Traffic Engineering (TE) in Cisco Crosswork Network Controller optimizes and directs network traffic to meet operational goals like guaranteed bandwidth for prioritized services. It improves network performance by steering traffic along predetermined routes and efficiently using resources. Crosswork Network Controller simplifies management by visualizing SR-TE policies and RSVP-TE tunnels on a topology map, simplifying provisioning and monitoring.
Traffic Engineering in Cisco Crosswork Network Controller
Optimizes network traffic by steering data along specific routes to enhance performance and ensure efficient resource utilization. It provides visualization tools and advanced analysis capabilities to help administrators make informed decisions regarding network infrastructure and service level agreements.
Supported SR-TE policies and RSVP tunnels
Lists the SR-TE policies and RSVP tunnel technologies that Crosswork Network Controller supports for visualization and PCE-initiated provisioning, and describes how it discovers and manages brownfield services.
What is segment routing?
Utilizes source routing to establish tunnels where the source encodes the path in the packet header using segment identifiers. Routers process these segments to forward traffic along a calculated path, allowing for precise control over data flow regardless of the underlying shortest path.
Segment routing path computation element
Analyses network telemetry and topology data to compute optimal traffic engineering tunnels while providing stateful control for network optimization. It communicates with clients through a dedicated protocol to delegate tunnel control and push real-time updates to physical or virtual network devices.
SR-TE policy PCC and PCE configuration sources
Distinguishes between policies configured directly on a client and those managed by a controller. While client-initiated policies are often labelled as unknown, the system recognizes specific types like bandwidth on demand, allowing for modification or deletion based on the configuration source.
Resource reservation protocol
Reserves network resources along explicit data paths to ensure critical applications meet quality of service standards. It provides essential capabilities such as endpoint control, link management, and fast reroute mechanisms to maintain connectivity and restore traffic flow rapidly during network failures.
RSVP-TE tunnel PCC and PCE configuration sources
Identifies the origin of tunnel configurations, whether they are established directly on the client or dynamically computed and initiated by a controller. This classification helps administrators understand how tunnels are managed and maintained within the broader network environment.
Sample policy and device configurations
Provides practical examples for configuring devices to ensure successful operation of traffic engineering and telemetry functions. It outlines the necessary steps for creating policies and mapping link attributes, enabling administrators to effectively manage and visualize network services within the controller environment.
The Traffic Engineering dashboard
Summarizes key information regarding various policy types, including their current state and performance metrics. It offers interactive dashlets that allow users to filter data, identify unused policies, and monitor change events to maintain network stability and optimize resource usage.
View TE event and utilization history
View the event and utilization history for a traffic engineering policy or tunnel, including traffic rate, delay, delay variance, and loss metrics for path and state changes.
View TE device details
Displays specific information for individual devices, including associated policy or tunnel data. It allows users to examine the configuration and status of various traffic engineering technologies, providing a clear view of how specific nodes contribute to the overall network topology.
Receive traffic engineering notifications
Delivers real-time updates regarding network changes, such as the creation or deletion of policies and links. It utilizes a standardized modeling language to inform subscribed users about topology shifts and path impacts, ensuring rapid response to events that may affect service delivery.
Configure TE settings
Adjusts timeout durations and data retention periods to ensure reliable operation in large-scale topologies. It allows administrators to customize how the system handles slow responses and manages historical performance data, tailoring the controller's behavior to meet specific organizational requirements.
Resolve orphaned SR-TE policies and RSVP-TE tunnels
Manages policies or tunnels that become disconnected from the system following synchronization events. It provides specialized tools and procedures to identify these orphaned items and restore their manageability, ensuring that all network services remain under proper administrative control.