An In-Band Data Communication Network For the MPLS Transport Profile

The Generic Associated Channel (G-ACh) has been defined as ageneralization of the pseudowire (PW) associated control channel toenable the realization of a control/communication channel associatedwith Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Label Switched Paths (LSPs),MPLS PWs, MPLS LSP segments, and MPLS sections between adjacent MPLS-capable devices. The MPLS Transport Profile (MPLS-TP) is a profile ofthe MPLS architecture that identifies elements of the MPLS toolkitthat may be combined to build a carrier grade packet transport networkbased on MPLS packet switching technology. This document describeshow the G-ACh may may be used to provide the infrastructure that formspart of the Management Communication Network (MCN) and a SignalingCommunication Network (SCN). Collectively, the MCN and SCN may bereferred to as the Data Communication Network (DCN). The documentexplains how MCN and SCN packets are encapsulated, carried on theG-ACh, and demultiplexed for delivery to the management orsignaling/routing components on a label switching router (LSR). Itshould be noted that the use of the G-ACh to provide connectivity forthe DCN is intended for use only where the MPLS-TP network is notcapable encapsulating or delivering native DCN messages.