Conclusion
GMPLS is not the future, … it is the present
It constitutes an integral part of the coming generation of packet, frame and optical integrated networks providing unified services
NMS proprietary solutions might be pragmatic as a short term solution, they don’t address the current carrier/service provider needs
GMPLS provides common mechanisms applicable to IP and optical layers, allowing interoperable, scalable, parallel, reliable and cohesive evolution of networks in the IP and optical dimensions
Both GMPLS@UNI (at OIF) and GMPLS (at IETF) are standards-based and have their specific domain of use: the debate peer versus overlay is off (if used in their applicability scope then co-existence)
The LSP hierarchy, bundling and hitless restart creates sufficient scalability, flexibility and resiliency for common network operations
The enhanced signaling capabilities GMPLS allow service provider to quickly and efficiently build high capacity agile infrastructures supporting fast connection provisioning
Therefore, GMPLS is critical in any carrier/service provider solution that aims to enable large volumes of traffic in a cost-efficient manner