RFC 3532 (rfc3532) - Page 2 of 11
Requirements for the Dynamic Partitioning of Switching Elements
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 3532 Dynamic Partitioning of Switching Elements May 2003
1. Definitions
In this document, the following definitions will be used.
Switching Element - A device that switches packets (e.g., an ATM
switch or MPLS LSR) and whose resources can be divided into
partitions, each of which can be independently controlled by a
different controller.
Partition - A partition is a set of switching element (SE)
resources. Partitions are also referred to as virtual SEs.
Active Partition - An active partition is a partition in which the
resources are in use; either under the direct control of a
separate controller or under internal policy-based control.
Controller - The entity responsible for controlling the operations
of an active partition.
Static Partitioning - In static partitioning, no changes can be made
to any active partition's resources without requiring a restart of
that partition. Instances of repartitioning in which connections
to controllers are disconnected before resources can be
reallocated therefore fall into this category.
Dynamic Partitioning - In dynamic partitioning, an active
partition's resources can be reapportioned without requiring a
restart of the partition.
Frozen Partition - A frozen partition is an active partition that is
in the process of being shutdown. A frozen partition's unused
resources are relinquished, but all current connections are
allowed to remain until removed by the controller. As connections
close, the resources are returned to the SE.
Deterministic Partitioning - In deterministic partitioning, each
active partition is given an allotted quantity of each resource.
The usage of resources in one active partition does not influence
the resources available to another active partition. All
discussions in these requirements presuppose the use of
deterministic partitioning.
Statistical Partitioning - In statistical partitioning, some or all
resources are pooled among the active partitions, and allocations
may be based on percentages or on some other metric. Discussion
of statistical partitions is outside the scope of these
requirements.
Anderson, et al. Informational