Core Edge Node Traffic Diversion via Redirect Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network communication systems face challenges in rapidly rerouting network traffic during failures, particularly in Ethernet Virtual Private Networks (EVPN) architectures, where the process of electing a new designated forwarder can take several seconds, leading to potential network disruptions and packet duplication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that redirects affected network traffic by generating modified frames with redirect labels, allowing core edge nodes to bypass blocking and reroute traffic through non-designated forwarders within a redundancy group, thereby minimizing disruption and avoiding packet duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional designated forwarder election process is used in EVPN architecture, then network stability is maintained through blocking mechanisms, but network traffic rerouting speed deteriorates taking several seconds during failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes redirect labels and alternative forwarding paths before failures occur. When a link failure is detected, the core edge node immediately uses the pre-configured redirect label to divert traffic through non-designated forwarders, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-election processes and achieving sub-second failover while maintaining network stability through controlled bypass mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces redirect labels as intermediary signaling elements that mediate between the failure detection and traffic rerouting. These labels act as pre-negotiated instructions that enable core edge nodes to quickly identify and use alternative paths without disrupting the overall network forwarding architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between fast rerouting and network stability
2Loss of time
If traditional blocking mechanisms are used to prevent packet duplication, then packet duplication is avoided, but network downtime increases during forwarder re-election
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables non-designated forwarders to self-activate as backup forwarders when needed. Each core edge node maintains redirect labels for its peer nodes, allowing immediate self-service failover without waiting for central coordination or re-election, thus reducing downtime while the redirect label mechanism inherently prevents packet duplication through controlled path selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic forwarding architecture where the role of designated forwarder is not fixed but can be temporarily assumed by any core edge node with valid redirect labels. This dynamic capability allows the network to adapt instantly to failures by activating pre-identified backup paths, reducing downtime while maintaining packet integrity through the structured redirect label system
3Reliability
If fast rerouting through non-designated forwarders is implemented, then traffic continuity is improved during failures, but device complexity increases due to redirect label management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of frame forwarding by incorporating redirect labels as additional parameters in the EVPN signaling protocol. These labels encode alternative path information in a standardized format that extends existing protocol capabilities without requiring fundamental architectural changes, enabling fast rerouting while keeping device complexity manageable through parameter-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the forwarding decision process into normal path selection and alternative path selection based on redirect labels. By dividing the forwarding logic into distinct segments handled by different protocol messages and processing paths, the system manages complexity through modular organization while maintaining traffic continuity through the segmented failover mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A method, network device, and computer program product for network traffic diversion are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure includes receiving a frame at a core edge node that is a member of a redundancy group (where the frame comprises network address information and a packet), and determining whether a link is affected by a network failure. The frame was sourced by a remote core edge node that is not a member of the redundancy group, and the network address information indicates that the packet is to be forwarded via the link. In response to the link being affected by the network failure, the method further includes generating a modified frame and forwarding the modified frame to another core edge node. The generating comprises including a redirect label in the modified frame. The another core edge node is another member of the redundancy group.