Using PCE as SDN Controller

Abstract

Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for transitioning a system from a tradition network to a Software Defined Network (SDN) enabled network. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may comprise the use of a Path Computation Element (PCE) as a central controller. Smooth transition between traditional network and the new SDN enabled network, especially from a cost impact assessment perspective, may be accomplished using the existing PCE components from the current network to function as the central controller of the SDN network is one choice, which not only achieves the goal of having a centralized controller to provide the functionalities needed for the central controller, but also leverages the existing PCE network components.

1 . A method implemented by a path computation element (PCE) as a central controller in a network, the method comprising:
 computing a primary multicast label switching path (LSP);   assigning first forwarding labels to nodes along the primary multicast LSP; and   sending, using a path computation element communication protocol (PCEP), packets containing the first forwarding labels to the nodes along the primary multicast LSP.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein further comprising:
 computing a backup multicast LSP;   assigning second forwarding labels to nodes along the backup multicast LSP; and   sending, using the PCEP, the second forwarding labels to the nodes along the backup multicast LSP.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second forwarding labels comprise an incoming label and at least one outgoing label. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the incoming label and the at least one outgoing label are the same. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the incoming label and the at least one outgoing label are different. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein further comprising:
 assigning, by the PCE, the first forwarding labels from a global label range.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the global label range is a shared MPLS global label range for the nodes along the primary multicast LSP. 
     
     
         8 . A method, implemented by a node, wherein comprising:
 receiving, from a path computation element (PCE) operating as a central controller, first forwarding labels assigned by the PCE for a primary multicast label switching path (LSP); and   forwarding, based on at least one of the first forwarding labels for the primary multicast LSP, a first multicast packets along the primary multicast LSP.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein further comprising:
 receiving, from the PCE, first forwarding labels assigned by the PCE for a backup multicast label switching path (LSP); and   in response to the primary multicast LSP is in a failure, forwarding, based on the second forwarding labels for the backup multicast LSP, multicast packets along the backup multicast LSP.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the first forwarding labels comprising incoming label and at least one outgoing label. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the incoming label and the at least one outgoing label are same. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the incoming label and the at least one outgoing label are different. 
     
     
         13 . A Path Computation Element (PCE) configured to operate as a central controller in a network, the PCE comprising:
 a memory containing computer instructions;   a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the computer instructions to cause the PCE to:   compute a primary multicast label switching path (LSP);   assign first forwarding labels to nodes along the primary multicast LSP; and   a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to:   send, using a path computation element communication protocol (PCEP), the first forwarding labels to the nodes along the primary multicast LSP.   
     
     
         14 . The PCE of  claim 13 , wherein the processor further executes the instructions to:
 compute a backup multicast LSP;   assign second forwarding labels to nodes along the backup multicast LSP; and   send, using the PCEP, the second forwarding labels to the nodes along the backup multicast LSP.   
     
     
         15 . The PCE of  claim 13 , wherein the first forwarding labels comprising incoming label and at least one outgoing label. 
     
     
         16 . The PCE of  claim 13 , wherein the incoming label and the at least one outgoing label are the same. 
     
     
         17 . The PCE of  claim 13 , wherein the incoming label and the at least one outgoing label are different. 
     
     
         18 . The PCE of  claim 13 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 assign the first forwarding labels from a global label range.   
     
     
         19 . The PCE of  claim 18 , wherein the global label range is a shared MPLS global label range for the nodes along the primary multicast LSP. 
     
     
         20 . The PCE of  claim 14 , wherein the backup multicast LSP is built among a protected point of local repair (PLR) and downstream node of the protected PLR.