CE-CE Traffic Engineering via BGP PE-CE Link Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current MPLS/VPN networks lack the ability to efficiently distribute dynamic Traffic Engineering (TE) information across provider networks, limiting the application of TE techniques to paths between customer edge devices (CE-CE paths) and preventing the creation of TE tunnels with reserved bandwidth and fast convergence.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves conveying TE information of PE-CE links through Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) messages, expanding the TE database to include TE-configured PE-CE links, and applying TE techniques to CE-CE paths, enabling the establishment of Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) TE label switched paths across the provider network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If TE information is not distributed across provider networks, then network configuration remains simple, but TE techniques cannot be applied to CE-CE paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the existing BGP protocol to serve multiple functions: traditional routing information exchange and TE information distribution. By adding TE information fields to BGP messages, the protocol becomes universal, handling both routing and traffic engineering needs without requiring a separate distribution mechanism, thus avoiding increased system complexity while enabling TE techniques on CE-CE paths
Solution Approach 2:
Provider edge devices automatically generate and distribute TE information for their connected PE-CE links through BGP advertisements without requiring manual configuration or external intervention. The devices self-serve by populating TE information fields with their local link characteristics and propagating this information throughout the provider network, enabling autonomous TE capability expansion
2Productivity
If manual configuration is used for TE setup, then configuration control is precise, but network scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual configuration by implementing self-service mechanisms where provider edge devices automatically discover their PE-CE link characteristics, generate TE information, and distribute it through BGP protocols. This automation enables network scalability while maintaining configuration precision through programmatic generation of TE parameters based on actual link states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where TE information is dynamically advertised and updated throughout the network based on actual link conditions. Provider edge devices continuously monitor their PE-CE links and propagate updates via BGP, creating a feedback loop that maintains accurate TE information without manual intervention, thereby enabling scalable automated TE management
Data Source
AI summary
A technique enables Traffic Engineering (TE) on paths between customer edge devices (CEs) across a provider network (“CE-CE paths”) in a computer network. According to the novel technique, TE is configured on a link from a sending provider edge device (PE) to a first CE (“PE-CE link”), e.g., a CE of one or more virtual private networks (VPNs). The sending PE conveys TE information of the PE-CE link to one or more receiving PEs in the provider network. Upon receiving the TE information, each receiving PE expands a TE database (TED) for information regarding the provider network (i.e., a “core TED”) to include TE-configured PE-CE links, e.g., by updating one or more corresponding VPN TEDs (VTEDs) for each VPN maintained by the receiving PE. Once the receiving PEs have the TE information for configured PE-CE links from the provider network, one or more TE techniques may be applied to paths from a second CE of the receiving PE to the first CE (a CE-CE path) to thereby facilitate, e.g., establishment of TE-LSPs along CE-CE paths.