Dynamic Label Switching Protocol Interface Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer network configurations are inefficient due to static software interface stacks that consume resources even when not in use, and they fail to dynamically support label switching protocols required for certain communication services, leading to resource wastage and limited service flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic construction of software interface stacks on network devices that include label switching protocol interfaces only when needed, allowing network service providers to support subscribers with label switching protocol-related services such as L2VPN and VPLS, by determining the requirement for a label switching protocol interface upon receiving a network communication and constructing the appropriate interface stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static software interface stacks are maintained for all subscribers, then service availability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic construction of software interface stacks by detecting when label switching protocol services are required and constructing the appropriate interface stack at that moment, rather than maintaining static interface stacks for all subscribers. This dynamic approach ensures service availability when needed while avoiding continuous resource consumption for inactive services.
2Adaptability or versatility
If label switching protocol interfaces are pre-configured for all subscribers, then service flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the conditions and procedures for constructing label switching protocol interfaces, but actually constructing them only when required by service demands. This allows the system to maintain flexibility through pre-planned configurations while avoiding the complexity of having all interfaces permanently instantiated.
3Loss of energy
If dynamic construction of interface stacks is implemented, then resource efficiency is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration work by establishing the framework and rules for dynamic interface stack construction in advance. When label switching protocol services are required, the pre-established framework enables rapid construction of the necessary interfaces, minimizing actual processing time while maintaining resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for dynamically constructing a label switching protocol interface in a network device. For example, the techniques allow dynamic construction of a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) interface. According to some embodiments, upon receiving a network communication from a subscriber, a network device determines whether the subscriber requires support for the label switching protocol. If the subscriber requires such support, the network device creates an interface stack for the subscriber that includes an interface for the label switching protocol. In this way, the network device may route packets from the subscriber across a network of computing devices that use the label switching protocol, and forward packets from such a network to the subscriber. The subscriber and the network device need not communicate according to the label switching protocol and, in example embodiments, instead communicate according to a layer 2 communication protocol.