Network Fabric Visualization Using BGP-LS Topology Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network fabric management systems face limitations in scalability, bandwidth efficiency, and accuracy due to reliance on protocols like CDP and LLDP, which require access to every network node, provide unnecessary information updates, and lack Layer 3 connectivity insights, making them inefficient for large-scale, multi-fabric environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Border Gateway Protocol Link-State (BGP-LS) for network topology visualization and Segment Routing traffic engineering, allowing for scalable, redundant, and L3-based discovery mechanisms that reduce bandwidth consumption and enable quick topology updates, while eliminating the need for direct access to all nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If CDP and LLDP protocols are used for network topology discovery, then network connectivity information can be obtained, but the system requires access to every network node and consumes excessive bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces BGP-LS as an intermediary protocol that mediates between network nodes and the management system. Instead of directly accessing every node using CDP/LLDP, the system uses BGP-LS updates from routing protocols to obtain topology information, eliminating the need for direct node access and reducing bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical polling approach (CDP/LLDP requiring access to every node) with a BGP-LS-based information push mechanism. Routing protocols automatically generate and push topology information updates to the management system, eliminating the need for systematic node-by-node access.
2Loss of information
If CDP and LLDP protocols are used for network topology discovery, then network connectivity information can be obtained, but the system provides unnecessary information updates and lacks Layer 3 connectivity insights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of information gathering from Layer 2 connectivity (CDP/LLDP) to Layer 3 routing information (BGP-LS). This parameter change enables the system to obtain comprehensive connectivity insights including routing paths, metrics, and policy information, while updates are triggered by actual routing changes rather than periodic polling.
3Reliability
If traditional network management protocols are used, then basic connectivity monitoring is possible, but scalability to large-scale multi-fabric environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the management system universal by using BGP-LS, which can operate across different network fabrics and domains. The same BGP-LS mechanism provides topology discovery, connectivity monitoring, and routing policy management across multi-fabric environments, eliminating the need for fabric-specific management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example embodiment, a server, using Border Gateway Protocol Link-State, obtains, from a particular network node of a plurality of network nodes in a network fabric configured for segment routing, network topology information of the plurality of network nodes including segment identifiers of the plurality of network nodes. The particular network node gathered the network topology information from other network nodes of the plurality of network nodes using an underlay routing protocol. Based on the network topology information, the server generates a visualization of a topology of the network fabric including the plurality of network nodes and a plurality of links connecting the plurality of network nodes.