Abstract: A source node encapsulates, in a data plane protocol packet, a forward tunnel control message according to a control plane protocol and having an Extended Association Object, and forwards the data plane protocol packet from a source node to a destination node, through a data plane channel. The destination node extracts the Extended Association Object from the data plane protocol packet. Based, at least in part, on the extracted Extended Association Object, the destination node provisions a reverse tunnel from the destination node to the source node, and binds the forward tunnel to the reverse tunnel.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for mitigating traffic loss by using advanced traffic engineering services in a multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) network and/or a generalized multiprotocol label switching (GMPLS) network. Provided is an exemplary method that includes measuring, at a network element, energy utilization of at least one of a line card and a switch fabric card that are configured to carry a traffic engineering (TE) capable link, as well as converting the energy utilization measurement to a normalized energy consumption indicator for the at least one of the line card and the switch fabric card. Further, based on the normalized energy consumption indicator, a route of a label switched path in the MPLS network is optimized so the route avoids the at least one of the line card and the switch fabric card. The provided methods and apparatus advantageously improve throughput, reliability, and availability of MPLS and GMPLS services.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mitigating congestion by using advanced traffic engineering services in a multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) network and/or a generalized multiprotocol label switching (GMPLS) network are provided. In an example, provided is a method for mitigating congestion in an MPLS network. The method includes monitoring, at a network element, a traffic drop count due to traffic queue overflow on at least one of a traffic queue coupled to a link and a network interface coupled to the link. Then the traffic drop count is converted to a normalized congestion indicator for the at least one of the traffic queue and the network interface. Further, based on the normalized congestion indicator, optimize a route of a label switched path in the MPLS network so the route avoids the link. The provided methods and apparatus advantageously improve throughput, reliability, and availability of traffic engineered MPLS and GMPLS transport services.