Dynamic SRNG Discovery via BGP Peer-Router Attributes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration of shared risk node groups (SRNG) in computer networks is impractical due to its time-consuming and error-prone nature, especially when network topologies change, requiring a more efficient and automated method for SRNG membership assignment.
Innovation Solution
A technique that allows edge devices in a computer network to dynamically discover SRNG memberships by establishing interior or exterior gateway protocol sessions with peers, advertising peer identities through BGP messages, and using peer-router extended community attributes to automatically detect SRNG memberships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of SRNG memberships is used, then configuration accuracy can be maintained through human review, but the process becomes time-consuming and impractical for dynamic network changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables edge devices to automatically discover and configure their own SRNG memberships by exchanging BGP messages and processing peer-router attributes, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accuracy through standardized protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes BGP peer relationships and exchanges peer-router attributes in advance, allowing SRNG memberships to be pre-discovered and configured before network topology changes occur, enabling rapid response to dynamic changes
2Reliability
If manual SRNG configuration is used, then initial setup can be controlled, but updating SRNG memberships in response to network topology changes becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors BGP peer relationships and automatically updates SRNG memberships based on real-time network topology changes detected through BGP message exchanges, ensuring both reliability and rapid response
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static manual configuration into a dynamic automated process where SRNG memberships are continuously discovered and updated based on current network conditions, allowing the system to adapt rapidly to topology changes
3Productivity
If automated SRNG discovery is implemented, then configuration speed increases, but system complexity increases due to additional protocols and message exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing BGP protocol, which is already universally deployed in networks for routing purposes, to simultaneously perform both routing and SRNG discovery functions, avoiding the need for separate dedicated protocols and minimizing additional complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is provided for dynamically discovering shared risk node group (SRNG) memberships of a plurality of interconnected edge devices in a computer network. According to the technique, each edge device “learns” the identities of its directly-attached peer devices situated in neighboring routing domains, e.g., by establishing an interior or exterior gateway routing protocol session with each peer. Thereafter, each edge device advertises the identities of its learned peers to the other interconnected edge devices. Preferably, the peer identities are distributed in novel “peer-router” extended community attributes transported in Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) messages. After an edge device has learned the identity of its own peers and received the identities of the other edge devices' peers, the device can automatically detect SRNG memberships in the computer network. Specifically, edge devices that advertise the same peer are determined to participate in the same SRNG.