Global Label Allocation Automation in Communication Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of global label allocation in communications technologies is low due to manual configuration, leading to suboptimal utilization of label resources and increased overheads in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for allocating global labels through a controller that receives a label range from a forwarding apparatus, allocates a global label within that range, and instructs the apparatus to replace labels on secondary paths, optimizing label reuse and reducing overheads by reclaiming labels within the label space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration is used for global label allocation, then the system maintains simplicity in implementation, but the allocation efficiency is low and resource utilization is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
A controller is introduced as an intermediary between forwarding apparatuses to automate global label allocation. The controller receives label range information from forwarding apparatuses, selects appropriate global labels, and distributes them centrally, thereby improving allocation efficiency without requiring complex changes at each forwarding device level.
Solution Approach 2:
The forwarding apparatus autonomously reports its available label ranges to the controller, enabling the system to automatically discover and utilize available label resources without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism improves resource utilization while maintaining implementation simplicity.
2Quantity of substance
If the entire label space is used for global label allocation, then more labels are available for assignment, but the overhead of managing and reclaiming labels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The label space is segmented into multiple label ranges, each associated with different forwarding apparatuses or path types. The controller selectively allocates global labels from appropriate segments based on current needs, reducing the overhead of managing the entire label space while maintaining sufficient label availability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different label ranges are assigned different qualities or priorities based on local network conditions and requirements. The controller applies different allocation strategies to different label ranges, optimizing resource utilization and reducing management overhead by treating different label segments differently rather than uniformly.
3Ease of operation
If labels are allocated without considering existing allocations, then the allocation process is simpler, but label conflicts and resource waste occur
Solution Approach 1:
The forwarding apparatus provides feedback to the controller about its currently allocated labels and available label ranges. The controller uses this feedback information to make informed allocation decisions, avoiding conflicts while maintaining a relatively simple automated allocation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The forwarding apparatus pre-reports its label space capabilities and current allocations to the controller before global label allocation occurs. This preliminary action enables the controller to plan allocations in advance, avoiding conflicts and ensuring reliable allocation without requiring complex real-time coordination.
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 3a
AI summary
A method for allocating a global label is provided, including: receiving, by a controller, a first message sent by a forwarding apparatus, where the first message carries a first label range, multiple labels included in the first label range are a subset of multiple labels included in a label space of the forwarding apparatus, and the first label range is not equal to the label space of the forwarding apparatus; and allocating, by the controller, a global label to the forwarding apparatus according to the first label range carried in the first message, where the global label is a label in the first label range. In addition, a method for obtaining a global label, a controller, and a forwarding apparatus are further provided. The foregoing solutions improve efficiency of global label allocation.