In the world of networking, evolution is constant, driven by the ever-growing demands for simplicity, scalability, and operational efficiency. Segment Routing (SR) emerges as a promising solution to address the shortcomings of traditional MPLS protocols like LDP/RSVP-TE. But the question here is why the shift? And what exactly is Segment Routing?

Why Segment Routing?

Traditional MPLS protocols have undoubtedly served as the backbone of networking, offering various Virtual Private Network (VPN) services. However, the complexity of control plane protocols, such as LDP and RSVP-TE, coupled with scalability challenges, has led to operational headaches for service providers. LDP-IGP synchronization issues and the costly bandwidth reservations associated with RSVP-TE have made it clear that a simpler, more scalable solution is needed.

Segment Routing (SR)

Segment Routing offers a fresh approach to packet forwarding, simplifying network operation and scalability while retaining the benefits of MPLS. Unlike traditional MPLS protocols, SR does not require separate signaling components like LDP/RSVP-TE, leading to streamlined architecture and reduced hardware requirements. With SR, TE can be implemented without additional signaling, allowing for more scalable and cost-effective solutions.

Benefits of SR

Segment Routing introduces source-based routing, where nodes choose specific paths for packet forwarding by inserting an ordered list of segments. This approach offers enhanced packet forwarding behavior, allowing networks to transport packets through tailored paths based on application requirements. Moreover, SR seamlessly integrates with existing MPLS infrastructure, making it suitable for brownfield deployments and SDN-ready networks.