LISP Map Server Accelerates L3 Roaming Convergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless host roaming leads to network connectivity issues, including latency and excessive bandwidth usage due to 'traffic hair pinning' caused by the network infrastructure anchoring the host to its initial access switch, even after the host has disconnected and reconnected to a new access switch with a stronger signal.
Innovation Solution
Integrating Next Generation Wiring Closet (NGWC) mobility events with a campus LISP architecture to create a {Wireless Host—Access Switch—VLAN} binding and {Access Switch—Distribution/L3 Gateway Switch} binding, using a LISP map server to track wireless host locations and relay control information across VLAN boundaries, thereby minimizing latency and delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network infrastructure anchors the wireless host to its initial access switch during roaming, then network connectivity is maintained, but traffic latency increases and bandwidth usage becomes excessive due to traffic hair pinning
Solution Approach 1:
The LISP map server pre-establishes binding information between wireless hosts and access switches before roaming occurs. When a host roams to a new access switch, the map server has already prepared the routing information, allowing immediate traffic forwarding without waiting for post-roaming discovery and configuration, thus eliminating traffic hair pinning and reducing latency
Solution Approach 2:
The LISP map server acts as an intermediary between the wireless host and the network infrastructure. It maintains a mapping database that decouples the host's logical routing from physical access switch locations, enabling direct traffic routing to the new access switch without requiring the host to be re-anchored to the initial access switch
2Reliability
If the network infrastructure anchors the wireless host to its initial access switch during roaming, then network connectivity is maintained, but excessive bandwidth usage occurs due to traffic hair pinning
Solution Approach 1:
The LISP map server pre-configures routing entries in the mapping database before roaming events occur. When a wireless host connects to a new access switch, the routing information is already prepared, allowing immediate direct traffic flow without the need to tunnel traffic through the initial access switch, thereby eliminating unnecessary bandwidth consumption from traffic hair pinning
Solution Approach 2:
The LISP map server serves as a mediator that optimizes traffic paths by maintaining dynamic bindings between hosts and current access switches. It intercepts and redirects traffic directly to the host's current location without requiring round-trip routing through the initial access switch, reducing redundant bandwidth usage while maintaining connectivity
3Speed
If a LISP map server is integrated with NGWC mobility events to track wireless host locations, then network convergence is accelerated and traffic hair pinning is eliminated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LISP map server is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues its traditional role of mapping endpoint identifiers to routing information while also integrating NGWC mobility event processing. By consolidating these functions in a single system, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated mobility management infrastructure, thereby accelerating network convergence without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the LISP map server functionality with NGWC mobility event handling into a unified system. The map server simultaneously processes LISP routing mappings and wireless host mobility events, eliminating the need for separate complex mobility management systems and reducing overall system complexity while achieving fast network convergence
Data Source
AI summary
Accelerating network convergence may be provided. Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, a mapping server may be configured to map an interconnection of various network elements comprising at least the following: a wireless host, at least two access switches, a plurality of distribution switches, a core switch, a mobility controller, and a mapping database. The mapping server may then receive an indication from the mobility controller that the wireless host has roamed from a first access switch to a second access switch. In response to the indication, the mapping server may remap the interconnection of network elements in the mapping database to update network routing information associated with the wireless host.