MPLS-TP is a new technology undergoing continued development. It is designed as a low-cost Level 2 technology that supports connection-oriented packet transport services with a similar degree of predictability, reliability, and OAM (operations, administration and maintenance) found in existing TDM transport networks. Service providers that need to streamline operations and simplify converged networks are driving the development of MPLS-TP standards and solutions. MPLS-TP has garnered tremendous interest from the service provider community and will be a key area of product development for network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) over the next several years.

Test equipment will play a critical role for both service providers and NEMs in the functional, interoperability, and performance validation of MPLS-TP. Ixia has been working with network equipment manufacturers (NEMs), service providers, and test labs to validate MPLS-TP features and functionality, troubleshoot and resolve implementation issues, and satisfy the milestones that will precede deployment.

As part of its 2011 MPLS-TP Industry Initiative Program, Light Reading/Heavy Reading hosted both a webinar and a 29-page white paper, co-sponsored by thought leaders from Ixia, Cisco, ECI Telecom, Ericsson, and MetaSwitch. These are now available to you to help you make more-informed decisions on MPLS-TP.

Webinar Recording: The MPLS-TP in Next-Generation Transport Networks webinar focuses on the primary drivers for the deployment of MPLS-TP technology; key applications for which MPLS-TP could prove attractive; and hurtles to overcome for large-scale deployment.

White Paper: MPLS-TP in Next-Generation Transport Networks white paper, by Stan Hubbard, Senior Analyst, Heavy Reading, identifies the key drivers and objectives for development of MPLS-TP technology; examines how the MPLS-TP ecosystem is taking shape; and discusses MPLS-TP deployment expectations and potential applications.

In addition, Ixia’s MPLS-TP Black Book includes a number of test methodologies that will help you become familiar with this new technology and better understand the key testing issues associated with it.