EVPN-VXLAN MAC Move Convergence Using Dual-Plane Tunnels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The convergence time for Media Access Control (MAC) moves in Ethernet Virtual Private Network Virtual Extensible Local Area Network (EVPN-VXLAN) is lengthy, leading to significant traffic loss during endpoint device reconnection, especially in data centers and wireless access scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-plane architecture with a forwarding plane using egress link protection (ELP) VXLAN tunnels and a control plane using ingress replication (IR) VXLAN tunnels, where ELP tunnels are used for MAC move updates and IR tunnels for regular data transmission, reducing the need for extensive traffic rerouting and minimizing convergence time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single-plane architecture is used for MAC route updates in EVPN-VXLAN, then the control plane can maintain simplicity, but the convergence time during MAC moves becomes lengthy causing significant traffic loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network plane into two separate functional planes: a control plane (using IR VXLAN tunnels) for routing decisions and a forwarding plane (using ELP VXLAN tunnels) for MAC move updates. This segmentation allows the forwarding plane to handle MAC move notifications independently and rapidly without being constrained by control plane processing delays, thereby reducing convergence time while maintaining overall system manageability through functional separation.
2Productivity
If control plane tunnels are used for all communications, then the control plane can maintain centralized management, but the MAC move update speed is insufficient leading to traffic loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ELP VXLAN tunnels as an intermediary forwarding plane specifically for MAC move update communications. This intermediary plane operates in parallel to the control plane, enabling rapid propagation of MAC move notifications across the network without interfering with control plane operations. The dual-tunnel approach (IR for control, ELP for forwarding) manages complexity by assigning distinct roles to each tunnel type while achieving high update speeds through the dedicated forwarding plane.
3Reliability
If extensive traffic rerouting is performed during MAC moves, then network coverage is maintained, but the convergence time increases significantly causing traffic loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing ELP VXLAN tunnels in the forwarding plane before MAC moves occur. When a MAC move is detected, the forwarding plane can immediately utilize these pre-configured tunnels to propagate updates, eliminating the need for time-consuming tunnel establishment or extensive rerouting calculations during the move event. This preliminary preparation maintains network connectivity while dramatically reducing convergence time.
Data Source
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AI summary
In some implementations, a first network device may transmit data to a second network device based on the data being associated with a media access control (MAC) address that is associated with an access port of the second network device, wherein the first network device and the second network device are included in a plurality of network devices interconnected by first tunnels associated with a forwarding plane and second tunnels associated with a control plane. The first network device may determine that the MAC address is associated with an access port of the first network device and may transmit, via one or more first tunnels, a notification indicating that the MAC address is associated with the first network device. The first network device may transmit, via one or more second tunnels, a notification indicating that the MAC address is associated with the first network device.