4A0-220 Questions and Answers

The equipment vendor is not a parameter that is considered when restoring an LSP. Restoration is the process of re-establishing an LSP after a failure by using an alternative path that meets the same constraints as the original LSP. The parameters that are considered when restoring an LSP include coloring, reservation priority, maximum latency, bandwidth, protection type, and other QoS attributes. The equipment vendor does not affect the restoration process as long as the nodes support GMPLS protocols and interoperate with each other. References : RFC 4427 - Recovery (Protection and Restoration) Terminology for Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS), [Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia]

GMPLS is a protocol suite that extends the MPLS signaling and routing capabilities to control different types of switching technologies, such as optical, TDM, and packet switching1. GMPLS has several key features, such as self-discovery, fast protection, and restoration. Self-discovery allows GMPLS nodes to automatically discover their neighbors and exchange information about their capabilities and resources2. Fast protection enables GMPLS nodes to quickly switch to backup paths in case of a failure, without relying on the control plane3. Restoration allows GMPLS nodes to dynamically establish new paths in the network after a failure, using the control plane3. Resource optimization is not a key feature of GMPLS, but rather a potential benefit of using GMPLS to efficiently utilize the network resources and avoid over-provisioning. References:

• 1: Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia
• 2: GMPLS - Nokia
• 3: Traffic survivability through Protection and Restoration Combined (PRC) - YouTube
• [4]: GMPLS: Architecture and Applications - Google Books

Automation is one of the key features of GMPLS that allows dynamic provisioning of optical transport connections between IP routers and optical network elements2. Automation reduces the operational time and administrative overhead required to provision new connectivity, which in turn reduces the operational expenditure (OPEX) of the network. Reducing CAPEX, providing resilience against multiple failures, and supporting multi-vendor networks are not direct benefits of automation, but rather possible outcomes of using GMPLS in general. References:

• 1: Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia
• 2: GMPLS - Nokia
• 3: Traffic survivability through Protection and Restoration Combined (PRC) - YouTube
• [4]: GMPLS: Architecture and Applications - Google Books

The SNC state is a parameter that indicates the status of a resource in a GMPLS network. A resource can be a link, a wavelength, a timeslot, or a fiber. The SNC state can have different values, such as N, n, P, p, R, r, and so on. Each value has a specific meaning and implication for the resource and the LSP that uses it. The SNC state of lower case “n” means that the resource is the nominal resource on a TE-link that is notin use. A nominal resource is the default or preferred resource that is assigned to an LSP when it is created. A TE-link is a logical link that represents a set of resources that share the same attributes and constraints. A TE-link can have multiple resources, such as wavelengths or timeslots, but only one of them can be the nominal resource. If an LSP is using a resource other than the nominal resource on a TE-link, it means that the LSP has been rerouted or switched due to a failure or a constraint violation. In this case, the SNC state of the nominal resource will be “n”, indicating that it is not in use by any LSP12. References:

• 1: Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia
• 2: Nokia Network Functions Manager for Transport User Guide | Nokia

 Coordination of L0 and L1 resources in case of a failure in an MRN is achieved by setting the color constraints. Color constraints are used to specify which wavelengths or timeslots can be used by a given LSP request. By setting the color constraints, the NFM-T can ensure that the L0 and L1 resources are compatible and consistent across the network. For example, if an L0 LSP request requires a specific wavelength, the NFM-T can set the color constraint to match that wavelength and assign it to the L0 LSP. Similarly, if an L1 LSP request requires a specific timeslot, the NFM-T can set the color constraint to match that timeslot and assign it to the L1 LSP. This way, the coordination of L0 and L1 resources is achieved by ensuring that the same color is used by both layers. References : Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia, 3. GMPLS - Nokia

The GMRE node address is the IP address for communication between network elements (NEs) in a GMPLS-controlled optical network. The GMRE node address is also known as the GMRE loopback address or the GMPLS node IP. It is used by GMPLS protocols such as LMP and RSVP to identify and communicate with other GMRE nodes. The GMRE node address is configured on each NE and is advertised by OSPF-TE to other nodes in the same area. References : Nokia 1830 PSS-4, PSS-8, PSS-16 and PSS-32 Platforms - NATO, 1830 PSS Identifiers

Signaling protocols are protocols that are used by the ingress router to set up a new LSP in an MPLS network. Signaling protocols are responsible for requesting, allocating, and releasing resources along the LSP, as well as establishing and maintaining the label bindings between the nodes. Some examples of signaling protocols are RSVP-TE, LDP, and CR-LDP34. References:

• 3: Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks Course | Nokia
• 4: MPLS Configuration Guide for Cisco NCS 5500 Series Routers, IOS XR Release 7.1.x - Implementing MPLS Label Distribution Protocol [Cisco IOS XR Software (End-of-Sale)] - Cisco