RFC 3294 (rfc3294) - Page 2 of 9

General Switch Management Protocol (GSMP) Applicability

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RFC 3294                   GSMP Applicability                  June 2002


   GSMP provides an interface that can be used to separate the data
   forwarder from the routing and other control plane protocols such as
   LDP.  As such it allows service providers to move away from
   monolithic systems that bundle the control plane and the data plane
   into a single tightly coupled system - usually in a single chassis.
   Separating the control components from the forwarding components and
   using GSMP for switch management, enables service providers to create
   multi-service systems composed of various vendors equipment.  It also
   allows for a more dynamic means of adding services to their networks.

   The IETF GSMP working group was established in the routing area
   because GSMP was being seen as an optional part of the MPLS solution.
   In a MPLS system, it is possible to run the routing protocols and
   label distribution protocols on one system while passing data across
   a generic switch, e.g., an ATM switch.  GSMP provides the switch
   resource management mechanism needed in such a scenario.

   GSMP has also been selected by the Multiservice Switching Forum (MSF)
   as its protocol of choice for the Switch Control Interface identified
   in their architecture.  The MSF is an industry forum which, among its
   activities establishes their member's requirements and then works
   with the appropriate standards bodies to foster their goals.  In the
   case of GSMP, the MSF presented the IETF GSMP Working Group with a
   set of requirements for GSMP.  The working group has made a
   determined effort to comply with those requirements in its
   specifications.

2. GSMP V3 Document Set

   The current version of GSMP is documented in 3 documents:

   -  GSMP: General Switch Management protocol V3 [5]

   -  GSMP-ENCAPS: General Switch Management Protocol (GSMP) Packet
      Encapsulations for Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Ethernet and
      Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) [4]

   -  GSMP-MIB: Definitions of Managed Objects for the General Switch
      Management Protocol [1]

3. General Description

   The General Switch Management Protocol V3 (GSMPv3) [5], is a general
      purpose protocol to control a label switch.  GSMP allows a
      controller to establish and release connections across the switch;
      add and delete leaves on a multicast connection; reserve
      resources; manage switch ports; request configuration information;
      and request statistics.  It also allows the switch to inform the



Doria & Sundell              Informational
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