Bimodal L2VPN Forwarding Domain for MAC Scaling and Flexible Traffic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing L2VPN nodes face limitations in scaling MAC addresses due to memory constraints in VPLS technology and lack flexibility in point-to-point connections with VPWS technology, leading to bandwidth issues and inefficient data transfer.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a bimodal forwarding domain that combines modified VPWS technology for traffic from AC ports to PWs, allowing unlimited scaling of destination MAC addresses, and modified VPLS technology for traffic from PWs to AC ports, enabling MAC address learning and lookups to optimize data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If VPLS technology is used for MAC address learning and lookup, then data transfer flexibility is improved, but MAC address database size is limited due to memory constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer flexibilityVSAvoidMAC address database size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the forwarding domain into two distinct modes: VPWS mode for point-to-point connections that do not require MAC address learning, and VPLS mode for connections that require MAC address learning and lookup. This segmentation allows the system to handle different traffic types with appropriate forwarding mechanisms, avoiding the need to maintain a large MAC address database for all connections while preserving flexibility where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic mode selection where the forwarding behavior (VPWS or VPLS) is determined based on the specific connection type and traffic requirements. The system can dynamically switch between unlimited MAC address scaling in VPWS mode and MAC address learning in VPLS mode, optimizing resource utilization and avoiding memory constraints while maintaining flexibility when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If VPWS technology is used for point-to-point connections, then MAC address database scaling is improved, but connection flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMAC address database sizeVSAvoidconnection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal forwarding domain that can handle both VPWS and VPLS traffic types within the same infrastructure. The bimodal forwarding capability allows the system to provide point-to-point connectivity with unlimited scaling when needed, while also supporting flexible MAC address learning and lookup for other connections, making the system adaptable to diverse network requirements without requiring separate infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If VPLS technology is used for MAC address learning in both directions, then data transfer optimization is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different forwarding qualities to different traffic directions and connection types. For point-to-point connections, VPWS mode is used which provides efficient direct forwarding without MAC address learning overhead. For connections requiring flexibility, VPLS mode is used with MAC address learning. This local quality differentiation optimizes bandwidth consumption by avoiding unnecessary MAC address learning and flooding for traffic that doesn't require it, while maintaining data transfer efficiency where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260074992A1Methods, systems, and devices to implement bimodal VPWS and VPLS forwarding domain in a layer 2 virutal private network (l2VPN) node

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 CIENA CORP

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving first data via a first user-to-network interface (UNI) of a group of user-to-network interfaces (UNIs) from a first communication device, transferring the first data to a network-to-network interface (NNI) in response to receiving the first data from the first UNI, and receiving second data via the NNI from a second communication device. Further embodiments can include identifying a destination media access control (MAC) address associated with the second data, determining a second UNI of the group of UNIs based on the destination MAC address resulting in a first determination, and transferring the second data to the second UNI based on the first determination for transmitting to a third communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.