Local Switching in EVPN-VPWS Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EVPN-VPWS technologies do not effectively implement preferred path local switching, as they default to establishing circuits across the EVPN-VPWS domain without considering local knowledge of configured circuits, leading to inefficient packet routing.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a network node determines if a local connection exists between provider and customer nodes within an EVPN-VPWS domain, switching packets via this connection if available and intact, or through the EVPN-VPWS domain if the local connection has failed or does not exist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EVPN-VPWS establishes circuits across the domain in every case, then circuit reliability is improved, but packet routing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection by enabling network nodes to switch between two operational modes: local switching mode (bypassing EVPN-VPWS domain) and remote switching mode (through EVPN-VPWS domain). The system dynamically selects the appropriate path based on real-time conditions such as connection availability and packet type, rather than statically establishing circuits across the domain for all traffic. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing routing efficiency without compromising circuit reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling network nodes to perform local switching for specific packet types (e.g., locally significant packets) that do not require end-to-end circuit establishment through the EVPN-VPWS domain. Meanwhile, other packet types continue to use the remote circuit path. This differentiated approach allows the system to maintain reliability for critical traffic while improving efficiency for local traffic, resolving the contradiction between circuit reliability and routing efficiency.
2Productivity
If local connections are used for packet switching, then routing efficiency is improved, but redundancy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements prior cushioning by maintaining backup circuit paths through the EVPN-VPWS domain while enabling local switching as the primary path. When local connections are available and functional, traffic is switched locally for improved efficiency. However, the system pre-configures remote circuit paths as backups, and automatically switches to these backup paths when local connections fail or are unavailable. This ensures redundancy is maintained without continuously degrading routing efficiency, as the backup paths remain dormant until needed.
3Ease of operation
If EVPN-VPWS domain is used for all packet switching, then network control is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing packet traffic into different categories: locally significant packets that can be switched locally without involving the EVPN-VPWS domain, and other packets that require domain-wide circuit establishment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain centralized network control for critical traffic while avoiding the overhead of domain-wide circuit establishment for local traffic, thereby improving resource utilization without sacrificing network control where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes, subsequent to receipt of a packet from a first customer network node destined for a second customer network node at a first provider network node, determining whether a local connection exists between the first provider network node and the second customer network node, the provider network node forming part of an Ethernet Virtual Private Network (“EVPN”)—Virtual Private Wire Service (“VPWS”) domain; if a local connection is determined to exist between the first provider network node and the second customer network node, determining whether the local connection has failed; if the local connection is determined not to have failed, switching the packet to the second customer network node via the local connection instead of via the EVPN-VPWS domain; and if the local connection is determined to have failed, switching the packet to the second customer network node via the EVPN-VPWS domain.