Fabric Access Tunnels for MPLS Network Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for migrating virtual private network (VPN) tunnels and virtual machine migrations in MPLS networks require re-provisioning and involve complex coordination across different operational groups, leading to inefficiencies and potential service disruptions during upgrades or replacements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of tunnel context methods and systems that allow for the normalization and forwarding of traffic across VPN tunnels based on a tunnel context, reducing the need for re-provisioning and simplifying the migration process by using a single tunnel context for multiple VLANs, thereby improving efficiency and minimizing service disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional systems are used for migrating VPN tunnels, then service continuity can be maintained, but re-provisioning is required and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tunnel context as an intermediary data structure that mediates between VLAN traffic and VPN tunnel forwarding. This tunnel context contains mapping information between VLANs and tunnels, allowing the system to migrate tunnels without re-provisioning by simply updating the tunnel context rather than reconfiguring network elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by using tunnel contexts that store mapping information between VLANs and tunnels. Instead of physically re-provisioning network elements during migration, the system updates tunnel context parameters to redirect traffic, thereby maintaining service continuity while reducing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional migration methods are used, then VPN tunnels can be migrated, but re-provisioning is required which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing tunnel contexts that map VLANs to tunnels before migration occurs. When migration is needed, the system only needs to update existing tunnel context entries rather than creating new configurations, significantly improving migration efficiency and eliminating re-provisioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel context serves multiple functions: it maps VLANs to tunnels, stores forwarding information, and enables migration without re-provisioning. This multi-functional approach allows a single data structure to handle various migration scenarios, improving both adaptability and productivity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple VLANs are handled separately, then VLAN-specific control is maintained, but memory usage on L2-PEs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple VLAN control operations into a single tunnel context data structure. Instead of maintaining separate control entries for each VLAN, the tunnel context consolidates mapping information for multiple VLANs, reducing memory usage on L2-PEs while preserving VLAN-specific control capabilities through the mapping relationships stored in the context.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems associated with fabric tunnels may assist in traffic flow through a tunnel that aggregates a plurality of virtual local area networks across a core network.