Backbone Edge Bridge Multicast Boundary Router
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) networks with traditional Protocol-Independent Multicast (PIM) networks poses challenges in routing multicast traffic, requiring mechanisms to trigger PIM protocol messaging and IS-IS updates based on events in both networks to enable seamless communication.
Innovation Solution
A method where a Backbone Edge Bridge (BEB) in the SPB network discovers multicast streams from the PIM network, sends information to a Rendezvous Point, advertises the streams, and initiates PIM join procedures to allow receivers to receive multicast streams, while also managing IS-IS Type-Length-Value (TLV) structures for control messaging and state management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Backbone Edge Bridge (BEB) in the SPB network discovers and advertises multicast streams from the PIM network, then multicast traffic routing between networks is enabled, but the complexity of protocol interactions and state management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the BEB acts as a mediator between SPB and PIM networks. The BEB translates SPB events into PIM protocol messages and translates PIM events into IS-IS updates, thereby enabling interoperability while managing the complexity of protocol interactions at a single boundary point rather than requiring complex interactions across the entire network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The BEB is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple protocols (SPB, IS-IS, PIM) and perform multiple functions including event detection, protocol message generation, state machine management, and multicast stream advertisement. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single device reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized devices for each function.
2Reliability
If the BEB triggers PIM protocol messaging and IS-IS updates based on network events, then seamless multicast communication is achieved, but the processing overhead and state management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the BEB autonomously monitors network events and automatically triggers the appropriate protocol messaging and state updates without requiring external intervention. The event-driven architecture allows the system to self-manage its state transitions and protocol interactions, reducing the operational burden while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through event-driven state machines that continuously monitor network conditions and adjust protocol messaging accordingly. When events occur in either the SPB or PIM network, the BEB receives feedback about these changes and automatically generates appropriate responses, ensuring seamless communication while managing state transitions in a controlled, reactive manner.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the BEB manages both SPB and PIM protocol interactions, then protocol independence is maintained, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring protocol states increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol interaction management into distinct, modular components: separate event detectors for SPB and PIM networks, separate state machines for each protocol, and distinct message generation handlers. This segmentation allows each component to independently manage its specific protocol state without interference from the other, making detection and measurement of individual protocol states easier while maintaining overall protocol independence.
Data Source
AI summary
A method apparatus and computer readable medium for preforming SPB-PIM multicast interactions is presented. A Backbone Edge Bridge (BEB) in a Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) network discovers a multicast stream originating within a Protocol-Independent Multicast (PIM) network. The BEB sends multicast information to a Rendezvous Point (RP) in the PIM network. The BEB advertises a multicast stream learned from the RP into the SPB network. The BEB receives an update that includes a receiver interest in said multicast stream and initiates PIM join procedures for permitting the receiver to receive the multicast stream.