According to recent Nokia Bell Labs study results, network operators can optimize network utilization and support more revenue-generating traffic with a centralized Path Computation Element (PCE) based on the Bell Labs Self-Tuned Adaptive Routing (STAR) algorithm. Using STAR, network operators can improve ROI in their IP/Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks by accommodating more service requests with the installed network capacity and can improve service quality by reducing link-congestion situations.
IP/MPLS networks use link-state protocols such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS) to route Label Switched Paths (LSPs). Although network operators can apply various link metrics and path constraints to influence route selection, congestion points and deadlock situations can easily occur on the most popular routes while leaving bandwidth stranded on the less-used routes.
A software-defined networking (SDN) approach with a centralized PCE addresses these issues by helping network routing protocols to select more efficient paths. The Bell Labs STAR algorithm is designed to balance link utilization and network utilization, helping network operators to achieve their objectives of optimized network utilization and increased revenues.