Edge Device Label Conflict Resolution in Multicast Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and high error rate in adjusting label pools due to manual label configuration for avoiding conflicts in multicast routing, leading to disordered routing and traffic leakage in networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus where edge devices automatically adjust labels based on identification information, such as IP addresses, to avoid conflicts without manual intervention, by reallocating labels dynamically and notifying other devices, using protocols like BGP for signaling interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual label configuration is used to avoid label conflicts, then label conflicts can be avoided, but the complexity and error rate of adjusting label pools increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel conflict avoidanceVSAvoidlabel pool adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic label conflict detection and resolution through the egress PE device. The egress PE autonomously monitors incoming labels, detects conflicts between labels from different ingress PEs, and triggers reallocation without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual label pool adjustments while maintaining reliable conflict avoidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback loop where the egress PE device continuously monitors labels received from multiple ingress PEs, detects conflicts, and triggers reallocation. The system uses BGP signaling to provide feedback about label conflicts to the affected ingress PEs, enabling dynamic adjustment. This feedback mechanism automates what would otherwise require complex manual configuration and monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If different label pools are configured on multiple PEs to avoid conflicts, then label conflicts are avoided, but resource utilization becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel conflict avoidanceVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transforms the static label pool configuration into a dynamic system. Instead of pre-configuring separate label pools on each PE, the system allows any PE to allocate labels from a common pool dynamically. The egress PE monitors for conflicts and triggers reallocation only when necessary, enabling efficient resource utilization while avoiding conflicts through automated detection and adjustment rather than rigid pre-configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If manual label reallocation is performed when conflicts occur, then routing correctness can be maintained, but the error rate and complexity of management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting correctnessVSAvoidmanagement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The egress PE device performs automatic label conflict detection and triggers reallocation without requiring manual intervention. When a conflict is detected, the system autonomously initiates the label reallocation process and notifies affected ingress PEs through BGP signaling. This self-service approach maintains routing correctness while eliminating the complexity and high error rate associated with manual reallocation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3313029B1Label processing method and apparatus, and routing information delivery method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 ZTE CORP
  • EP3313029B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3313029B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3313029B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided are a label processing method and apparatus, and routing information delivery method and apparatus. The label processing method includes that a first edge device receives a label notified by a second edge device for identifying routing information; when it is determined that the label is the same as a label allocated by the first edge device, the first edge device compares first identification information for identifying the first edge device and second identification information for identifying the second edge device; and the first edge device adjusts, based on a comparison result, the label allocated by the first edge device. The label processing method and apparatus, and routing information delivery method and apparatus solve a problem in the related art of the complexity and high error rate in the adjustment of a label pool caused by manual label configuration for avoiding label are the same, and thus achieve an effect of using an edge device to adjust a label without manual intervention to avoid manual label configuration that causes the complex adjustment of the label pool and the high error rate in the adjustment.