Allocation of route targets based on service

Abstract

A network controller to allocate route targets for communication services provided on one or more corresponding virtual private networks, the route targets identifying service providers associated with the virtual private networks and the communication services provided by the corresponding virtual private networks.

Description

RELATED CASES[0001]This application is a continuation of and claims priority to pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 782,121, filed Jul. 24, 2007, all of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to network communications.BACKGROUND[0003]Many service providers use layer 3 Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for customer-based communication. Since service providers often utilize many VPNs to support their networks, management and troubleshooting of these VPNs become increasingly critical.[0004]According to MPLS VPN protocol, service providers assign or allocate route targets to corresponding VPNs. These route targets typically are formatted according to a 6-bit Autonomous System Number (ASN) that expresses a distinct inter-domain routing policy and a 32-bit decimal number representing a range of available values to be associated with route targets for any ASN. Another, less utiliz...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Since service providers often utilize many VPNs to support their networks, management and troubleshooting of these VPNs become increasingly critical.

This management technique allows network administrators the ability to receive and view a list of route targets corresponding to a service provider, however, it is often difficult, if not impossible, to manage VPNs or troubleshoot problems associated with one or more VPNs from the list of route targets without intensive computation and holistic knowledge of the centralized management system.

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