Centralized Full Mesh LSP and T-LDP Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual provisioning of full mesh bi-directional LSP tunnels and targeted LDP sessions between multiple PE nodes is lengthy, error-prone, and inefficient, especially when adding or removing PE nodes, and requires complex upgrades across multi-vendor heterogeneous networks.
Innovation Solution
A centralized method for provisioning full mesh LSPs and targeted LDP sessions, involving selection and commissioning/decommissioning of LSPs and LDP sessions, with a network management system that tracks and manages PE nodes, LSPs, and LDP sessions, reducing manual intervention and leveraging existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual provisioning of full mesh bi-directional LSP tunnels and targeted LDP sessions is performed between multiple PE nodes, then VPN service connectivity is established, but the provisioning process becomes lengthy, error-prone, and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The network management system automatically discovers PE nodes and their capabilities, then self-provisions the full mesh LSP tunnels and targeted LDP sessions without manual intervention. The system uses auto-discovery protocols to identify available PE nodes and automatically establishes the required connectivity, eliminating human error and significantly reducing provisioning time while maintaining high reliability through automated consistency checks
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary auto-discovery of PE nodes and their capabilities before provisioning begins. By pre-identifying all available PE nodes and their supported services in advance, the system can then rapidly provision the complete full mesh topology in an automated manner, avoiding the lengthy manual configuration process while ensuring accurate and consistent provisioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If PE nodes are added or removed from the network, then network topology is updated, but complex upgrades across multi-vendor heterogeneous networks are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network management into independent PE node entities, each with standardized capability profiles. When PE nodes are added or removed, only the specific node's configuration is updated rather than requiring system-wide upgrades. This segmentation allows multi-vendor heterogeneous networks to be managed as independent, interchangeable units, reducing integration complexity while maintaining topology flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The network management system implements universal auto-discovery and provisioning protocols that work across multi-vendor heterogeneous PE nodes. By defining standardized capability profiles and using universal discovery mechanisms, the system can add or remove PE nodes from any vendor without requiring complex vendor-specific integration work, enabling flexible topology changes while managing multi-vendor complexity through standardization
3Productivity
If centralized automation is implemented for VPN service provisioning, then operational efficiency is enhanced and human error is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized network management system as an intermediary between operators and the underlying multi-vendor heterogeneous network infrastructure. This intermediary handles all the complexity of auto-discovery, capability matching, and full mesh provisioning automation, presenting a simplified interface to operators while managing the intricate details of multi-vendor integration and LSP/LDP session establishment in the background
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the centralized management system automatically discovers PE node capabilities, monitors provisioning status, and dynamically adjusts configurations. This feedback mechanism enables the system to self-correct and adapt to changes in the network topology, maintaining high provisioning efficiency while managing system complexity through automated monitoring and adjustment rather than requiring complex manual control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A network management system, and a method of, centrally provisioning a full transport LSP mesh and a full targeted LDP signaling session mesh in support of VPN services provisioning are provided. A network management system repository tracks Provider Edge nodes (PE) having label switch router functionality, transport LSP meshes and targeted LDP session meshes. The method includes selecting PE nodes for inclusion in a node group, identifying PE node pairs, and issuing commands to paired PE nodes to commission managed transport LSPs and targeted LDP signaling sessions. The advantages are derived from the full mesh LSP content transport provisioning and targeted LDP signaling session provisioning effected in a centralized network management context enabling service providers to: assure network resiliency, assure service quality, and provide accounting, in respect of Layer-2 and Layer-3 VPN services irrespective of client side deployed infrastructure while leveraging installed infrastructure in the service provider communications network core. Additional advantages are derived from increased operations management personnel productivity while reducing the probability of human error compared to manual provisioning thereof enabling wide availability of VPN services.