Extended LSP Mapping for MPLS Traffic Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In MPLS-based VPN networks, existing methods for rerouting traffic to alleviate congestion are limited, often resulting in an all-or-nothing approach when adjusting Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP) metrics, which does not effectively manage traffic distribution across multiple paths.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an extended Label Forwarding Information Base that stores LSP values to manage routing based on primary and alternate paths, allowing for more nuanced traffic distribution by using LSP values to select from multiple paths indicated by their relative optimality, rather than solely relying on the shortest path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IGP metric is adjusted to reroute VPN traffic, then congestion on primary path is alleviated, but traffic distribution is limited to all-or-nothing approach without effective management across multiple paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single LSP selection into multiple LSP options with different IGP metrics. Instead of choosing one primary path, the system maintains multiple labeled paths with varying metric values, allowing traffic to be distributed across segments of the network based on current conditions and policy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects among multiple LSPs based on real-time conditions. The LSP mapping mechanism allows the network to adaptively choose different paths for different traffic flows or time periods, transforming the static all-or-nothing routing into a dynamic, flexible system that can respond to changing network conditions.
2Ease of operation
If single shortest path is used for VPN traffic routing, then routing simplicity is maintained, but network congestion cannot be effectively managed through alternative paths
Solution Approach 1:
The LSP mapping mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains routing simplicity by providing automated path selection, enables congestion management through alternative paths, and supports policy-based routing. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service routing by automatically selecting appropriate LSPs based on configured mappings and current network conditions. This eliminates the need for manual routing configuration while maintaining simplicity, and simultaneously provides congestion management capabilities through automated alternative path selection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LSP mapping based on LSP values is implemented, then traffic distribution across multiple paths is improved, but routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LSP mapping mechanism is configured once and then operates autonomously. The system automatically maps VPN routes to appropriate LSPs based on the configured LSP values and current network conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual routing decisions and reducing operational complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
4Ease of manufacture
If all-or-nothing IGP metric adjustment is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but effective load balancing across multiple paths is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single IGP metric adjustment affecting all traffic, the patent segments the routing decision into multiple LSP options with different metric values. This allows fine-grained control over traffic distribution while maintaining the simplicity of IGP-based routing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the IGP metric parameter for different LSPs to control traffic distribution. By assigning different metric values to different labeled paths, the system achieves effective load balancing while maintaining implementation simplicity through standard IGP mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a device, and a storage medium provide for storing an extended forwarding information base that includes path values that indicate paths to route traffic, wherein the paths include optimal and sub-optimal paths based on a shortest path metric; receiving a traffic flow; inspecting the traffic flow; selecting a next hop and one of the path values associated with the next hop based on the inspecting; identifying one or more paths to route the traffic flow in accordance with one or more paths indicated by the one of the path values; and transmitting the traffic flow along the one or more paths toward a destination.