Logical Network Device Configuration for Label-Switched Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices in larger scale networks require increased hardware resources to support data processing and forwarding, leading to inefficient utilization of resources as they are configured as individual devices rather than a unified logical entity.
Innovation Solution
Configuring multiple network devices in a label-switched network to appear as a single logical device by using the same next hop IP address for routing protocols and allocating the same labels for corresponding virtual local area networks (VLANs), allowing them to share bandwidth and reduce hardware resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple network devices are configured as individual devices, then each device can independently process data, but hardware resources are inefficiently utilized and more resources are required to support larger network scales
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures multiple network devices to operate as a single logical network device by establishing label-switched paths between them. This merging allows the devices to share hardware resources such as routing tables and forwarding information bases, reducing the total quantity of hardware resources needed while maintaining the collective data processing capability of the individual devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network devices are configured as individual devices, then device independence is maintained, but the complexity of routing information storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses label-switched paths to create virtual copies of routing information across multiple network devices. Each device maintains a simplified routing table that references shared routing information through labels, reducing the complexity of routing information storage while preserving device independence through the label-switching mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for configuring a logical network switch in label-switched networks are provided. In some embodiments, a first network device in a label-switched network is configured with a network address. A second network device in the label-switched network is configured with the same network address. The first network device is configured to use a set of labels for a set of virtual local area networks (VLANs). The second network device is configured to use the same set of labels for the same set of VLANs. The configured first and second network devices appear as a logical network device from the perspective of other network devices in the label-switched network.