IS-IS Virtual Systems for Interface Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS) networks, existing methods do not efficiently manage the extension of IS-IS interfaces beyond the conventional limit, leading to limitations in connecting with multiple remote devices and accurate route calculation.
Innovation Solution
Establishing N virtual systems within the same IS-IS process as the local IS-IS system, with unique system IDs, and configuring virtual neighbor connections with a route cost of 0 to enable up to M IS-IS interfaces, allowing the local device to connect with multiple remote devices without route calculation errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional IS-IS interface management methods are used, then the system maintains simplicity, but the number of IS-IS interfaces is limited to a conventional maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing a single IS-IS process into multiple virtual systems (VSs), where each VS can independently manage IS-IS interfaces. This allows the system to exceed the conventional interface limit by creating multiple isolated virtual environments, each capable of handling up to the maximum number of interfaces independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of virtualization within the IS-IS architecture. Instead of simply adding more interfaces to a single process (one-dimensional expansion), it creates multiple virtual system layers, allowing parallel interface management across different virtual dimensions while maintaining the underlying single-process structure.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple virtual systems are established to extend interface capacity, then the number of supported interfaces increases, but route calculation accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual neighbor connections with zero route cost as intermediaries between the local IS-IS system and virtual systems. These virtual connections act as mediators that preserve routing accuracy by providing a controlled, cost-neutral pathway for route information exchange, preventing distortion in route calculations despite the presence of multiple virtual systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the route cost parameter to zero for virtual neighbor connections, fundamentally altering the routing metric to ensure that virtual system paths do not affect the accuracy of route calculations. This parameter adjustment allows multiple virtual systems to coexist without introducing routing loops or suboptimal path selection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual systems are introduced to manage interface extensions, then networking capabilities are expanded, but the complexity of system configuration and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing virtual systems that share the same IS-IS process and can all enable the same set of IS-IS interfaces. Each virtual system is configured with identical capabilities and parameters, allowing standardized management across multiple virtual environments while maintaining the ability to handle diverse networking requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating virtual systems that replicate the structure and functionality of the original IS-IS system. Each virtual system is a copy with its own system ID but identical interface management capabilities, allowing administrators to manage multiple instances using the same configuration templates and procedures, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example, virtual systems are established in a same Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS) process as a local IS-IS system. Each local IS-IS system and virtual system can enable a maximum of M IS-IS interfaces. A system is selected for each IS-IS interface from the local IS-IS system and the virtual systems. A virtual neighbor connection is established between the local IS-IS system and each of the virtual systems, and a route cost of the neighbor connection is 0. For an IS-IS interface connected to a remote device, a packet is sent for establishing a neighbor connection with the remote device, the packet carrying a system ID of the IS-IS interface.