Anycast Multicast Source Selection via BGP Mediator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multicast data transmission systems are inefficient in handling multicast source selection and failover, particularly in scenarios where a closer source needs to be chosen or if a multicast source fails, affecting network efficiency and user experience in video applications.
Innovation Solution
A system for controlling multicast source selection in an anycast source audio/video network, which includes a computer program that implements a monitoring and failover mechanism using Protocol Independent Multicast Source Specific Multicast (PIM-SSM) and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to automatically switch receivers to a different multicast source in case of failure, ensuring continuous service and optimizing source selection based on network topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multicast data transmission systems are used, then data packets can be delivered to multiple consumers from a single source, but the handling of multicast source selection is inefficient and cannot handle source failure or optimization scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) router as an intermediary that mediates between multiple multicast sources and receivers. The BGP router receives anycast packets from multiple sources, selects the optimal source based on routing metrics, and forwards packets to receivers. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing intelligent source selection without requiring complex changes at the receiver end.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple anycast sources and establishing BGP routing relationships before multicast transmission begins. The BGP protocol pre-computes optimal paths and maintains routing tables that enable fast source selection. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making during operation.
2Productivity
If a multicast source is selected based on proximity to improve network efficiency, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but the system cannot automatically switch sources when the selected source fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes BGP routing parameters and anycast IP address parameters to dynamically select and switch between multicast sources. When the optimal source changes due to failure or topology changes, the BGP router changes its routing parameter selections to point to alternative sources. This parameter-based approach enables both efficiency optimization and automatic failover without complex system reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If multiple anycast sources are deployed to enable failover capability, then service continuity is improved, but the complexity of source selection and routing control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The BGP router performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a standard BGP routing device, a multicast source selector, and a failover management system. By making the BGP router multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while providing robust failover capability across multiple anycast sources.
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to support a multicast source selection system. In an example embodiment, the system includes a network element in data communication with a network, the network element being operable to: receive a request for withdrawal of a server as a source of a multicast data stream; and propagate information to the network indicating withdrawal of the server as a source of the multicast data stream, the propagation of information by the network element being responsive to the request for withdrawal of the server as a source of the multicast data stream.