Aggregate Label Switched Path Scalability in MPLS Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in scaling label switched paths (LSPs) efficiently, particularly in supporting various forwarding equivalence classes (FECs) across multiple routing domains, leading to increased signaling overhead and complexity in maintaining inter-area and inter-AS LSPs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus and method that supports communication on a sub-label switched path of an aggregate label switched path by determining the next label switched path based on the forwarding equivalence class, preventing unnecessary signaling, and forming associations based on policy, using a processor and memory with instructions to manage forwarding equivalence classes across different IP versions and types of pseudowires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional LSP scaling methods are used to support multiple FECs across routing domains, then LSP scalability is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments LSPs into aggregate LSPs and sub-LSPs, where aggregate LSPs represent aggregated FECs across multiple routing domains and sub-LSPs represent individual FEC instances. This segmentation allows the system to scale by creating aggregate LSPs that can be shared across multiple sub-LSPs, reducing the need for separate signaling for each FEC while maintaining the ability to support diverse forwarding equivalence classes across different routing domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where sub-LSPs are associated with aggregate LSPs, creating a hierarchical model. The aggregate LSP acts as a container that can hold multiple sub-LSPs, similar to nested dolls. This nesting mechanism enables efficient resource sharing and reduces signaling overhead by allowing a single aggregate LSP to serve multiple sub-LSPs without requiring separate signaling for each combination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional LSP scaling methods are used to support multiple FECs across routing domains, then LSP scalability is improved, but the number of signaling messages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signaling requirements for multiple sub-LSPs into a single aggregate LSP signaling message. Instead of signaling each sub-LSP separately, the system creates a unified aggregate LSP that represents multiple FECs, thereby reducing the total number of signaling messages while maintaining the ability to support multiple FECs across different routing domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregate LSP serves multiple functions simultaneously: it represents aggregated FECs, provides a shared path across routing domains, and can be associated with multiple sub-LSPs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling messages for each function, as a single aggregate LSP signaling message accomplishes multiple objectives at once.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sub-LSPs are associated with aggregate LSPs, then scalability is improved, but association management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different FECs to be associated with aggregate LSPs based on their specific requirements. Each sub-LSP can be selectively associated with appropriate aggregate LSPs according to local forwarding equivalence class characteristics, enabling flexible and targeted association management that scales efficiently without requiring uniform treatment of all FECs.
Data Source
AI summary
Various example embodiments for supporting scalability of label switched paths (LSPs) in a label switching network are presented herein. Various example embodiments for supporting scalability of LSPs in a label switching network may be configured to support scalability of LSPs in a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network. Various example embodiments for supporting scalability of LSPs in an MPLS network may be configured to support scalability of LSPs of various FEC types. Various example embodiments for supporting scalability of LSPs in an MPLS network may be configured to support scalability of Prefix FEC based LSPs spanning across multiple routing domains. Various example embodiments for supporting scalability of LSPs in an MPLS network may be configured to support scalability of LSPs for various FEC types that enable aggregation of ranges of FECs by aggregate FECs. Various example embodiments for supporting scalability of LSPs in an MPLS network may be configured to support scalability of LSPs implemented as pseudowires (PWs).