Switching in IP Networks: IP Switching, Tag Switching, and Related Technologies (Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking) [Paperback]

Bruce S. Davie (Author), Paul Doolan (Author), Yakov Rekhter (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1558605053 | ISBN-13: 978-1558605053 | Publication Date: May 15, 1998 | Edition: 1

Label switching, an economical and efficient technique for message forwarding in IP networks, is fast becoming a widely deployed solution for improving performance, scalability, and functionality. Written by leading experts in the field, this guide explores the underlying technology of label switching and provides a detailed analysis and comparison of approaches developed by Ipsilon, Cisco, Toshiba, and IBM. It also compares label switching with conventional routing, culminating in a discussion of the Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) standard now being developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETP).

This book-the result of a rigorous review process by key designers-is an invaluable resource to network engineers and designers for evaluating the use of label switching in their own networks.

* Explains the benefits and limitations of label switching technology
* Compares performance, scalability, and robustness of IP Switching, Tag Switching, Cell Switching Router (CSR), and Aggregate Router-based IP Switching (ARIS)
* Reveals how label switching simplifies IP over ATM integration problems
* Presents the latest snapshot of the MPLS standard, which incorporates the strengths of several of the approaches discussed

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An outstanding overview and comparison of technologies that will form the foundation for the next evolution in network architecture."
—Christine Heckart, Vice President, TeleChoice

"A clear and authoritative review of a major advance in networking, written by some of the pioneers."
—Dr. John M. McQuillan, McQuillan Consulting

From the Back Cover

Label switching, an economical and efficient technique for message forwarding in IP networks, is fast becoming a widely deployed solution for improving performance, scalability, and functionality. Written by leading experts in the field, this guide explores the underlying technology of label switching and provides a detailed analysis and comparison of approaches developed by Ipsilon, Cisco, Toshiba, and IBM. It also compares label switching with conventional routing, culminating in a discussion of the Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) standard now being developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETP).

This book—the result of a rigorous review process by key designers—is an invaluable resource to network engineers and designers for evaluating the use of label switching in their own networks.

Content Highlights

• Explains the benefits and limitations of label switching technology
  
• Compares performance, scalability, and robustness of IP Switching, Tag Switching, Cell Switching Router (CSR), and Aggregate Router-based IP Switching (ARIS)
  
• Reveals how label switching simplifies IP over ATM integration problems
  
• Presents the latest snapshot of the MPLS standard, which incorporates the strengths of several of the approaches discussed
  

“An outstanding overview and comparison of technologies that will form the foundation for the next evolution in network architecture.”

—Christine Heckart, Vice President, TeleChoice

“A clear and authoritative review of a major advance in networking, written by some of the pioneers.”

—Dr. John M. McQuillan, McQuillan Consulting

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann; 1 edition (May 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558605053
• ISBN-13: 978-1558605053
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,091,917 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for network professionals, December 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Switching in IP Networks: IP Switching, Tag Switching, and Related Technologies (Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking) (Paperback)

Outstanding descriptions and comparisons of various switching technology models. Presents the nuts and bolt of switching and what they mean in terms of performance, scalability, etc. Also, some outstanding references. Clear writing style. Tough concepts sometimes seem simplistic, until incorporated into the models. Must read.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive guide to MPLS, September 27, 2000

By 

Jeremy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Switching in IP Networks: IP Switching, Tag Switching, and Related Technologies (Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking) (Paperback)

This book was the first in series on the MPLS topic by Yakov and Davie, the two leading experts in the subject area. At the time this book was published, people didn't even know the term MPLS as opposed to now when it has become a latest acronym to be exploited by marketing parasites.

This book gives an excellent description of different label switching techniques implemented by different vendors at the time, such as IBM, Toshiba, Ipsilon and cisco. This breaks down the chapters on vendor by vendor basis, explains their implementation and then at the end compares all the different approaches.

Even though Yakov and Davie are both from cisco, you can't tell it from reading the book because they have presented the implementations in total impartiality and fairness and only judging the implementations on its technical merits.

After reading the book, you'd understand fundamentals like FEC, label stack encoding, LDP and various techniques/signaling to carry label switching information.

If you want to buy a book om MPLS today, you should go for the latest edition of this book, titled, 'MPLS technology and applications'.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great introductory book for label switching techniques ...., August 1, 2000

By 

"by_newage" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Switching in IP Networks: IP Switching, Tag Switching, and Related Technologies (Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking) (Paperback)

There is no doubt about this great written book. The reason I only gave this book 4 starts is that I bought the book of "MPLS : Technology and Applications " from the same authors before this one. The coverage and contents between those two books are quite the same - Douh !. My suggestion is that just buy the "MPLS" one if you do not care about CSR and ARIS stuffs too much.