PBB-TE Service Gateway

Provider Backbone Transport, or PBT, is also referred to as PBB-TE in standards bodies, which stands for Provider Backbone Bridge Traffic Engineering.  PBB-TE is an Ethernet transport concept that has attracted considerable service provider interest as a means to build a true carrier-grade Ethernet network, providing orderly and efficient packet-switched multi-service networks. Enthusiasm is building for PBB-TE as service providers gain experience with the cost and complexity of scaling IP/MPLS networks for their metro deployments and look to Layer 2 solutions for alternatives.

Hammerhead is addressing the emergence of PBB-TE with its PBB-TE Service Gateway^TM function that enables PBB-TE as an alternative Layer 2 infrastructure or an on-ramp to their existing IP/MPLS and VPLS networks. In essence, Hammerhead's HSX 6000 combines a Layer 2.5 MPLS/VPLS Provider Edge device with the PBB-TE Service Gateway function.

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The driver for PBB-TE deployments is that it addresses the cost and complexity of building IP/MPLS networks by using Ethernet as a transport solution in the metro network.  Given the ubiquity of Ethernet devices, Carrier Ethernet is expected to be cheaper for Service Providers to deploy.  Even more important than the capital cost, some operators also contend that the operating complexity and cost of IP/MPLS networks increases dramatically with scale. This is because IP/MPLS provides a dynamic network that, while attractive to some operators, is seen as more difficult to manage by others. The appeal of PBT is that it uses operator-initiated point-to-point circuits to deliver services.

As PBB-TE is introduced into Service Provider networks, there will be a need for a PBB-TE Service Gateway function to enable interworking between the new PBB-TE devices and existing edge and core IP/MPLS networks. Hammerhead’s HSX 6000 PBB-TE Service Gateway application offers Service Providers a PBB-TE on-ramp that enables a seamless, plug-n-play insertion and interoperability with the existing installed base of MPLS and VPLS.

The HSX 6000 provides a highly scalable architecture that includes MPLS Pseudowire solutions carrying Ethernet and legacy traffic as well as VPLS services. With the addition of PBB-TE cross connect capability, the HSX 6000 is uniquely qualified to provide the PBT Service Gateway functions including:

PBB-TE MPLS Overlay – this is used when the same service provider is on both sides of the MPLS network and wants to pass a PBB-TE trunk transparently over the MPLS network between two Provider Backbone Bridge (PBB) Networks.

PBB-TE MPLS Peering – this is deployed when different service providers are on the opposite sides of the MPLS network and want to interconnect their PBB-TE trunks over an MPLS network.

PBB-TE to VPLS – this is used to interconnect PBB-TE trunks (from same or distinct service providers) using a VPLS service.

Anything (Ethernet) over PBB-TE – this is used to transport all flavors of Ethernet traffic and MPLS Pseudowires across a PBB network using PBT trunks.

PBB-TE Inter-Carrier Interconnect – this is used to interconnect PBB-TE trunks from different carriers.

The HSX 6000 is well-positioned to offer Service Providers a robust PBB-TE Service Gateway that enables PBB-TE as an alternative Layer 2 infrastructure or an on-ramp to their existing IP/MPLS and VPLS networks. The HSX 6000 offers extensive QoS and OAM capabilities that supplement the service gateway function and provides an operationally rich feature set.