Concurrent LSP Setup via Immediate Label Flag
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Solution Overview
Problem
The sequential establishment of Label Switched Paths (LSPs) in MPLS networks leads to delays, hampering scalability and efficient communication in large networks, particularly due to the serial nature of resource reservation protocols like RSVP-TE.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an 'Immediate Label' flag in the RSVP Path message allows for concurrent establishment of LSPs by signaling routers to allocate and send labels upstream before completing their forwarding plane configuration, reducing delays and facilitating more efficient signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If LSPs are established sequentially using standard RSVP-TE protocols, then each router can complete its forwarding plane configuration before sending Resv messages, but this sequential process accumulates delays and reduces network scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having routers allocate labels and send Resv messages before completing their forwarding plane configuration. The head-end router initiates this by sending a Path message with an Immediate Label flag, signaling downstream routers to perform label allocation and Resv message transmission in advance, rather than waiting for sequential configuration completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by changing the static sequential process into a flexible concurrent process. Routers can dynamically adjust their behavior based on the Immediate Label flag, allowing some routers to send Resv messages before configuration while others follow the traditional sequence, optimizing the overall establishment time without compromising reliability.
2Productivity
If routers wait until forwarding plane configuration is complete before sending Resv messages, then configuration reliability is maintained, but total LSP establishment time increases due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a new flag parameter (Immediate Label) in the Path message that changes the behavioral mode of routers. This flag acts as a switch that transforms the Resv message sending timing from post-configuration to pre-configuration, enabling concurrent processing while maintaining protocol compatibility through a simple parameter modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The Immediate Label flag serves as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the conflicting requirements of speed and complexity. It carries the instruction from the head-end router to downstream routers, enabling them to understand and execute the concurrent establishment process without requiring complex protocol modifications or additional messaging overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If concurrent LSP establishment is implemented, then network scalability is improved and delays are reduced, but routers must transmit Resv messages before confirming forwarding plane configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where routers send Resv messages with label allocations even before forwarding plane configuration is complete. The head-end router receives these Resv messages and can track the configuration status, providing feedback that allows the network to adapt and ensure proper setup while maintaining concurrent processing benefits for scalability.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, techniques are described for configuration of label switched paths in multi-protocol label switched networks. A router comprising a control unit and an interface may be configured to perform the techniques. The control unit may determine a label to bind to the LSP. The interface may transmit a message specifying the label that has been bound to the LSP prior to confirming that the LSP has been successfully configured within the support router to use the bound label.