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University:   Kennesaw State University
Researcher: Dr. Victor Clincy 
Department: Computer Science & Information Systems

Research With OPNET: Study of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)

Purpose:

The purpose of the directed study is to study the Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) protocol and to analyze a potential implementation and deployment of MPLS.

MPLS is a new protocol that can be implemented in conjunction with the Internetworking Protocol that allows effective classification and manageability of an internet.  With MPLS, better end-to-end QoS can be achieved.

The details of this study will include building a reference model of an actual network, deploying MPLS across this reference network, and analyzing the effects. A simulation environment, IT Guru, will be one of the tools used to simulate and analyze the existing and augmented reference network. This study will help identify possible problems and improvements before MPLS is actually deployed. The base network configuration will be supplied by Nuvox Communications Corporation.

Objectives:

1. To study MPLS
2. To learn how to use some of IT Guru’s features (simulation environment)
3. To build and simulate a reference network model with and without MPLS
4. To perform analysis and document results of simulation study

Activities:

1.      Read some RFC’s and book chapters relating to MPLS – examined over materials

2.      Building simulation models and conducting networking studies

Deliverable:

1. A simulation model of a reference network model without MPLS deployment
2. A simulation model of the same reference network model with MPLS deployed
3. A technical report and presentation of the results