End-to-end service provisioning across MPLS and IP/WDM domains

Metro and core networks have been traditionally designed and managed by different departments within network operators. Moreover, even in the cases where both metro and core networks are based on the same technology, e.g. MPLS, services need to be provided separately per domain. This historic separation is now being questioned in light of the potential cost efficiency and lower time-to-market that an end-to-end service provisioning could bring, especially in a cloud ready context, where the traffic demands are less predictable and fast provisioning is needed. This paper presents the drivers, enablers and challenges for an end-to-end service provisioning, in which a multi-layer IP/MPLS over WDM core and MPLS based metro networks are coordinated to support dynamic service provisioning. The feasibility of the end-to-end service provisioning is demonstrated in an experimental activity using commercial IP/MPLS routers, optical nodes and a network controller triggering control plane mechanisms.