BIER Border Router MPLS Multicast Label Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in effectively supporting Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based multicast within Bit Index Explicit Replication (BIER) domains, particularly in establishing and transporting point-to-multipoint label switched paths (P2MP LSPs, due to limitations in signaling and label management across domains.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes a BIER border router (BBR) to receive MPLS signaling information from an MPLS domain, assign a BIER tree label (BTL) identifying P2MP LSPs within the BIER domain, and modify packets to switch between MPLS and BIER labels, enabling seamless forwarding of multicast traffic across domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MPLS-based multicast is implemented within BIER domains, then network scalability and compatibility with legacy multicast technologies are improved, but signaling and label management complexity across domains increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a BIER border router (BBR) as an intermediary device that connects MPLS domains and BIER domains. The BBR performs label mapping between MPLS labels and BIER tree labels, acting as a mediator that translates between the two different label systems. This intermediary approach enables MPLS-based multicast to operate within BIER domains while isolating the complexity of dual-label management to specific boundary devices rather than requiring all routers to handle both signaling protocols simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If label mapping between MPLS and BIER is implemented at multiple routers, then multicast traffic forwarding flexibility is improved, but processing overhead and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the label mapping function by designating specific BIER border routers (BBRs) to perform the mapping between MPLS labels and BIER tree labels, rather than requiring all routers within the domain to perform this function. This segmentation concentrates the computational overhead at boundary devices that naturally handle domain interconnection, while core BIER routers can operate with simpler forwarding logic. The segmentation approach maintains forwarding flexibility at the domain boundary while reducing processing requirements throughout the rest of the network.
3Area of stationary object
If P2MP LSPs are established across domain boundaries, then network connectivity and service coverage are improved, but establishment time and signaling resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing BIER tree labels and configuring forwarding equivalence classes (FECs) at BIER border routers before actual multicast traffic needs to be forwarded. The BBRs maintain mapping tables that associate MPLS labels with BIER tree labels in advance, so when a P2MP LSP needs to be established across domain boundaries, the label mapping is already in place. This preliminary configuration reduces the establishment time during actual traffic flow while still enabling broad service coverage across multiple domains.
Data Source
AI summary
Various example embodiments relate generally to supporting Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based multicast over a Bit Index Explicit Replication (BIER) domain. Various example embodiments for supporting MPLS-based multicast over a BIER domain may be configured to support MPLS point-to-multipoint (P2MP) label switched paths (LSPs) over a BIER domain. Various example embodiments for supporting MPLS-based multicast over a BIER domain may be configured to support establishment and transport of P2MP LSPs over a BIER domain (e.g., signaling MPLS via the BIER domain, stitching the MPLS datapath to the BIER domain based on identification of P2MP LSPs within the BIER domain, and so forth).