How does NSP function as a PCE?

NSP as a PCE

NSP can function as a PCE, and contains the logic to calculate paths. The VSR-NRC is a component of NSP, but does not calculate any paths. The VSR-NRC terminates PCEP connections and conveys path request messages from PCCs to NSP. NSP computes the requested path and responds to the VSR-NRC, which conveys the response to the PCCs. The communication between VSR-NRC and PCCs is accomplished using the PCEP protocol.

In order for NSP to compute paths, it must discover the IGP topology. Topology discovery can be performed by peering the VSR-NRC directly in the IGP or using BGP-LS. If using IGP, the VSR-NRC must have full visibility of the topology. For multi-area topologies, this means that the VSR-NRC must be connected to every area, or to the ABRs/(L1/L2s) via IGP (OSPF or ISIS) adjacencies. If using BGP-LS, the VSR-NRC must be peered with a BGP speaker, ABRs/(L1/L2s) that are BGP speakers, or a Router Reflector that is peered to a BGP speaker in each IGP area. In order for BGP-LS discovery to be successful, each BGP speaker must support BGP-LS.

Note: Only the VSR-NRC supports topology discovery for NSP. Do not use any other devices, such as the vCPAA, because they are not supported.

For more information about configuring the VSR-NRC for use with NSP, see the NSP Installation and Upgrade Guide.

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