BGP Controller Backup Paths for Segment Routing Ingress Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms do not provide effective ingress node protection in Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) based networks for Segment Routing (SR) tunnels, which are crucial for ensuring data packet routing reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method using a BGP controller to compute and establish backup paths for ingress nodes, incorporating segment routing ingress protection indicators, and manage forwarding information bases to switch traffic to backup nodes upon primary ingress node failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If BGP is used for routing in SR networks, then routing flexibility and scalability are improved, but ingress node protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes backup ingress paths and establishes backup Segment Routing policies before primary ingress node failure occurs. The BGP controller calculates alternative paths and configures backup forwarding entries in advance, enabling immediate failover without waiting for failure detection and path recalculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a BGP controller as an intermediary component that extends BGP functionality to provide ingress protection. The controller mediates between the SR network and ingress nodes, computing backup paths and managing backup Segment Routing policies to enhance reliability while maintaining BGP routing flexibility.
2Reliability
If backup paths are established for ingress protection, then reliability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the BGP controller multi-functional by extending it to perform both standard BGP routing operations and ingress protection functions. The same controller that handles regular route exchanges also computes backup paths, manages backup Segment Routing policies, and coordinates failover, eliminating the need for separate dedicated protection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the functional parameters of BGP by introducing new path attributes and Segment Routing policy parameters for backup paths. Instead of adding complex hardware or separate systems, the solution modifies BGP message parameters and routing policy attributes to encode backup path information and protection indicators.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network node including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor configured to receive instructions from the memory which, when executed by the processor, cause the network node to receive a path computation request; calculate a first path from a first ingress node to an egress node; calculate a second path from a second ingress node to the egress node; transmit a first message using border gateway protocol (BGP), the first message comprising the first path to the first ingress node; and transmit a second message using BGP, the second message comprising the second path and an ingress protection indicator to the second ingress node.