RFC 3532 (rfc3532) - Page 2 of 11

Requirements for the Dynamic Partitioning of Switching Elements

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