Next-Generation IP Network

1. Preface (69 KB)

---[Akio Moridera, Senior Executive Vice President Fujitsu Limited. ]

2. R&D for the Next-Generation IP Network (495 KB)

In this paper, we propose a shift from the current data-pipe view network paradigm to a virtual-server view network paradigm via the intermediary stage of a virtual-router view network paradigm. The proposed shift forms the basis of our R&D for the next-generation IP network. Based on this shift, we propose a double-plane network architecture, consisting of a simplified data forwarding plane and a service control plane that performs all the complex processing tasks. The data forwarding plane is based on an advanced photonic network. The service control plane consists of agent, service, and policy control layers with open interfaces between them. Leading-edge information processing technologies such as active node, agent, distributed processing, and policy-based management are used in this plane. Since mobile communication is becoming a major access technology, an approach to integrating mobile and fixed networks into this framework is also proposed. This paper also reports on the current status of some key technologies, for example, photonic networks, agent technology, and policy based management. ---[Toshitaka Tsuda, Koichi Ohta, Hiroaki Takeichi ]

3. IP Core Transport Network (178 KB)

This paper proposes a next-generation IP core transport network architecture that fully utilizes the features of a photonic network. To cope with the IP traffic trends and users' demands for Quality of Service (QoS), we propose a virtual router network paradigm to make the public network operate and look like a single virtual router. Also, we present a traffic-engineering scheme and a network protection scheme for ensuring a high utilization of network resources and a high reliability. ---[Akira Hakata, Masafumi Katoh, Haruo Yamashita, Satoshi Nojima]

4. IP Photonic Node (222 KB)

This paper describes an IP photonic node architecture and its migration based on a single virtual-router view network. The IP photonic node features node cut-through at a various levels such as the wavelength, SONET frame, and/or packet path. Its coordination capability for optical and packet paths enables efficient usage of network resources, for example, for the transportation and restoration of very large volumes of IP traffic. This paper also presents some recent photonic technology to make the IP photonic node configurable and expandable. ---[Haruo Yamashita, Takashi Hatano, Satoshi Nojima, Nobuhide Yamaguchi]

5. IP Router for Next-Generation Network (250 KB)

This paper describes some key technologies for the IP routers of the Next-Generation Network (NGN). A new architecture for packet processing engines is proposed, and its experimental results are reported. A new switch architecture with input queuing scalable up to terabit class capacity is also proposed, and a new scheduling algorithm which enables efficient distributed pipeline processing and fair bandwidth allocation is discussed. Finally, Fujitsu's IP router product is introduced. ---[Masatoshi Kumagai, Satoshi Nojima, Hiroshi Tomonaga]

6. High-Performance IP Service Node with Layer 4 to 7 Packet Processing Features (143 KB)

In this paper, we propose an IP service node that provides sophisticated, high-performance IP packet control features. The proposed node processes not only layer 3 IP packets but also those of layers 4 to 7 in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model. It can control application-oriented network services such as URL (Uniform Resource Locaters) based server load balancing, contents routing, and end-to-end QoS (Quality of Service) management, and it will play an important role in creating a new infrastructure in the mature IP age. An IP service node architecture closely connected to a high-speed packet processing engine and software-based server functions within the IP service node itself are discussed. An experimental system has been developed, and the proposed architecture was evaluated with a server load balancing application. We confirmed that the IP packet control functions work well and that the transfer speed is constant at about 800 k packets/s, which is about 10 times that of a conventional server based on a general processor. ---[Tsuneo Katsuyama, Akira Hakata, Masafumi Katoh, Akira Takeyama ]

7. IP-Based Transmission on Third-Generation Wireless (IMT-2000) and Beyond (102 KB)

The future-generation mobile communication systems, including the third-generation mobile radio systems (IMT-2000) and the systems beyond IMT-2000, are expected to provide a wide variety of services compatible with those available on the Internet. The radio access networks should be optimized for high-speed IP packet transmission with a QoS provision and efficient spectrum utilization. This paper describes the requirements for such radio access networks and some novel technologies for realizing efficient packet transmission. Functional requirements in the data link layer for transmission of heterogeneous IP traffic with different QoS requirements are described. For the radio access technologies, two novel spatial processing techniques for efficient packet transmission are proposed. One is an advanced path searcher with a direction-of-arrival estimation capability for IMT-2000 base stations which employ an adaptive array antenna. The other is a closed-loop transmit diversity technique with a beam-forming capability. This paper shows that both techniques can improve the system capacity and reduce the required transmission power. ---[Yoshinori Tanaka ]

8. Broadband Access Network Providing Reliable Ethernet Connectivity (167 KB)

Triggered by the explosion in the Internet population and traffic, broadband access has become one of the central issues in telecommunication systems. The requirements for new access networks are not only the provision of broadband services but also reliability as a social infrastructure. Taking account of these requirements, in this paper we propose the virtual Ethernet switch architecture (vESW), which can provide reliable Ethernet connectivity. We also describe an implementation of vESW using ATM technology. The system provides broadband services using optical subscriber lines based on ATM-PON technology. The system also provides multiple QoS, including IP and ATM QoS. Also, a ring network architecture provides efficient use of bandwidth and fast fault recovery. In this paper, the key mechanisms that achieve these features are described. ---[Tomohiro Ishihara, Masato Okuda, Kazuo Iguchi ]

9. A Study on Mobile IPv6 Based Mobility Management Architecture (146 KB)

Mobile IPv6 is considered to be one of the key technologies for realizing Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC), which enables seamless communication between fixed and mobile access networks. However, the original Mobile IPv6 does not support fast handover, which is an essential function for mobile networks. One of reasons for this is that only the home agent (HA) and correspondent nodes (CNs), which are not always near to a mobile node (MN), manage an MN's mobility in Mobile IPv6. To overcome this problem, various hierarchical approaches have been proposed in the IETF. These approaches are good for achieving fast handover, however, they also sacrifice route optimization, which is one of the features of Mobile IPv6. In this paper, we propose a novel mobility management architecture based on a hierarchical approach that can support fast handover without sacrificing route optimization. We also analyze its effectiveness in regard to the number of handover-related messages and the average handover time. ---[Tsuguo Kato, Ryuichi Takechi, Hideaki Ono]

10. IP Network Management System (332 KB)

Internet traffic is growing exponentially, and different kinds of traffic are being integrated into the Internet Protocol. To keep up with these changes, the Operation Support System (IP-OSS) will be changed to adapt a diversification of IP services. In this paper, after describing the framework of a future IP-OSS, we discuss "negotiation," which will become a key function in future IP management. We describe a policy/negotiation-based IP management service for an enterprise network. This service realizes end-to-end policy-based enterprise networking. Lastly, we introduce some Fujitsu IP-OSS products for supporting these features. ---[Kohei Iseda, Junichi Sakuma, Hiroaki Abe ]

11. Unified IP Service Control Architecture Based on Mobile Communication Scheme (154 KB)

The Internet is rapidly evolving. However, the present Internet is not intelligent. Although it has begun to provide many users with multiple services such as VPN and QoS, it cannot provide users with customized IP services. In this paper, we propose a unified IP service control architecture that makes the Internet practically intelligent and provides both fixed and mobile users with customized IP services. The basic idea of our proposed architecture is based on the mobile communication scheme. That is, the IP service control mechanism is embedded in the location registration and resolution procedures, which are indispensable for mobile communication. To implement this idea, we enhanced the mobility management mechanism, taking into account the following two points: 1) a fixed user is regarded as a mobile user whose mobility is zero so that not only mobile users but also fixed users can enjoy IP services and 2) user service customization is supported by cooperation with policy-based network management systems. The proposed architecture was successfully applied to the mobile IP which is being studied at the IETF as a key technology for the forthcoming mobile Internet. ---[Mitsuaki Kakemizu, Masaaki Wakamoto, Akira Orita]

12. Video over BPON with Integrated VDSL (205 KB)

The next generation of access networks will be required to support a wide range of services, both narrowband and broadband, including broadcast video. While IP is the dominant technology at the network layer, ATM is the preferred technology for the data link layer because of its ability to support quality of service. At the physical layer, a hybrid architecture such as a BPON optical feeder and VDSL for the final drop offers a cost-effective solution for providing the necessary bandwidth. The Full Service Access Network group and the Full Service VDSL Committee are actively working to generate contributions to the International Standards bodies in support of BPON and VDSL respectively. This paper summarises the work of these groups and discusses solutions for the next generation of access networks with particular emphasis on support for video services. ---[Ian Cooper, Vince Barker, Martin Andrews, Mick Bramhall, Peter Ball ]

13. An Agent-Based Service Brokering Architecture for Multiservice Next-Generation Networks (509 KB)

This paper describes how advanced distributed software techniques based on agent technology can be used to provide brokering within a complex service delivery environment in order to deliver services to end users in a consistent and simple manner. It also describes the benefits of separating and distributing service control from service transport in next-generation networks (NGN), a principle inspired by the MSF architecture. An agent-based multiservice platform, called Agent Enhanced Service Portal (AESP), has been designed and a prototype implemented to control broadband service sessions in Fujitsu's NGN testbed. The prototype has been implemented using a web computing platform enhanced with agent technology called Phoenix. It consists of five service providers offering high speed Internet access, Voice over IP (VoIP), Video on Demand (VoD), streamed video and games services delivered over a broadband core and access network. A description of this novel platform and its related technologies is presented in this paper, highlighting the suitability of agent technology to provide brokering facilities and distributed control in NGN. ---[Francisco Navarro, Keith Jones, Sagar Gordhan, Nigel Garnham ]