BIER Bit String Length Advertisement via LLDPDU TLV
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Solution Overview
Problem
In layer 2 networks, there is no effective means to advertise bit string length support information for BIER forwarding nodes, leading to potential traffic errors and loss due to inconsistent bit string length processing capabilities between nodes.
Innovation Solution
Encapsulating BIER bit string length information into LLDPDU messages and transmitting them between adjacent nodes using a new type of TLV, allowing nodes to accurately know and adjust forwarding based on adjacent nodes' bit string length capabilities, thereby preventing traffic errors and loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If BIER technology is used for multicast forwarding in layer 2 network, then network control is simplified and multicast states of intermediate nodes are removed, but there is no effective means for advertising bit string length support information of each forwarding node, leading to traffic errors and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the BIER information advertisement process into separate LLDP protocol messages. Each forwarding node divides its BIER capability information (bit string length support) into structured TLV fields within LLDPDUs, allowing incremental and organized information exchange without requiring complete protocol redesign, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LLDP protocol as an intermediary mechanism between BIER forwarding nodes. LLDPDUs serve as mediator messages that carry BIER bit string length information, enabling indirect but reliable information exchange between forwarding nodes without direct BIER protocol modification, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Device complexity
If BIER bit string length information is not advertised between nodes, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but inconsistent bit string length processing capabilities cause traffic errors and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LLDP protocol multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional LLDP information and BIER-specific bit string length information through extended TLV fields. This universal approach allows a single protocol to serve multiple purposes without increasing overall system complexity, while ensuring necessary information is not lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests BIER bit string length information within the existing LLDP protocol structure. The BIER information is embedded as TLV fields inside LLDPDU messages, creating a nested information structure where BIER capabilities are contained within the broader LLDP framework, maintaining protocol simplicity while preserving critical information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If nodes use different bit string length processing capabilities, then device diversity and flexibility are improved, but traffic errors and loss occur during forwarding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having forwarding nodes advertise their BIER bit string length capabilities in advance through LLDPDUs before actual traffic forwarding begins. This advance information exchange allows receiving nodes to prepare appropriate processing capabilities, ensuring reliable traffic handling despite device diversity without requiring real-time negotiation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, comprising: encapsulating, in a link layer discovery protocol data unit (LLDPDU), bit indexed explicit replication (BIER) bit string length information of a first node; and sending to a second node the LLDPDU, wherein the second node is an adjacent node of the first node, and the BIER bit string length information of the first node is used to forward BIER traffic. The present disclosure also relates to an information processing device.