EVPN Connectivity Detection Session Creation via Multicast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring connectivity fault management (CFM) in Ethernet virtual private networks (EVPN) is labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially in E-LAN architectures with a large number of provider edge (PE) devices, as each PE requires a matched CFM instance to be configured individually.
Innovation Solution
A method for creating a connectivity detection session in EVPN that uses an inclusive multicast routing table to enable PE devices to establish connectivity without the need for individual configuration between each PE device, by receiving a creation message carrying an inclusive multicast route and session information, allowing the first network device to create a connectivity detection session with the second network device based on the session information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a matched CFM instance is configured between every two PEs in E-LAN architecture, then connectivity detection can be performed between all PEs, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connectivity detection configuration for multiple PEs into a single CFM instance configuration. By using an inclusive multicast route, one PE can establish connectivity detection sessions with multiple other PEs simultaneously through a single configuration action, rather than configuring individual sessions between each PE pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The CFM instance is designed to serve multiple PEs universally through multicast routing. The single CFM instance performs the function of detecting connectivity to multiple destination PEs, making the configuration scalable and reusable across the entire E-LAN network without requiring PE-specific individual configurations.
2Reliability
If a matched CFM instance is configured between every two PEs in E-LAN architecture, then complete connectivity coverage is achieved, but the configuration process becomes complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connectivity detection configurations are merged into a single CFM instance by utilizing multicast routing principles. The single instance encompasses multiple destination PEs through the inclusive multicast route, thereby reducing configuration complexity while preserving comprehensive connectivity detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclusive multicast route acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables a single CFM instance to reach multiple PEs. This intermediary abstracts the complexity of individual PE configurations, allowing the system to achieve complete connectivity coverage through simplified configuration.
3Measurement precision
If individual CFM instances are configured between each PE pair, then precise connectivity monitoring is achieved, but the workload increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual CFM instance configurations into a single unified instance that leverages multicast routing. This merging maintains precise connectivity monitoring capabilities for each PE pair while dramatically improving configuration efficiency by eliminating redundant configuration efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The single CFM instance is designed with universal functionality to monitor connectivity to multiple PEs simultaneously through the inclusive multicast route. This multi-functional design preserves the precision of individual monitoring while scaling efficiently across the network without proportionally increasing configuration workload.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a connectivity detection session creation method, a network device, and a system, to create a connectivity detection session in an EVPN network. The method in the embodiments of this application includes: receiving, by the first network device, a creation message of a connectivity detection session from the second network device, where the creation message of the connectivity detection session carries an inclusive multicast route of the second network device and session information of the second network device; determining, by the first network device, that a local inclusive multicast routing table includes the inclusive multicast route of the second network device; and creating, by the first network device, the connectivity detection session with the second network device based on the session information of the second network device.