Optical Flexibility – A Router Point of View

Abstract:
Running an IP network on top of other switching networks requires additional data plane capabilities that need to be enabled on Router interfaces facing those switching layers. While advances in GMPLS, in the direction of Multi-Layer-Networks have advanced significantly over time, the data plane requirements associated are little known. Moreover alternative architectures such as SDN and NFV evolved recently. This Article will shed some light into data plane aspects related to multi-layer aspect of networking.