Fast-Restoration Message for LSP Network Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current restoration techniques for label-switched paths (LSPs) in automatically switched optical networks (ASON) with generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS) are time- and resource-consuming, leading to prolonged network downtime due to slow routing convergence and the need for multiple RSVP-TE messages for each protection LSP setup.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fast-restoration (FR) message system that includes forwarding instruction objects (FIOs) and label-switched path objects (LSPOs) to expedite the restoration process by specifying explicit forwarding instructions and restoration data for each node along a protection detour path, allowing for simultaneous processing and transmission of the FR message to restore multiple LSPs efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If current restoration techniques (RSVP-TE) are used, then LSP restoration is achieved, but restoration time is excessive and network downtime is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores restoration paths (detour paths) and forwarding instructions in databases before failures occur. When a failure is detected, the pre-computed restoration information is immediately activated, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time path calculation and reducing restoration time while maintaining network reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The restoration message is segmented into multiple components including forwarding instruction objects (FIOs) for different nodes and label-switched path objects (LSPOs) for different LSPs. This segmentation allows parallel processing and simultaneous restoration of multiple LSPs, significantly reducing overall restoration time compared to sequential RSVP-TE message processing
2Reliability
If multiple RSVP-TE messages are sent for each protection LSP setup, then complete restoration is achieved, but message processing overhead and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RSVP-TE style messages into a single consolidated restoration message that contains forwarding instructions for multiple nodes and restoration data for multiple LSPs. This single message can restore multiple LSPs simultaneously, reducing message processing overhead and control plane resource consumption while maintaining complete restoration coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The restoration message structure is designed to be universal, with FIOs and LSPOs that can accommodate different node types and LSP configurations. A single message format can handle various restoration scenarios (single LSP, multiple LSPs, different failure types) without requiring separate specialized messages, simplifying the control plane processing
3Reliability
If traditional restoration methods are used, then LSP recovery is achieved, but routing convergence is slow causing message loss
Solution Approach 1:
Restoration paths and forwarding instructions are pre-computed and stored in databases before failures occur. When a failure is detected, the pre-calculated detour paths are immediately activated without waiting for routing convergence, preventing message loss and ensuring rapid LSP recovery even during network instability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the path calculation function from the real-time restoration process and moves it to a pre-processing phase. By separating path computation (done in advance) from path activation (done immediately upon failure), the system achieves fast convergence without the overhead of real-time routing protocols
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatuses and methods are directed to data plane restoration in a network. A method comprises receiving a label-switched path (LSP) failure notification indicating a failure in a network; generating, by a node of the network, a fast-restoration (FR) message and transmitting the FR message to a second node of the message forwarding path. The FR message comprises: a plurality of forwarding instruction objects (FIOs) having forwarding instructions for the FR message for each node of a message forwarding path; and a plurality of label-switched path objects (LSPOs) having a restoration LSP data for each node of a protection detour path. Another method comprises receiving the FR message; generating a modified FR message based on the FR message; and transmitting the modified FR message to another node of the message forwarding path based on the FIO, prior to processing the FR message by the node.