BIER TE Node Link BP Range Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multicast technologies face inefficiencies and inflexibility in backbone networks due to excessive multicast statuses and complex networking, leading to frequent reconfiguration of link bit positions (BPs) by SDN controllers, which decreases management efficiency and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for transmitting bit indexed explicit replication information in BIER TE networks, where nodes transmit and adjust link BP range information using extended protocols, allowing neighboring nodes to manage link BPs independently and reducing the need for frequent SDN controller interventions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If SDN controller frequently reconfigures link BPs due to link changes, then network adaptability is improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables BIER TE nodes to autonomously detect link changes and adjust their own link BP ranges without requiring SDN controller intervention. Each node independently monitors its link status and performs self-reconfiguration, eliminating the need for frequent controller-mediated BP reassignments while maintaining network adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-allocates a range of configurable link BPs to each BIER TE node based on its maximum potential link requirements. This preliminary allocation allows nodes to dynamically select appropriate BPs from their pre-assigned ranges when links are added or removed, avoiding the need for frequent reconfiguration requests to the SDN controller

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If SDN controller manages all link BP assignments, then centralized control is improved, but productivity and response time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidBP reconfiguration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized BP management function into two parts: the SDN controller performs initial BP range allocation to each node, while individual nodes independently manage their own BP selections within those ranges. This segmentation allows centralized policy control while enabling distributed rapid response to link changes, significantly improving reconfiguration productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static centralized BP assignment model to a dynamic distributed model where nodes can autonomously select and change their link BPs within pre-defined ranges. This dynamic approach enables immediate local response to network changes while maintaining overall centralized coordination through the initial range allocations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If link BP ranges overlap between neighboring nodes, then routing flexibility is improved, but reliability of traffic forwarding deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidtraffic forwarding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where BIER TE nodes exchange link BP range information with their neighbors through routing protocols. When overlap is detected, nodes receive feedback about the conflict and autonomously adjust their BP selections to eliminate overlaps, ensuring reliable traffic forwarding while maintaining routing flexibility through coordinated BP allocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3442179B1Method and device for transmitting bit indexed explicit replication information
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 ZTE CORP
  • EP3442179B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3442179B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3442179B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A method and device for transmitting bit indexed explicit replication (BIER) information. The method includes: transmitting (S101), by a node in a BIER traffic engineering (TE) network, link bit position (BP) range information of the node. The link BP range information is a value range of configurable link BPs for forwarding network data traffic.