Device-Independent Label for Cross-Domain Packet Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communications networks face challenges in efficiently processing label-switched packets across different domains with varying capabilities, as they often require multiple labels and complex forwarding information, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of device-independent labels, such as domain-identifying and forwarding-punt labels, allows for the use of a single label to identify multiple network nodes and devices, enabling more explicit routing paths and reducing the need for multiple labels and complex adjustments based on network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple labels are used to identify network nodes in different domains, then routing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a label that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies the domain, identifies the specific network node within that domain, and provides routing information. This multi-functional label eliminates the need for separate labels for each purpose, thereby reducing label management complexity while maintaining routing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges domain identification, node identification, and routing information into a single integrated label structure. By combining these previously separate identification functions into one unified label, the system reduces the number of labels needed and simplifies the forwarding information base while preserving precise routing capabilities across domains.
2Measurement precision
If domain-specific labels are used for each network node, then routing accuracy is improved, but forwarding information requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The unified label structure serves multiple purposes: domain identification, node identification, and routing guidance. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high routing accuracy while using fewer labels overall, thereby reducing the quantity of forwarding information that must be stored and processed in the forwarding information base.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging domain and node identification into a single label, the patent reduces the total number of labels required in the network. This consolidation decreases the forwarding information that must be maintained across network devices while preserving the ability to accurately route packets to specific nodes within specific domains.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple labels are stacked for cross-domain routing, then routing capability is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines domain routing and node routing into a single label that encapsulates both pieces of information. This eliminates the need for multiple label stacking operations, allowing routers to perform lookups and forwarding decisions more quickly by processing one integrated label rather than peeling back multiple nested labels, thereby reducing packet processing time while maintaining cross-domain routing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified label provides both domain-level and node-level routing information simultaneously, enabling routers to make comprehensive routing decisions with a single label inspection. This multi-functional approach eliminates the sequential processing required by traditional label stacking, reducing the time lost in packet processing while preserving full cross-domain routing adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a device-independent label is associated with multiple network devices such that the packet switching devices in a network will forward a packet based on the device-independent label to one of these multiple network devices. In one embodiment, these device-independent labels include, but are not limited to, domain-identifying labels and forwarding-punt labels. In one embodiment, a domain-identifying label is defined as a label that identifies a plurality of network nodes without identifying a single particular network node, single particular interface, nor single particular link. In one embodiment, a first-domain forwarding-punt label is placed at the top of the label stack to identify to forward the label-switched packet to any one of a plurality of designated forwarding nodes corresponding to the first-domain forwarding-punt label (e.g., for sending to a packet switching device which will have forwarding information for the second domain-identifying label.).