Hybrid Network Device EVPN PBB-EVPN Interconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network devices implementing EVPN and PBB-EVPN protocols face challenges in interconnection due to differences in protocol implementation, requiring extensive configuration and re-configuration, which is time-consuming and error-prone, leading to communication issues between endpoint devices across different VLANs.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid network device capable of both EVPN and PBB-EVPN protocols receives capability information and route information from both types of devices, generates compatible route information, and modifies network traffic to enable seamless communication between EVPN and PBB-EVPN devices, reducing the need for extensive configuration and re-configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If EVPN and PBB-EVPN devices are interconnected without protocol compatibility, then device diversity is maintained, but communication reliability deteriorates due to protocol differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice diversityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protocol translation mechanism as an intermediary between EVPN and PBB-EVPN devices. This intermediary component receives route information from one protocol type, translates it into the compatible protocol format, and forwards it to the other device type, thereby enabling reliable communication between diverse network devices without requiring them to implement identical protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies route information parameters to enable compatibility between different protocols. By changing the format, structure, or encoding of route information parameters according to the target protocol's requirements, the system achieves interoperability while maintaining device diversity and communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If extensive configuration and re-configuration is performed to enable interconnection, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of protocol translation capabilities within the network device. By pre-configuring the necessary translation parameters, protocols, and routing information databases, the system eliminates the need for extensive real-time configuration and re-configuration operations, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining protocol compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the network device to automatically perform protocol translation and route information conversion without requiring manual intervention. The device self-manages the translation processes, dynamically adapting to different protocol types and generating appropriate route information, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual configuration operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual configuration is used for EVPN-PBB-EVPN interconnection, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoiderror rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms that validate route information and configuration parameters. The system automatically checks for errors in route information, verifies protocol compatibility, and provides real-time validation feedback, thereby eliminating manual configuration errors while maintaining operational flexibility through automated protocol translation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If route information is not properly translated, then device simplicity is maintained, but network performance deteriorates due to dropped traffic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a route information translation intermediary that automatically converts route information between EVPN and PBB-EVPN formats. This intermediary component handles the complexity of protocol translation internally, maintaining simple device interfaces while ensuring proper route information translation to prevent traffic drops and maintain network performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated software-based protocol translation mechanisms. By substituting manual route information entry and configuration with automated translation systems, the device maintains simplicity while eliminating errors and performance issues associated with manual configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10291532B1Enabling interconnection between ethernet virtual private networks (EVPNs) and provider backbone bridging EVPNs (PBB-EVPNs)

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 JUNIPER NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A network device may receive first route information from an Ethernet virtual private network (EVPN) device and/or a provider backbone bridging EVPN (PBB-EVPN) device. The network device may generate second route information based on the first route information. The network device may provide the second route information to permit network traffic to be transferred between the EVPN device and the PBB-EVPN device. The network device may receive the network traffic to be transferred between the EVPN device and the PBB-EVPN device after providing the second route information. The network device may modify the network traffic to be compatible with the EVPN device or the PBB-EVPN device after receiving the network traffic. The network device may provide the network traffic between the EVPN device and the PBB-EVPN device after modifying the network traffic.