IP Service Controller for Layer-2 VPN Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers with ATM or Frame Relay networks are unable to offer MPLS-like IP-VPN services without costly upgrades to IP-enabled edge devices, as these networks cannot process IP packets effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an IP service controller (IPSC) that exchanges loop-back addresses and customer network IP addresses between customer edge devices via data and control virtual circuits, allowing service providers to manage routing tables and offer BGP/MPLS-like services without upgrading existing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If service providers upgrade to IP-enabled edge devices (L3 routers) to provide MPLS-like services, then IP packet processing capability is improved, but network infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an IP Service Controller (IPSC) as an intermediary component that runs on L2 switches. The IPSC performs IP routing functions that would traditionally require L3 routers, enabling IP-VPN services without upgrading the core network infrastructure to IP-enabled edge devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements virtual routing tables in the IPSC that replicate the functionality of traditional L3 routing tables. These virtual tables store routing information and enable IP packet forwarding decisions, effectively copying the routing capabilities of L3 routers onto L2 switch infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If service providers use traditional L2 switches (ATM/Frame Relay) without IP processing capability, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but IP-VPN service provision becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables L2 switches to perform multiple functions by running the IPSC software on them. The IPSC provides IP routing, VPN management, and packet processing capabilities on top of the L2 switching infrastructure, making the L2 switches universal platforms that can support both traditional L2 services and IP-VPN services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of L2 switches by introducing software-based IP processing layers. The IPSC modifies how L2 switches handle packets by adding IP header processing, routing table lookup, and VPN-aware forwarding capabilities, transforming them from pure L2 devices to multi-functional IP-capable switches.
3Ease of operation
If customers manage their own routing tables in traditional VPN implementations, then operational flexibility is improved, but service provider control and management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service routing where the IPSC automatically receives routing information from customers via Route Requests, processes it locally, and populates routing tables without requiring manual configuration. This automation maintains customer flexibility while significantly reducing service provider management overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the IPSC receives routing information from customers, processes it, and automatically generates Route Replies sent back to customers. This feedback loop enables automatic routing table population and maintains operational flexibility without requiring continuous manual intervention from service providers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing IP-VPN services for customers and service providers utilizing layer-2 point-to-point connectivity. The method and apparatus include exchanging unique loop-back addresses of customer edges (CE) between the CEs via a respective data virtual circuit therebetween, and sending IP addresses of customer networks associated with each CE to an associated IP service controller (IPSC). The associated IPSC broadcasts the IP addresses of the associated customer networks to other IPSCs, and each CE sends to an associated IPSC, a list of received loop-back addresses. Each IPSC then sends to an associated CE, customer network addresses received from other IPSCs, and each CE populates a local routing table with information mapping the customer networks with a data virtual circuit.