MPLS and Next-Generation Networks ― Foundations for NGN and Enterprise Virtualization

Microprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a computer networking and telecommunications data-carrying mechanism that uses labeled data packets to achieve the ability to support multiple service models and achieve systemic advantages in traffic management. This work by Morrow (a consulting engineer with Cisco Systems, Inc.) and Sayeed (director of product management for Cisco Network Software and Systems Group) is written to give technology officers, IT managers, and other interested parties with enough of understanding of MPLS to decide whether it makes business sense to view it as a candidate for implementation. Their material is presented in four major sections discussing the business case for MPLS, the technical case for MPLS, MPLS services and components, and building a comprehensive MPLS service. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Monique Jeanne Morrow is currently a Distinguished Consulting Engineer at CiscoSystems, Inc. She has more than 20 years experience in IP internetworking that includesdesign, implementation of complex customer projects, and service development for serviceproviders. Monique has been involved in developing managed network services, such asremote access and LAN switching in a service provider environment. Monique has workedfor both enterprise and service provider companies in the U.S. and in Europe. In 1999,Monique led the engineering project team for one of the first MPLS-VPN deployments fora European service provider. Monique has presented in various conferences on the topic of MPLS. Additionally, Monique is coauthor of the book Designing IP-Based Services: Solutions for Vendors and Service Providers Monique is also the coauthor of MPLS VPN Security and MPLS forDecision Makers She is working on a book that presents enterprise drivers and concerns for IP-based service delivery. Monique is active in both the IETF and ITU-T SG 13 with a focus on OAM. She has a master’s of science degree in telecommunications management and an MBA. Additionally, Monique is vice chair of IPsphere Forum. Monique is currently engaged in MPLS OAM standards development and has been engaged in international carrier discussions on the topic. Monique was a co-guest editor of a special issue of the IEEE Communications Magazine on the subject of “OAM in MPLSBasedNetworks,” which was published in October 2004. She was also a guest editor of aspecial issue of the IEEE Communications Magazine on the subject of “Challenges inEnabling Inter-Provider Service Quality on the Internet,” published in June 2005 and on thesubject of, “GMPLS: The Promise of the Next Generation Optical Control Plane,”published in July 2005. Finally, Monique is working on NGN for service providers andGRID technology.

Azhar Sayeed is currently the director of product management for the Cisco NetworkSoftware and Systems Group. He has more than 16 years of networking andcommunications industry experience. Azhar is currently responsible for productmanagement and roll out of MPLS, Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs, broadband technologies IProuting, and Qo) features in Cisco IOS software. Cisco IOS software is the network systemsoftware that powers the majority of Cisco hardware platforms.Prior to joining Cisco in 1998, Azhar worked for Cabletron Systems as aproduct line manager for the ATM group. He designed and implemented productdevelopment strategies and brought products to market. He has held additionalindustry positions including that of an ATM aviator with Digital EquipmentCorporation where he supported presale operations of the High PerformanceNetworks group for Digital.Azhar started his career as a field engineer, installing X.25 and Frame Relaygear for large service provider and enterprise networks. Since then, he has beeninvolved with ATM and MPLS in DEC, Cabletron, and Cisco.Azhar has published several research papers from his master’s thesis anddozens of magazine articles on MPLS and QoS. He has been invited to speak atseveral conferences, such as MPLS 2002 through MPLS 2005. He has also spokenat MPLS Con 2002, Broadband Year, Comdex, N+I, Supercomm, APRICOT,MPLS World Congress, and so on.Azhar’s interests include network protocols and wireless and broadbandtechnologies. Azhar holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communicationsand a master’s degree in electrical engineering. He is also a member of IEEE andIEEE communications society.