LSP Selection for L2 QoS via MPLS Constraint Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermediate Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks often fail to meet the stringent Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirements of Layer 2 (L2) networks, leading to network inefficiencies and communication errors due to the lack of guaranteed bandwidth and other network characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Label Switched Path (LSP) selection mechanism within the MPLS network that emulates a direct L2 connection by considering L2 constraint information such as bandwidth, delay, jitter, and security requirements, using a call admission control module to select forwarding next hops that satisfy these constraints, thereby providing a virtual direct L2 connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MPLS networks use traditional resource reservation techniques to establish LSPs, then some QoS parameters can be satisfied, but they still cannot meet the stringent QoS requirements of L2 networks such as guaranteed bandwidth and low latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation mechanism that converts L2 connection requests into MPLS LSP requests. This intermediary layer translates QoS parameters between different network protocols, enabling L2 networks to access MPLS networks while maintaining their stringent QoS requirements. The translation process ensures that bandwidth, latency, and other QoS parameters are properly mapped and guaranteed across the MPLS network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the QoS parameter set from L2 network requirements into MPLS-compatible parameters through a translation process. This parameter transformation allows the MPLS network to understand and satisfy L2 QoS demands by mapping them to equivalent MPLS resource reservation parameters, thereby achieving reliable QoS guarantees for L2 connections over MPLS infrastructure.
2Reliability
If MPLS networks establish dedicated LSPs to meet L2 QoS requirements, then QoS reliability improves, but network complexity and resource overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The translation mechanism acts as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of LSP establishment from L2 networks. By handling the translation and LSP selection process automatically, the system reduces configuration complexity for L2 network operators while still establishing dedicated LSPs that guarantee QoS requirements. The intermediary manages the complexity internally without exposing it to external users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service automation where the translation mechanism automatically selects appropriate LSPs and configures resource reservations based on translated QoS parameters. This automated self-service approach eliminates manual configuration complexity while ensuring that dedicated LSPs are properly established to meet L2 QoS requirements, reducing both device complexity and operational overhead.
3Reliability
If MPLS networks allocate dedicated resources for L2 connections, then QoS reliability improves, but network resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where LSPs are established and resources are reserved based on actual L2 connection demands translated from QoS requirements. Rather than static pre-allocation, the system dynamically creates LSPs and releases them as needed, allowing network resources to be efficiently utilized while still providing guaranteed bandwidth for active L2 connections. This dynamic approach improves resource utilization efficiency while maintaining QoS reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation mechanism enables flexible parameter transformation that allows the same physical network resources to be dynamically allocated to different L2 connections based on their specific QoS requirements. By translating and mapping QoS parameters dynamically, the system can efficiently allocate bandwidth and other resources to meet guaranteed service levels without permanent resource dedication, thereby improving overall resource utilization efficiency while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for providing QoS guarantees when coupling layer two (L2) networks via an intermediate Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network. A network device, such as a router, receives a request to transport data from an L2 connection. The request specifies one of more characteristics of the L2 connection, such as bandwidth, color, end-to-end delay, jitter, a security requirement, or a classification of traffic for the L2 connection. The network device selects a label switched path (LSP) through the MPLS network based on the characteristics of the L2 connection, and forwards the data from the L2 connection via the selected LSP. In this manner, an LSP and, in particular, one or more forwarding next hops for the LSP, is selected that provides a “virtual” L2 connection, or pseudo-wire, that more closely emulates a direct L2 connection between the L2 networks.