Communication system

Abstract

A communications system in which both a layer-2 and layer-3 virtual private networks (VPNS) can operate in an efficient and cost-effective way to offer improved network services. An ingress edge node has a path data manager which sets and manages path data describing configuration of an intra-network transport path. For transport over the intra-network transport path, a labeling unit adds an intra-network transport label to each outgoing frame, based on the path data. Those frames also have a VPN label for transport over an end-to-end VPN path. In an egress edge node, a frame discrimination value setting unit gives a frame discrimination value for identifying to which VPN each received frame belongs. A redirection processor redirects the received frames to their destinations according to their VPN labels and frame discrimination value.

Description

Technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, in particular to a communication system that provides virtual private network services. Background technique [0002] A new type of network service called "Virtual Private Network" (VPN) has been developed in recent years. VPN collectively involves such services: by merging a part of other people's networks (for example, telephone company or Internet provider's network) to allow us to connect and expand our private network, as an alternative to leased line services. Using VPN technology, a company with many offices throughout the country can build a large private network by interconnecting their local area network (LAN) with the Internet. Generally speaking, VPNs are roughly divided into two groups, one group is based on layer 3 (network layer), and the other group is based on layer 2 (data link layer). [0003] FIG. 27 shows the structure of a VPN 400 (hereinafter referred to as "layer 3 VPN") operat...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Otherwise, a single link failure will cause a long-term interruption of communication services, and business congestion problems will cause delays or loss of data

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