RFC 3294 (rfc3294) - Page 2 of 9
General Switch Management Protocol (GSMP) Applicability
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
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
