Leaf PE Isolation in VPLS E-Tree Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VPLS networks cannot effectively implement the E-Tree service due to the lack of isolation between leaf nodes, as all provider edge devices are fully connected, and the BGP protocol cannot distinguish between root and leaf nodes, leading to uncontrolled information flow between leaf nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that obtain leaf PE attribute information to determine if a peer PE device is a leaf node, and when both local and peer devices are leaf nodes, forbid pseudo-wire connections to achieve isolation between leaf nodes, using extended BGP signaling and VLAN mapping to manage Ethernet frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all PE devices are fully connected in a VPLS network, then connectivity between all nodes is achieved, but leaf node isolation cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VPLS network into root PE devices and leaf PE devices based on their functional roles. Root PEs are connected to all other PEs, while leaf PEs are connected only to root PEs. This segmentation enables E-Tree service implementation by isolating leaf nodes from direct communication with each other, resolving the contradiction between service adaptability and network complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different connection characteristics to different PE devices based on their roles. Root PE devices have full connectivity to all other PEs, while leaf PE devices have restricted connectivity only to root PEs. This differentiated local quality enables effective leaf node isolation while maintaining necessary network functionality.
2Extent of automation
If BGP protocol is used for constructing VPLS network, then automatic PE discovery and network construction is achieved, but distinction between root and leaf nodes is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the BGP protocol by adding a new parameter (Leaf PE attribute) to the BGP message structure. This parameter change enables automatic PE discovery to simultaneously convey node role information (root or leaf), resolving the contradiction between automation extent and information loss by enriching the existing protocol's parameter set.
3Reliability
If pseudo-wire connection is established between all PE devices, then full mesh connectivity is achieved, but leaf node information isolation cannot be accomplished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pseudo-wire connection structure into two types: root-to-root connections and root-to-leaf connections. Leaf-to-leaf pseudo-wire connections are explicitly prohibited. This segmentation achieves reliable leaf node isolation by ensuring leaf nodes can only communicate with root nodes, while simplifying connection management compared to a full mesh structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for implementing an E-tree service and a provider edge device, and relates to the field of network communications technologies. A local PE device obtains leaf PE attribute information of a peer provider edge PE device; when the leaf PE attribute information of the peer PE device indicates that the peer PE device is a leaf PE device and the local PE device is a leaf PE device, the local PE device forbids a pseudo-wire connection between the local PE device and the peer PE device. The technical solution of the present invention implements effective isolation between leaf nodes supporting an E-Tree service and therefore implements the E-Tree service in a VPLS network.