Emulated Network Device Forward Equivalence Class Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network test equipment places artificial limits on the types of emulated traffic, particularly for Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) packets, failing to perform accurate forward equivalence class classification, which requires manual user intervention and is not dynamic enough to handle changing FEC-to-label bindings.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves emulated processing of packets that performs forward equivalence class classification, varying with packet contents, allowing for dynamic assignment of forward equivalence class bindings, including determination of IP addresses for next hop and resolving routers, and handling reserved label values, enabling accurate transmit and receive processing for MPLS packets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual user intervention is used for FEC binding configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidFEC classification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic FEC classification by analyzing packet contents (IP addresses, protocol types) to determine forward equivalence classes and assign labels dynamically, eliminating the need for manual user configuration while maintaining high classification accuracy through automated packet inspection and binding determination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If static FEC bindings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding management complexityVSAvoidFEC-to-label binding flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic FEC-to-label bindings where label assignments are determined automatically based on real-time packet content analysis, allowing the bindings to change adaptively as network conditions and traffic patterns evolve, rather than relying on static pre-configured bindings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If shortcut methods are used for MPLS processing, then processing speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket processing speedVSAvoidFEC classification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs selective deep packet inspection only for packets requiring FEC classification, analyzing necessary packet fields (IP addresses, protocols) to determine accurate forward equivalence classes, rather than applying uniform processing to all packets, thus balancing processing speed with classification accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Measurement precision

If comprehensive packet analysis is performed for FEC classification, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveFEC classification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The FEC classification process is segmented into distinct functional modules: packet reception, protocol type identification, IP address extraction, forward equivalence class determination, and label assignment. This modular segmentation maintains high classification accuracy while managing processing complexity through organized, step-by-step analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9654303B2Method and apparatus for emulating network devices

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 VIAVI SOLUTIONS LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses, data structures, and computer readable media are disclosed that perform emulated processing of packets communicated via a physical port between emulated network devices and real network devices. The emulated processing performs forward equivalence class classification on the packets. The forward equivalence class classification varies with the contents of the packets, and subsequent to the forward equivalence class classification the emulated processing varies with particular successful classifications resulting from the forward equivalence class classification.