Border Router Backup Tunnels for Fast Autonomous System Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing data forwarding in autonomous systems, particularly in cases of network failures, result in unacceptably long recovery times due to the complexity of inter-domain routing and the need for extensive BGP message exchanges.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that pre-computes backup tunnels between border routers in an autonomous system, allowing for immediate rerouting of packets around failed links without requiring cooperation between different autonomous systems, using techniques like pe-se tunnels and auto-discovery mechanisms to simplify configuration and adapt to topology changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If BGP message exchanges are used for route recovery after link failure, then routing information can be updated, but recovery time becomes unacceptably long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes and installs backup tunnels and forwarding entries before link failures occur. When a failure is detected, the system immediately switches to using the pre-computed backup path without needing to exchange BGP messages, thus achieving fast recovery while maintaining routing correctness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the forwarding path into primary and backup components. The backup tunnel is pre-established as a separate forwarding entry that can be immediately activated upon failure detection, independent of the primary path's status
2Loss of time
If backup tunnels are pre-configured for all possible failures, then recovery speed improves, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically discovers topology information and computes backup tunnels without manual configuration. The border router autonomously identifies alternative paths and pre-installs backup forwarding entries based on real-time topology data, eliminating complex manual setup while enabling fast recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time topology discovery and failure detection feedback to dynamically compute and update backup tunnels. When topology changes or failures occur, the system automatically recalculates and installs appropriate backup paths, adapting to current network conditions without manual intervention
3Measurement precision
If extensive BGP message exchanges are performed for inter-domain routing updates, then routing accuracy improves, but the complexity of inter-domain agreements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backup tunnel computation and installation functionality from the inter-domain BGP routing process. Backup paths are pre-computed within the autonomous system using internal topology information, and backup forwarding entries are installed locally without requiring complex inter-domain BGP message exchanges or agreements
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing forwarding of data in a first autonomous system (AS) is described. The first AS includes a plurality of border routers having inter-domain links to one or more remote AS's and an associated exterior communications protocol. The border routers use an interior communications protocol with other border routers in the first AS using primary tunnels. The method comprises the steps, performed at a first border router having a primary route via an inter-domain link to a remote AS, of constructing an alternate route to the remote AS via second border router in the first AS, instigating a backup tunnel to the second border router upon failure of the primary route and sending a failure message to the other border routers.