PCC-PCE Communication Requirements for VPNs

The Computation Element (PCE) provides path computation functions in support of traffic engineering in Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Generalized MPLS (GMPLS) networks. An important application of MPLS and GMPLS networks is Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that may be constructed using Label Switched Paths (LSPs) in the MPLS and GMPLS networks as VPN tunnels. PCE may be applied as a tool to compute the paths of such tunnels in order to achieve better use of the network resources and to provide better levels of service to the VPN customers. Generic requirements for a communication protocol between Computation Clients (PCCs) and PCEs are presented in Path Computation Element (PCE) Communication Protocol Generic Requirements. This document complements the generic requirements and presents a detailed set of PCC-PCE communication protocol requirements that are specific to the application of PCE to VPNs.