC8751] states the H-PCE applicability for inter-layer or POI.¶

[RFC8637] lists various PCEP extensions that apply to ACTN. It also lists the PCEP extension for the optical network and POI.¶

Note that the PCEP can be used in conjunction with the YANG data models described in the rest of this document. Depending on whether ACTN is deployed in a greenfield or brownfield, two options are possible:¶

1. The MDSC uses a single RESTCONF/YANG interface towards each PNC to discover all the TE information and request TE tunnels. It may perform full multi-layer path computation or delegate path computation to the underneath PNCs.¶

   This approach is desirable for operators from a multi-vendor integration perspective as it is simple. We need only one type of interface (RESTCONF) and use the relevant YANG data models depending on the operator use case considered. The benefits of having only one protocol for the MPI between MDSC and PNC have already been highlighted in [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-path-computation].¶

2. The MDSC uses the RESTCONF/YANG interface towards each PNC to discover all the TE information and requests the creation of TE tunnels. However, it uses PCEP for hierarchical path computation.¶

   As mentioned in Option 1, from an operator perspective, this option can add integration complexity to have two protocols instead of one unless the RESTCONF/YANG interface is added to an existing PCEP deployment (brownfield scenario).¶

Section 4 and Section 5 of this draft analyze the case where a single RESTCONF/YANG interface is deployed at the MPI (i.e., option 1 above).¶

4.1. Optical Topology Discovery

The WSON Topology Model and the Flexi-grid Topology model can be used to report the DWDM network topology (e.g., WDM nodes and OMS links), depending on whether the DWDM optical network is based on fixed-grid or flexible-grid or a mix of fixed-grid and flexible-grid.¶

It is worth noting that, as described in Appendix I of [ITU-T_G.694.1], a fixed-grid can also be described as a flexible grid with constraints: for example a 50GHz fixed-grid can be described as a flexible-grid which supports only m=4 and values of n which are only multiplier of 8.¶

As a consequence:¶

• A flexible-grid DWDM network topology can only be reported using the Flexi-grid Topology model;¶

• A fixed-grid DWDM network topology, can be reported using either the WSON Topology model or the Flexi-grid Topology model;¶

• A mixed fixed and flexible grid DWDM network topology can be reported using either the Flexi-grid Topology model or both WSON and Flexi-grid topology models.¶

Clarifying how both WSON and Flexi-grid topology models could be used together (e.g., through multi-inheritance as described in [I-D.ietf-teas-te-topology-profiles]) has been identified as a gap.¶

The OTN Topology Model is used to report the OTN network topology (e.g., OTN switching nodes and links), when the OTN switching layer is deployed within the optical domain.¶

To allow the MDSC to discover the complete multi-layer and multi-domain network topology and to correlate it with the hardware inventory information, the O-PNCs report an abstract optical network topology where:¶

• one TE node is reported for each optical node deployed within the optical network domain; and¶

• one TE link is reported for each OMS link and, optionally, for each OTN link.¶

Since the MDSC delegates optical path computation to its underlay O-PNCs, the following information can be abstracted and not reported at the MPI:¶

• the optical parameters required for optical path computation, such as those detailed in [I-D.ietf-ccamp-optical-impairment-topology-yang];¶

• the underlay OTS links and ILAs of OMS links;¶

• the physical connectivity between the optical transponders and the ROADMs.¶

The OTN Topology Model also reports the CBR client LTPs that terminates the cross-technology Ethernet links: once CBR client LTP is reported for each CBR or multi-function client interface on the optical nodes (see sections 4.4 and 5.1 of [I-D.ietf-ccamp-transport-nbi-app-statement] for the description of multi-function client interfaces).¶

The Ethernet Topology Model reports the Ethernet client LTPs that terminate the cross-technology Ethernet links: one Ethernet client LTP is reported for each Ethernet or multi-function client interface on the optical nodes.¶

The optical transponders and, optionally, the OTN access cards, are abstracted at MPI by the O-PNC as Trail Termination Points (TTPs), defined in [RFC8795], within the optical network topology. This abstraction is valid independently of the fact that optical transponders are physically integrated within the same WDM node or are physically located on a device external to the WDM node since it both cases the optical transponders and the WDM node are under the control of the same O-PNC and abstracted as a single WDM TE Node at the O-MPI.¶

The association between the Ethernet or CBR client LTPs terminating the Ethernet cross-technology Ethernet links and the optical TTPs is reported using the Inter Layer Lock-id (ILL) identifiers, defined in [RFC8795].¶

For example, with a reference to Figure 5, the ILL values X and Y are used to associated the client LTPs (7-0) in NE11 and (8-0) in NE12 with the corresponding optical TTPs (7) in NE11 and (8) in NE12, respectively.¶

         +----------------------------------------------------------+
        /                                                          /
       /            <X>                      <Y>                  /
      /    +------O------+                +------O------+        /
     /     |    (7-0)    |                |    (8-0)    |       /
    /      |             |                |             |      /
   /       |    NE11     |                |     NE12    |     /
  /        +-------------+                +-------------+    /
 /                Ethernet or OTN Topology (O-PNC 1)        /
+-----------------------------------------------------------+



         +----------------------------------------------------------+
        /    <X> (7)                            (8) <Y>            /
       /         ---                            ---               /
      /    +-----\ /-----+                +-----\ /-----+        /
     /     |      V      |                |      V      |       /
    /      |             |                |             |      /
   /       |    NE11     |                |    NE12     |     /
  /        +-------------+                +-------------+    /
 /                   Optical Topology (O-PNC 1)             /
+----------------------------------------------------------+

Legenda:
========
  O   LTP
 ---
 \ /  TTP
  V
<   > Inter-Layer Lock-id reported by the PNC

The intra-domain optical links are discovered by O-PNCs, using mechanisms which are outside the scope of this document, and reported at the MPIs within the optical network topology.¶

In case of a multi-layer DWDM/OTN network domain, multi-layer intra-domain OTN links are supported by underlay WDM tunnels: this relationship is reported by the mechanisms described in Section 4.2.¶

4.2. Optical Path Discovery

The WDM Tunnel Model is used to report all the WDM tunnels established within the optical network.¶

When the OTN switching layer is deployed within the optical domain, the OTN Tunnel Model is used to report all the OTN tunnels established within the optical network.¶

The Ethernet client signal model and the Transparent CBR client signal model are used to report all the connectivity services provided by the underlay optical tunnels between Ethernet or CBR client LTPs, depending on whether the connectivity service is frame-based or transparent. The underlay optical tunnels can be either WDM tunnels or, when the optional OTN switching layer is deployed, OTN tunnels.¶

The WDM tunnels can be used to support either Ethernet or CBR client signals or multi-layer intra-domain OTN links. In the latter case, the hierarchical-link container, defined in [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te], associates the underlay WDM tunnel with the supported multi-layer intra-domain OTN link and it allows discovery of the multi-layer path supporting all the connectivity services provided by the optical network.¶

The O-PNCs report in their operational datastores all the Ethernet and CBR client connectivities and all the optical tunnels deployed within their optical domain regardless of the mechanisms being used to set them up, such as the mechanisms described in Section 5.2, as well as other mechanism (e.g., static configuration), which are outside the scope of this document.¶

4.3. Packet Topology Discovery

The L3 Topology Model is used report the IP network topology.¶

The L3 Topology Model, SR Topology Model, TE Topology Model and the TE Packet Topology Model are used together to report the SR-TE network topology, as described in Figure 2 of [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-sr-te-topo].¶

The TE Topology Model, TE Packet Topology Model and MPLS-TE Topology Model are used together to report the MPLS-TE network topology, as described in [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te-mpls-topology].¶

As described in [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-l3-te-topo], the relationship between the IP network topology and the MPLS-TE network topology depends on whether the two network topologies are congruent or not: in the latter case, the L3 TE Topology Model is used, together with the L3 Topology Model to provide the association between the two network topologies.¶

To allow the MDSC to discover the complete multi-layer and multi-domain network topology and to correlate it with the hardware inventory information as well as to perform multi-domain TE path computation, the P-PNCs report the full packet network, including all the information that the MDSC requires to perform TE path computation. In particular, one TE node is reported for each IP router and one TE link is reported for each intra-domain IP link. The packet topology also reports the IP LTPs terminating the inter-domain IP links.¶

The Ethernet Topology Model is used to report the intra-domain Ethernet links supporting the intra-domain IP links as well as the Ethernet LTPs that might terminate cross-technology Ethernet links, inter-domain Ethernet links or access links, as described in detail in Section 4.5 and in Section 4.6.¶

All the intra-domain Ethernet and IP links are discovered by the P-PNCs, using mechanisms, such as LLDP [IEEE_802.1AB], which are outside the scope of this document, and reported at the MPIs within the Ethernet or the packet network topology.¶

4.4. TE Path Discovery

We assume that the discovery of existing TE paths, including their bandwidth, at the MPI is done using the generic TE tunnel YANG data model, defined in [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te], with packet technology-specific (e.g., MPLS-TE or SR-TE) augmentations.¶

Note that technology-specific augmentations of the generic path TE tunnel model for SR-TE path setup and discovery is outlined in section 1 of [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te] but are currently identified as a gap in Section 6.¶

To enable MDSC to discover the full end-to-end TE path configuration, the technology-specific augmentation of the [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te] should allow the P-PNC to report the TE path within its domain (e.g., the SID list assigned to an SR-TE path).¶

For example, considering the L3VPN in Figure 2, the TE path 1 in one direction (PE13-P16-PE14) and the TE path in the reverse direction (between PE14 and PE13) should be reported by the P-PNC1 to the MDSC as TE primary and primary-reverse paths of the same TE tunnel instance. The bandwidth of these TE paths represents the bandwidth allocated by P-PNC1 to the two TE paths, which can be symmetric or asymmetric in the two directions.¶

The P-PNCs use the TE tunnel model to report, at the MPI, all the TE paths established within their packet domain regardless of the mechanism being used to set them up; i.e., independently on whether the mechanisms described in Section 5.3 or other means, such as static configuration, which are outside the scope of this document, are used.¶

4.5. Inter-domain Link Discovery

In the reference network of Figure 1, there are three types of inter-domain links:¶

• Inter-domain Ethernet links supporting inter-domain IP links between two adjacent IP domains;¶

• Cross-technology Ethernet links between an an IP domain and an adjacent optical domain;¶

• Access links between a CE device and a PE router.¶

All the three types of links are Ethernet links.¶

It is worth noting that the P-PNC may not be aware whether an Ethernet interface terminates a cross-technology Ethernet link, an inter-domain Ethernet link or an access link. The TE Topology Model supports the discovery for all these types of links with no need for the P-PNC to know the type of inter-domain link.¶

There are two possible models to report the access links between CEs and PEs: the TE Topology Model, defined in [RFC8795], or the Service Attachment Points (SAP) Model, defined in [RFC9408].¶

Although the discovery of access links is outside the scope of this document, clarifying the relationship between these two models has been identified as a gap.¶

The inter-domain Ethernet links and cross-technology Ethernet links are discovered by the MDSC using the plug-id attribute, as described in section 4.3 of [RFC8795].¶

More detailed description of how the plug-id can be used to discover inter-domain links is also provided in section 5.1.4 of [I-D.ietf-ccamp-transport-nbi-app-statement].¶

The plug-id attribute can also be used to discover the access-links, but the analysis of the access-link discovery is outside the scope of this document.¶

This document considers the following two options for discovering inter-domain links:¶

1. Static configuration¶

2. LLDP [IEEE_802.1AB] automatic discovery¶

Other options are possible but not described in this document.¶

As outlined in [I-D.ietf-ccamp-transport-nbi-app-statement], the encoding of the plug-id namespace and the specific LLDP information reported within the plug-id value, such as the Chassis ID and Port ID mandatory TLVs, is implementation specific and needs to be consistent across all the PNCs within the network.¶

The static configuration requires an administrative burden to configure network-wide unique identifiers: it is therefore more viable for inter-domain Ethernet links. For the cross-technology Ethernet links, the automatic discovery solution based on LLDP snooping is preferable when possible.¶

The routers exchange standard LLDP packets as defined in [IEEE_802.1AB] and the optical nodes snoop the LLDP packets received from the local Ethernet interface and report to the O-PNCs the extracted information, such as the Chassis ID, the Port ID, System Name TLVs.¶

Note that the optical nodes do not actively participate in the LLDP packet exchange and does not send any LLDP packets.¶

        +-----------------------------------------------------------+
       /             Ethernet Topology (P-PNC)                     /
      /    +-------------+                +-------------+         /
     /     |    PE13     |                |    BR11     |        /
    /      |             |                |             |       /
   /       |    (5-0)    |                |    (6-0)    |      /
  /        +------O------+                +------O------+     /
 /       {PE13,5} ^                              ^ {BR11,6}  /
+-----------------:------------------------------:----------+
                  :                              :
                  :                              :
                  :                              :
                  :                              :
         +--------:------------------------------:------------------+
        /         :                              :                 /
       / {PE13,5} v                              v {BR11,6}       /
      /    +------O------+                +------O------+        /
     /     |    (7-0)    |                |    (8-0)    |       /
    /      |             |                |             |      /
   /       |    NE11     |                |     NE12    |     /
  /        +-------------+                +-------------+    /
 /                Ethernet or OTN Topology (O-PNC)          /
+----------------------------------------------------------+

Legenda:
========
  O   LTP
<...> Link discovered by the MDSC
{   } LTP Plug-id reported by the PNC

        +--------------------------+     +-------------------------+
       /  IP Topology (P-PNC 1)   /     /  IP Topology (P-PNC 2)  /
      /   +-------------+        /     /   +-------------+       /
     /    |    BR11     |       /     /    |    BR21     |      /
    /     |        (3-2)O<................>O(4-2)        |     /
   /      |             |\    /     /     /|             |    /
  /       +-------------+|   /     /      |+-------------+   /
 /                       |  /     /       |                 /
+------------------------|-+     +-------------------------+
                         |                |
          Supporting LTP |                | Supporting LTP
                         |                |
                         |                |
          +--------------|----------+    +|------------------------+
         /               V         /    / V                       /
        / +-------------+/        /    /  \+-------------+       /
       /  |     {1}(3-1)O<................>O(4-1){1}     |      /
      /   |             |\      /    /    /|             |     /
     /    |    BR11     |V(*)  /    /  (*)V|     BR21    |    /
    /     |             |/    /    /      \|             |   /
   /      |     {2}(3-0)O<~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>O(4-0){3}     |  /
  /       +-------------+   /    /         +-------------+ /
 / Eth. Topology (P-PNC 1) /    / Eth. Topology (P-PNC 2) /
+-------------------------+    +-------------------------+

Notes:
=====
(*) Supporting LTP
{1} {BR11,3,BR21,4}
{2} {BR11,3}
{3} {BR21,4}

Legenda:
========
  O   LTP
----> Supporting LTP
<...> Link discovered by the MDSC
<~~~> Link inferred by the MDSC
{   } LTP Plug-id reported by the PNC

4.6. Multi-technology IP Link Discovery

A multi-technology intra-domain IP link and its supporting multi-technology intra-domain Ethernet link are discovered by the P-PNC like any other intra-domain IP and Ethernet links, as described in Section 4.3, and reported at the MPI within the packet and the Ethernet network topologies, e.g., as shown in Figure 8.¶

        +-----------------------------------------------------------+
       /                    IP Topology (P-PNC 1)                  /
      /    +---------+                        +---------+         /
     /     |  PE13   |                        |   BR11  |        /
    /      |    (5-2)O<======================>O(6-2)    |       /
   /       |         |              |         |         |      /
  /        +---------+              |         +---------+     /
 /                                  |                        /
+-----------------------------------|-----------------------+
                                    |
                                    | Supporting Link
                                    |
        +---------------------------|-------------------------------+
       / Ethernet Topology (P-PNC 1)|                              /
      /    +-------------+          |     +-------------+         /
     /     |    PE13     |          V     |    BR11     |        /
    /      |        (5-1)O<==============>O(6-1)        |       /
   /       |    (5-0)    |\              /|    (6-0)    |      /
  /        +------O------+|(*)        (*)|+------O------+     /
 /                ^ \<----+              +----->/^           /
+-----------------:------------------------------:----------+
                  :                              :
                  :                              :
                  :                              :
        +---------:------------------------------:------------------+
       /          :   Ethernet or OTN Topology   :                 /
      /           V          (O-PNC 1)           V                /
     /     +------O------+    ETH/CBR     +------O------+        /
    /      |    (7-0)    |  client sig.   |    (8-0)    |       /
   /       |      X----------+-------------------X      |      /
  /        |    NE11     |   |            |     NE12    |     /
 /         +-------------+   |            +-------------+    /
+----------------------------|------------------------------+
                             | Underlay
                             | tunnel
                             |
         +----------------------------------------------------------+
        /        (7)         |                  (8)                /
       /         ---         |                  ---               /
      /    +-----\ /-----+   v            +-----\ /-----+        /
     /     |      V      |                |      V      |       /
    /      |      X======|================|======X      |      /
   /       |    NE11     |  Opt. Tunnel   |    NE12     |     /
  /        +-------------+                +-------------+    /
 /                   Optical Topology (O-PNC 1)             /
+----------------------------------------------------------+

Notes:
=====
(*) Supporting LTP

Legenda:
========
  O   LTP
 ---
 \ /  TTP
  V
----> Supporting LTP or Supporting Link or Underlay tunnel
<===> Link discovered by the PNC and reported at the MPI
<...> Link discovered by the MDSC
x---x Ethernet/CBR client signal
X===X Optical tunnel

The P-PNC does not report any plug-id information on the logical Ethernet LTPs terminating intra-domain Ethernet links, such as the LTP 5-1 on PE13 and LTP 6-1 in BR11 shown in Figure 8, since these links are discovered by the PNC.¶

In addition, the P-PNC also reports the physical Ethernet LTPs that terminate the cross-technology Ethernet links supporting the multi-technology intra-domain Ethernet links, e.g., the Ethernet LTP 5-0 on PE13 and the Ethernet LTP 6-0 on BR11, shown in Figure 8.¶

The MDSC discovers, using the mechanisms described in Section 4.5, which cross-technology Ethernet links support the multi-technology intra-domain Ethernet links, e.g., the link between LTP 5-0 on PE13 and LTP 7-0 on NE11, shown in Figure 8.¶

The MDSC also discovers, from the information provided by the O-PNC and described in Section 4.2, which optical tunnels support the multi-technology intra-domain IP links and therefore the path within the optical network that supports a multi-technology intra-domain IP link, e.g., as shown in Figure 8.¶

        +-----------------------------------------------------------+
       /                    IP Topology (P-PNC 1)                  /
      /    +---------+                        +---------+         /
     /     |  PE13   |                        |    P16  |        /
    /      |    (1-2)O<======================>O(2-2)    |       /
   /       |         |            |           |         |      /
  /        +---------+            |           +---------+     /
 /                                |                          /
+---------------------------------|-------------------------+
                                  |
                                  | Supporting Link
                                  |
                                  |
          +-----------------------|---------------------------------+
         /                        |                                /
        /  +---------+            v           +---------+         /
       /   |    (1-1)O<======================>O(2-1)    |        /
      /    |         |\                      /|         |       /
     /     |  PE13   |V(*)                (*)V|    P16  |      /
    /      |         |/                      \|         |     /
   /       | {1}(1-0)O<~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>O(2-0){2} |    /
  /        +---------+                        +---------+   /
 /                   Ethernet Topology (P-PNC 1)           /
+---------------------------------------------------------+

Notes:
=====
(*) Supporting LTP
{1} {PE13,1}
{2} {P16,2}

Legenda:
========
  O   LTP
----> Supporting LTP
<===> Link discovered by the PNC and reported at the MPI
<~~~> Link inferred by the MDSC
{   } LTP Plug-id reported by the PNC

4.7. LAG Discovery

The P-PNCs can discover the configuration of the LAG groups within its domain and report each intra-domain LAG as an Ethernet bundle link, within the Ethernet topology exposed at the MPI.¶

This is done bundling multiple single-domain Ethernet links, as shown in Figure 10. For example, the Ethernet bundled link between the Ethernet LTP 5-1 on BR21 and the Ethernet LTP 6-1 on P24, is built from the Ethernet links setup respectively:¶

• between the Ethernet LTP 1-1 on BR21 and the Ethernet LTP 2-1 on P24; and¶

• between the Ethernet LTP 3-1 on BR21 and the Ethernet LTP 4-1 on P24.¶

        +-----------------------------------------------------------+
       /                    IP Topology (P-PNC 2)                  /
      /    +---------+                        +---------+         /
     /     |  BR21   |                        |    P24  |        /
    /      |    (5-2)O<======================>O(6-2)    |       /
   /       |         |            |           |         |      /
  /        +---------+            |           +---------+     /
 /                                |                          /
+---------------------------------|-------------------------+
                                  |
                                  | Supporting Link
                                  |
                                  |
          +-----------------------|---------------------------------+
         /                        |                                /
        /  +---------+            v           +---------+         /
       /   |    (5-1)O<======================>O(6-1)    |        /
      /    |  BR21   |  Bundled Link          |    P24  |       /
     /     |         |                        |         |      /
    /      |    (3-1)O<======================>O(4-1)    |     /
   /       |    (1-1)O<======================>O(2-1)    |    /
  /        +---------+                        +---------+   /
 /                   Ethernet Topology (P-PNC 2)           /
+---------------------------------------------------------+

Legenda:
========
  O   LTP
<===> Link discovered by the PNC and reported at the MPI

The mechanisms used by the MDSC to discover single-technology and multi-technology intra-domain LAG link is the same (the only difference being whether the bundled links are single-technology or multi-technology).¶

Instead, the mechanisms used by the MDSC to discover single-technology inter-domain LAG links between two BRs are different and outside the scope of this document since they do not imply any cross-technology coordination between packet and optical domains.¶

As described in Section 4.3, the mechanisms used by the P-PNC to discover the configuration of the LAG groups within its domain, such as LLDP [IEEE_802.1AB], are outside the scope of this document.¶

However, it is worth noting that according to [IEEE_802.1AB], LLDP can be configured on a LAG group (Aggregated Port) and/or on any number of its LAG members (Aggregation Ports).¶

If LLDP is enabled on both LAG members and groups, two types of LLDP packets are transmitted by the routers and received by the optical nodes on some cross-technology Ethernet links: one sent for the LLDP session configured at LAG member (Aggregation Port)level and another one for the LLDP session configured at LAG group (Aggregated Port)level. This could cause some issues when LLDP snooping is used to discover the cross-technology Ethernet links, as defined in Section 4.5.1.¶

The cross-technology Ethernet link discovery is based only on the LLDP session configured on the LAG members (Aggregation Ports) to allow discovery of these links independently from the configuration of the underlay optical tunnel or from the LAG group.¶

To avoid any ambiguity on how the optical nodes can identify which LLDP packets belong to which LLDP session, the P-PNC can disable the LLDP sessions on the LAG groups configured by the MDSC (e.g., the multi-technology single-domain LAG groups configured using the mechanisms described in Section 5.2.1), keeping the LLDP sessions on the LAG members enabled.¶

Another option is to rely on other mechanisms (e.g., the Port type field in the Link Aggregation TLV defined in Annex F of [IEEE_802.1AX]) that allow the optical node to identify which LLDP packets belong to which LLDP session: the O-PNC can then use only the LLDP information from the LLDP sessions configured on the LAG members to support the cross-technology Ethernet link discovery mechanisms defined in Section 4.5.1.¶

4.8. L2/L3 VPN Network Services Discovery

The P-PNC reports the L2/L3 VPN services configured within its domain, using the L2NM and L3NM network service models, and which packet TE tunnels (e.g., MPLS-TE or SR-TE) are used by each L2/L3 VPN service, using the L2NM and L3NM TE service mapping models.¶

The MDSC can use the information mentioned above together with the packet TE path, packet topology, multi-technology IP links, optical topology and optical path information discovered as described in the previous sections, to discover the multi-technology path used to carry the traffic for each L2/L3 VPN service.¶

4.9. Inventory Discovery

The are no YANG data models in IETF that could be used to report at the MPI the whole inventory information discovered by a PNC.¶

[RFC8345] had foreseen some work for inventory as an augmentation of the network model, but no YANG data model has been developed so far.¶

There are also no YANG data models in IETF that could be used to correlate topology information, e.g., a link termination point (LTP), with inventory information, e.g., the physical port supporting an LTP, if any.¶

Inventory information through MPI and correlation with topology information is identified as a gap requiring further work and outside of the scope of this draft.¶

5.1. Optical Path Computation

As described in Section 2.1.2, the optical path computation is usually performed by the O-PNCs.¶

When performing multi-layer/multi-domain path computation, the MDSC can delegate the O-PNC for single-domain optical path computation.¶

As described in Section 4.1, Section 4.5 and Section 4.6, there is a one-to-one relationship between a multi-layer intra-domain IP link and its underlay optical tunnel. Therefore, the properties of an optical path between two optical TTPs, as computed by the O-PNC, can be used by the MDSC to infer the properties of the associated multi-layer single-domain IP link.¶

As discussed in [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-path-computation], there are two options to request an O-PNC to perform optical path computation: either via a "compute-only" TE tunnel path, using the generic TE tunnel YANG data model defined in [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te] or via the path computation RPC defined in [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-path-computation].¶

This draft assumes that the path computation RPC is used.¶

There are no YANG data models in IETF that could be used to augment the generic path computation RPC with technology-specific attributes.¶

Optical technology-specific augmentation for the path computation RPC is identified as a gap requiring further work outside of this draft's scope.¶

5.2. Multi-technology IP Link Setup

As described in Section 5.1, there is a one-to-one relationship between a multi-technology intra-domain IP link and its underlay optical tunnel.¶

Therefore, to setup a new multi-technology intra-domain IP link, the MDSC requires the O-PNC to setup the optical tunnel (using either the WDM Tunnel model or the OTN Tunnel model, if the optional OTN switching is supported) within the optical network and to steer the client traffic between the two cross-technology Ethernet links over that optical tunnel, using either the Ethernet Client Signal Model (for frame-based transport) or the Transparent CBR Client Signal Model (for transparent transport).¶

For example, with a reference to Figure 11, the MDSC can request the O-PNC1 to setup an optical tunnel between the optical TTPs (7) on NE11 and (8) on NE12 and to steer over this tunnel the client traffic between LTP (7-0) on NE11 and LTP (8-0) on NE12.¶

        +-----------------------------------------------------------+
       /                    IP Topology (P-PNC 1)                  /
      /    +---------+                        +---------+         /
     /     |  PE13   |                        |   BR11  |        /
    /      |    (5-2)O<======================>O(6-2)    |       /
   /       |         |              |         |         |      /
  /        +---------+              |         +---------+     /
 /                                  |                        /
+-----------------------------------|-----------------------+
                                    |
                                    | Supporting Link
                                    |
        +---------------------------|-------------------------------+
       / Ethernet Topology (P-PNC 1)|                              /
      /    +-------------+          |     +-------------+         /
     /     |    PE13     |          V     |    BR11     |        /
    /      |        (5-1)O<==============>O(6-1)        |       /
   /       |    (5-0)    |\              /|    (6-0)    |      /
  /        +------O------+|(*)        (*)|+------O------+     /
 /                ^ \<----+              +----->/^           /
+-----------------:------------------------------:----------+
                  :                              :
                  :                              :
                  :                              :
        +---------:------------------------------:------------------+
       /          :   Ethernet or OTN Topology   :                 /
      /           V          (O-PNC 1)           V                /
     /     +------O------+    ETH/CBR     +------O------+        /
    /      |    (7-0)    |  client sig.   |    (8-0)    |       /
   /       |      X----------+-------------------X      |      /
  /        |    NE11     |   |            |     NE12    |     /
 /         +-------------+   |            +-------------+    /
+----------------------------|------------------------------+
                             | Underlay
                             | tunnel
                             |
         +----------------------------------------------------------+
        /        (7)         |                  (8)                /
       /         ---         |                  ---               /
      /    +-----\ /-----+   v            +-----\ /-----+        /
     /     |      V      |                |      V      |       /
    /      |      X======|================|======X      |      /
   /       |    NE11     |  Opt. Tunnel   |    NE12     |     /
  /        +-------------+                +-------------+    /
 /                   Optical Topology (O-PNC 1)             /
+----------------------------------------------------------+

Notes:
=====
(*) Supporting LTP

Legenda:
========
  O   LTP
 ---
 \ /  TTP
  V
----> Supporting LTP or Supporting Link or Underlay tunnel
<===> Link discovered by the PNC and reported at the MPI
<...> Link discovered by the MDSC
x---x Ethernet/CBR client signal
X===X Optical tunnel

Note: Figure 11 is an exact copy of Figure 8.¶

After the optical tunnel has been setup and the client traffic steering configured, the two IP routers can exchange Ethernet frames between themselves, including LLDP messages.¶

If LLDP [IEEE_802.1AB] or any other discovery mechanisms, which are outside the scope of this document, is used between the adjacency between the two IP routers' ports, the P-PNC can automatically discover the underlay multi-technology single-domain Ethernet link being set up by the MDSC and report it to the P-PNC, as described in Section 4.6.¶

Otherwise, if there are no automatic discovery mechanisms, the MDSC can configure this multi-technology single-domain Ethernet link at the MPI of the P-PNC.¶

The two Ethernet LTPs terminating this multi-technology single-domain Ethernet link are supported by the two underlay Ethernet LTPs terminating the two cross-technology Ethernet links, e.g., the LTP 5-1 on PE13 and 6-1 on BR11 shown in Figure 11.¶

After the multi-technology single-domain Ethernet link has been configured by the MDSC or discovered by the P-PNC, the corresponding multi-technology single-domain IP link can also be configured either by the MDSC or by the P-PNC.¶

This document assumes that this IP link is configured by the P-PNC.¶

It is worth noting that if LAG is not supported within the domain controlled by the P-PNC, the P-PNC can configure the multi-technology single-domain IP link as soon as the underlay multi-technology single-domain Ethernet link is either discovered by the P-PNC or configured by the MDSC at the MPI. However, if LAG is supported the P-PNC has not enough information to know whether the discovered/configured multi-technology single-domain Ethernet link would be:¶

1. Used to support a multi-technology single-domain IP link;¶

2. Used to create a new LAG group;¶

3. Added to an existing LAG group.¶

Therefore the P-PNC does not take any further action after a multi-technology single-domain Ethernet link is discovered or configured by the MDSC at the MPI.¶

The MDSC can request the P-PNC to configure a new multi-technology single-domain IP link, supported by the the just discovered or configured multi-technology single-domain Ethernet link, by creating an IP link within the running datastore of the P-PNC MPI. Only the IP link, IP LTPs and the reference to the supporting multi-technology single-domain Ethernet link are configured by the MDSC. All the other configuration is provided by the P-PNC.¶

For example, with a reference to Figure 11, the MDSC can request the P-PNC1 to setup a multi-technology single-domain IP Link between IP LTP 5-2 on PE13 and IP LTP 6-2 on BR11 supported by the multi-technology single-domain Ethernet link between ETH LTP 5-1 on PE13 and ETH LTP 6-1 on BR11.¶

The P-PNC configures the requested multi-technology single-domain IP link and, once finished, reports it to the MDSC within the IP topology exposed at its MPI.¶

5.3. TE Path Setup and Update

This version of the draft assumes that TE path setup and update at the MPI could be done using the generic TE tunnel YANG data model, defined in [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te], with packet technology-specific augmentations, described in Section 3.2.3.¶

When a new TE path needs to be setup, the MDSC can use the [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te] model to request the P-PNC to set it up, properly specifying the path constraints, such as the explicit path, to force the P-PNC to setup an TE path that meets the end-to-end TE and binding constraints and uses the optical tunnels setup by the MDSC for the purpose of supporting this new TE path.¶

The [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te] model supports requesting the setup of both end-to-end as well as segment TE tunnels (within one domain).¶

In the latter case, the technology-specific augmentations should allow the configuration of the information needed for multi-domain TE path stitching.¶

For example, the SR-TE specific augmentations of the [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te] model should be defined to allow the MDSC to configure the binding SIDs to be used for the multi-domain SR-TE path stitching and to allow the P-PNC to report the binding SID assigned to the segment TE paths. Note that the assigned binding SID should be persistent in case IP router or P-PNC rebooting.¶

The MDSC can also use the [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te] model to request the P-PNC to increase the bandwidth allocated to an existing TE path, and, if needed, also on its reverse TE path. The [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te] model supports both symmetric and asymmetric bandwidth configuration in the two directions.¶

[Editor's Note:] Add some text about the protection options (to further discuss whether to put this text here or in Section 5.2).¶

The MDSC also request the P-PNC to configure local protection mechanisms. For example, the FRR local protection, as defined in [RFC4090] in case of MPLS-TE domain or the TI-LFA local protection, as defined in [I-D.ietf-rtgwg-segment-routing-ti-lfa] in case of SR-TE domain. The mechanisms to request the configuration TI-LFA local protection for SR-TE paths using the [I-D.ietf-teas-yang-te] are a gap in the current YANG models.¶

The requested local protection mechanisms within the P-PNC domain are configured by the P-PNC through implementation specific mechanisms which are outside the scope of this document.¶

The P-PNC takes into account the multi-layer TE path properties (e.g., SRLG information), configured by the MDSC as described in Section 5.2.3, when computing the protection configuration (e.g., in case of SR-TE domains, the TI-LFA post-convergence path or, in case of MPLS-TE domain, the FRR backup tunnel) for multi-technology single-domain IP links.¶

SR-TE path setup and update (e.g., bandwidth increase) through MPI is identified as a gap requiring further work, which is outside of the scope of this draft.¶

5.4. L2/L3 VPN Network Service Setup

The MDSC can use the L2NM and L3NM network service models to request the P-PNCs to setup L2/L3 VPN services and the L2NM and L3NM TE service mapping models to request the P-PNCs to configure the PE routers to steer the L2/L3 VPN traffic to the selected TE tunnels (e.g., MPLS-TE or SR-TE).¶

It is worth noting that the L2NM and L3NM TE service mapping models, defined in [I-D.ietf-teas-te-service-mapping-yang], provide a list of TE tunnel(s) that should be used to forward L2/L3 VPN traffic between the two PEs terminating the listed TE tunnel(s). If the list contains more than one TE tunnel for the same pair of PEs, these TE tunnels are used for load balancing the associated L2/L3 VPN traffic between the same set of two PEs.¶

The possibility to request splitting the traffic, between multiple TE tunnels for the same PEs pair, in a different way than load balancing is identified as a gap requiring further work and outside of the scope of this draft.¶

7.1. LLDP Snooping Security Considerations

Earlier in the document, LLDP is discussed as a mechanism for the PNCs to discover the intra-domain Ethernet and IP links. While LLDP provides valuable information for network management and troubleshooting, it also presents several security issues:¶

• Eavesdropping: LLDP transmissions are not encrypted. Potentially, LLDP packets could be captured using a packet sniffer. An attacker can leverage this information to gain insights into the network topology, device types, and configurations, which could be used for further attacks;¶

• Unauthorized Access: Information disclosed by LLDP can include device types, software versions, and network configuration details. This might help an attacker identify vulnerable devices or configurations that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access or escalate privileges within the network;¶

• Data Manipulation: If an attacker gains access to a network device, they could manipulate LLDP information to advertise false device information, leading to potential misconfigurations or trust relationships being exploited. This can disrupt network operations or redirect traffic to malicious devices;¶

• Denial of Service (DoS): By flooding the network with fake LLDP packets, an attacker could overwhelm network devices or management systems, potentially leading to a denial of service where legitimate network traffic is disrupted;¶

• Spoofing: An attacker could spoof LLDP packets to impersonate other network devices. Potentially, this might lead to incorrect network mappings or trust relationships being established with malicious devices;¶

• Lack of Authentication: LLDP does not include mechanisms for authenticating the source of LLDP messages, which means that devices accept LLDP information from any source as legitimate.¶

To mitigate these security issues, network administrators might implement several security measures, including:¶

• Disabling LLDP on ports where it is not needed, especially those facing untrusted networks;¶

• Using network segmentation and Access Control Lists (ACLs) to limit who can send and receive LLDP packets;¶

• Employing network monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify unusual LLDP traffic patterns that may indicate an attack;¶

• Regularly updating and patching network devices to address known vulnerabilities that could be exploited through information gathered via LLDP.¶

A.1. OSS/Orchestration Layer

The OSS/Orchestration layer is a vital part of the architecture framework for a service provider:¶

• to abstract (through MDSC and PNCs) the underlying transport network complexity to the Business Systems Support layer;¶

• to coordinate NFV, Transport (e.g. IP, optical and microwave networks), Fixed Acess, Core and Radio domains enabling full automation of end-to-end services to the end customers;¶

• to enable catalogue-driven service provisioning from external applications (e.g. Customer Portal for Enterprise Business services), orchestrating the design and lifecycle management of these end-to-end transport connectivity services, consuming IP and/or optical transport connectivity services upon request.¶

As discussed in Section 2.1, in this document, the MDSC interfaces with the OSS/Orchestration layer and, therefore, it performs the functions of the Network Orchestrator, defined in [RFC8309].¶

The OSS/Orchestration layer requests the creation of a network service to the MDSC specifying its end-points (PEs and the interfaces towards the CEs) as well as the network service SLA and then proceeds to configuring accordingly the end-to-end customer service between the CEs in the case of an operator managed service.¶

               +-------------------------------------------+
               |                                           |
               |          OSS/Orchestration layer          |
               |                                           |
               +-----------------------+-------------------+
                                       |
                 1.VN    2. L2/L3NM &  |            ^
                   |          TSM      |            |
                   |           |       |            |
                   |           |       |            |
                   v           v       |      3. Update VN
                                       |
               +-----------------------+-------------------+
               |                                           |
               |                  MDSC                     |
               |                                           |
               +-------------------------------------------+

A.2. Multi-layer and Multi-domain Resiliency

A.3. Muxponders

The setup of a client connectivity service between two transponders is relatively clear and its implementation simple.¶

There is a one to one relationship between the tranponder's client and trunk (or DWDM) port. The client port bitrate determines the trunk port bit rate which will also determine the Baud-rate, the modulation format, the FEC etc.¶

The controller, when asked to set up a client connectivity service, needs to find a WDM tunnel suitable to comply the DWDM port parameters.¶

The setup of a client connectivity service between two muxponders is different since there is a one to many relationship between the muxponder's trunk (or DWDM) port and client ports. For example, there might be a 100Gb/s trunk port shared by ten 10GE client ports.¶

The controller, when asked to set a 10GE client connectivity service between two muxponder's client ports, needs first to check whether there is already an existing WDM tunnel between the two muxponders and then take different actions:¶

1. if the WDM tunnel already exists, the controller needs only to enable the 10GE client ports to establish the 10GE client connectivity service;¶

2. if the WDM tunnel does not exist, the controller has to first establish the WDM tunnel, finding a proper optical path matching the optical parameters of the two muxponders' trunk ports (e.g., an OTSi carrying an OTU4), and then enable the 10GE client ports to establish the 10GE client connectivity service.¶

Since multiple client connectivity services are sharing the same WDM tunnel, a multiplexing label shall be assigned to each client connectivity service. The multiplexing label can either be a standard label (e.g., an OTN timeslot) or a vendor-specific label. The multiplexing label can be either configurable (flexible configuration) or assigned by design to each muxponder's client port (fixed configuration). In the former case, any muxponder client port can be connected with any other client port of the peer muxponder (for example client port 1 on one muxponder can be connected with client port 5 on the peer muxponder) while in the latter case only client ports with the same port number can be connected (for example client port 2 on one muxponder can be connected only with client port 2 on the peer muxponder and not with any other client port).¶

In case of flexible configuration, since the two muxponders are under the control of the same O-PNC, the configuration of the multiplexing label, regardless of whether it is a standard or vendor-specific label, can be done by the O-PNC using mechanisms which are vendor-specific and outside the scope of this document. The MDSC can just request the O-PNC to setup a client connectivity service over a WDM tunnel.¶

In case of fixed configuration, the multiplexing label is assigned by the muxponder but the O-PNC and MDSC needs to be aware of the connectivity constraints to avoid try and fail.¶

It is worth noting that the current WSON and Flexi-grid topology models in [RFC9094] and [I-D.ietf-ccamp-flexigrid-yang] do not provide sufficient information to the MDSC about this connectivity constraint and this is identified as a gap.¶