Joining Two MPLS Service Provider Network

[ALLI7431@YAHOO.COM]

We operate a mid size MPLS SP network  and was recently merged with another ISP that provides similar services, wanted to know some tips on best practices on merging both networks. Both networks are operating with different ASN and different ip schemes as well, we just connected a dark fiber between both companies but haven't done any real interconnection to both networks as yet.

Wanted to know some best practices in integrating both networks.

[Patrick.Williams]

Please answer the following questions in order to better assist you.

1. How many PE routers are within both networks eg. Net 1 10 routers , Net 2 20 Routers

2. iBGP topology for both networks eg. Network1 Route reflectors , Net2 Fully Meshed

3. Are both networks running LDP or some other such as TE

4. Types of equipment used for both networks.

5. Are you running both L3vpn and VPLS on both networks.

*If you are running VPLS what are the methods used Flat or Hierarchical

[ALLI7431@YAHOO.COM · Accepted solution]

Both networks are running Label Distribution Protocol, there are a total of 55 provider edge routers 35 on our current network and 20 in the new ISP network.

Our Existing Network Info   LDP ,  2 Route Reflectors , no VPLS only layer 3 VPNs are provided. 4451 and ASR 1001

New ISP  : LDP , BGP Fully Meshed and running L3 VPNs and VPLS - not sure of the configuration type being used

Dark Fiber Linking both locations are going to be 10Gbps.

Layer3 Switches 3850 and 2921 Routers

[Patrick.Williams · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the details, the following are recommended in the order listed.

1. Integrate or tie both networks together by interconnecting Provider to Provider routers in the core of both networks.

   These designated P Routers should be running only your IGP so it should be super simple to accomplish.

2. Establish LDP neighbor relationship between both networks, please keep in mind that LDP uses the Loopback interfaces in order to establish a neighbor relationship, so both Lo Interfaces should be reachable via your IGP.

3. With the help of your qualified internal engineers it is my recommendation to replace the current BGP meshed network to a route reflector topology, this way you will be able to scale easily as well as establish a clean relationship with your existing network, not to mention less administrative overheads.

4. Once you have completed  action is #3 connect both networks route reflectors together, so that VPNv4 routes can be populated across both AS.

I highly recommend that you have a fully qualified tech to establish these relationships as it will be similar to a Carrier Connecting Carrier interconnection.

Best of luck.

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[ALLI7431@YAHOO.COM]

Thank you, well appreciated.