BIER Route Notification Across ASBR Groups Using BFR Group Prefixes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing Bit Index Explicit Replication (BIER) networks, the presence of multiple pairs of Autonomous System Border Routers (ASBRs) between autonomous systems increases BIER route calculation complexity due to treating network reachability information from different ASBRs as independent unicast routes, affecting subsequent packet forwarding.
Innovation Solution
A method where ASBRs within an autonomous system are grouped together and configured with a common BFR group prefix, allowing them to notify a unified BIER route using a BIER Path Attribute, reducing the complexity by treating multiple routes as a single optimized route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pairs of ASBRs between autonomous systems treat network reachability information from different ASBRs as independent unicast routes, then route diversity is maintained, but BIER route calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent unicast routes from different ASBRs into a single unified BIER route. Multiple ASBRs within an autonomous system are grouped together and configured with a common BFR group prefix, allowing them to notify a unified BIER route using a BIER Path Attribute. This consolidation reduces the number of separate route calculations while maintaining the diversity of available paths through the grouped ASBRs.
2Device complexity
If multiple ASBRs are grouped with a common BFR group prefix to notify a unified BIER route, then route calculation complexity is reduced, but the granularity of individual route control is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ASBRs into groups based on their autonomous system membership, with each group assigned a common BFR group prefix. This segmentation allows for unified route notification at the group level while maintaining the ability to control routing at the individual ASBR level through the BIER Path Attribute mechanism. The grouping is logical and can be configured independently of physical topology.
3Productivity
If ASBRs notify unified BIER routes using BIER Path Attribute, then packet forwarding efficiency is improved, but the requirement for BIER capability in ASBRs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the BIER Path Attribute mechanism universal by enabling any ASBR within a BIER-capable autonomous system to participate in unified route notification. The common BFR group prefix configuration allows multiple ASBRs to work together using the same BIER capabilities, creating a multi-functional routing mechanism that can be deployed across existing BIER networks without requiring completely new infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides route notifying methods and electronic devices. In this embodiment, respective ASBRs connected with a second AS in a first AS notify network reachability information (carrying a BIER Path Attribute, where the BIER Path Attribute at least includes BFR IDs of respective BFRs in the first AS) corresponding to a same BFR group prefix to the second AS; when receiving the network reachability information notified by the ASBR in the first AS, the ASBR in the second AS continues to notify a BIER route of the same BFR group prefix in the first AS in the second AS (carrying the BFR IDs of respective BFRs in the first AS).