A hybrid fault-tolerant algorithm for MPLS networks

In this paper we present a new fault tolerant, path maintaining, algorithm for use in MPLS based networks. The novelty of the algorithm lies upon the fact that it is the first to employ both path restoration mechanisms typically used in MPLS networks: protection switching and dynamic path rerouting. In addition, it is the first algorithm to adequately satisfy all four criteria which we consider very important for the performance of the restoration mechanisms in MPLS networks: fault recovery time, packet loss, packet reordering and tolerance of multiple faults. Simulation results indicate the performance advantages of the proposed hybrid algorithm (with respect to the four criteria), when compared with other algorithms that employ only one of the two restoration mechanisms.