Performance Evaluation of QoS for Real Time Applications Using Multiprotocol Label Switching

Abstract

Internet Protocol (IP) network has different problems during packets transmit. Delay and packet drop are famous challenges of developers. The researchers are having many tries to solve those problems. Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks is one of that solutions. Label switching technology is used at the IP core routers to improve the routing mechanism and to make it more efficient. The developed protocol configures the data packets with fixed labels at the start of transmission and at the end of the MPLS domain it’s removed. MPLS traffic engineering (MPLS TE) provides better utilization of network recourses. MPLS naturally supports Quality of Service (QoS) by providing classification, marked packet, avoiding congestion, congestion management and Improve traffic. In this research the evaluation of network performance is done. The evaluation is applied on different scenarios with different routing protocols such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), MPLS and MPLS with Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP). OPNET is used to make comparison and view various parameters such as End-to-End delay, delay variation, and throughput. MPLS is faster than OSPF protocols. The delay measurements when MPLS applied with RSVP reduced by 99.7% in light model and four times in heavy model. MPLS with RSVP enhanced video traffic received by 8.64% in light model and 21.2% in heavy model. MPLS provides the reliability of communication while reducing the delays and supporting the speed of the packet transfer specially when applying QoS which is RSVP here.