Dynamic VLAN Interface Building via Subscriber Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service provider networks migrating from ATM to Ethernet infrastructures face challenges in distinguishing between subscriber devices without VLAN identification (VID) tags, limiting their ability to deliver subscriber-specific services.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic building of Ethernet virtual local area network (VLAN) interfaces within network devices based on subscriber information strings included in packets, allowing the creation of primary and subscriber VLAN sub-interfaces even without VID tags, enabling the identification of subscriber devices and provision of specific services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If service provider networks migrate to Ethernet-based infrastructures without including VIDs in Ethernet frame headers, then network infrastructure modernization is achieved, but the ability to distinguish between subscriber devices and deliver subscriber-specific services is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that extracts subscriber identification information from protocol signaling packets (such as DHCP or PPPoE packets) and uses this information to dynamically build VLAN interfaces. This intermediary process bridges the gap between Ethernet infrastructure that lacks VID tags and the need for subscriber-specific service delivery, allowing the network to maintain subscriber differentiation capabilities without requiring VID inclusion in all Ethernet frames.
2Device complexity
If VLAN interfaces are statically configured based on pre-assigned VIDs, then network device complexity is reduced, but the ability to dynamically accommodate subscriber-specific services and infrastructure changes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic VLAN interface building where VLAN interfaces are created on-demand based on subscriber information extracted from protocol signaling packets. Instead of static pre-configuration, the system dynamically constructs VLAN interfaces when subscribers connect, using their identification information from signaling packets. This dynamic approach maintains lower operational complexity while significantly improving adaptability to subscriber-specific services and network changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are described that allow a network device, such as a router, to dynamically build VLAN interfaces based on subscriber information strings included within packets. In particular, the network device comprises an interface controller and a forwarding controller, where the forwarding controller receives the packet over an Ethernet port and forwards the received packet to the interface controller. The packet includes both Ethernet tagging information and a subscriber information string. The interface controller comprises an Ethernet module that dynamically builds a primary virtual local area network (VLAN) sub-interface (PVS) based on the Ethernet tagging information. The Ethernet module also dynamically builds a subscriber VLAN sub-interface (SVS) based on the subscriber information string. The SVS allows the network device to distinguish between subscribers residing on the same VLAN, and, therefore, to provide subscriber specific services.