Backbone MAC Address Translation in Provider Backbone Bridge Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Provider Backbone Bridge Networks (PBBN), there is a challenge in preventing MAC address learning when two networks peer, leading to increased MAC address table sizes and the inability to translate incoming frames with provisioned values, affecting data path integrity and provisioning independence.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that translate the backbone MAC source address of data frames by replacing it with a Backbone Edge Bridge (BEB) MAC address, preventing MAC address learning in the second PBBN network, thereby maintaining independent provisioning and reducing MAC address table growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If MAC address learning is allowed in peering PBBN networks, then data frames can be forwarded based on learned MAC addresses, but MAC address table size increases and provisioning independence is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata frame forwardingVSAvoidMAC address table size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the MAC address learning function from the data path by introducing a separate control path. MAC addresses are learned and stored in a control database, not in the forwarding MAC address table. This separation allows forwarding to occur without populating the MAC address table with peering network addresses, thus resolving the contradiction between enabling forwarding and preventing table growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control database as an intermediary between the data path and MAC address learning. Instead of directly learning MAC addresses from incoming frames in the data path, the system uses the control database to store and manage MAC address information, preventing pollution of the forwarding MAC address table while maintaining forwarding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If MAC address learning is prevented in peering PBBN networks, then MAC address table size is reduced and provisioning independence is maintained, but the ability to translate incoming frames with provisioned values is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMAC address table sizeVSAvoidframe translation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network into control path and data path functions. The control path handles MAC address learning and frame translation using provisioned values, while the data path performs simple forwarding based on the translated frames. This segmentation allows frame translation capability to be maintained in the control path without requiring MAC address learning in the data path forwarding tables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-provisioning MAC address mappings and translation rules in the control database before data frames arrive. This allows the system to translate incoming frames from peering networks using pre-configured provisioned values without needing to learn MAC addresses dynamically in the data path, thus maintaining adaptability while preventing table growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If MAC addresses from peering networks are learned, then complete MAC address information is available for forwarding, but provisioning independence between operators is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMAC address information completenessVSAvoidprovisioning independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control database acts as an intermediary that stores complete MAC address information and translation rules provisioned by operators. This intermediary allows each operator to maintain independent provisioning of MAC addresses while the system translates frames between different operator domains, thus preserving both information completeness and provisioning independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of MAC address handling by transitioning from direct learning in the data path to indirect management through the control database. This parameter change allows MAC address information to be provisioned independently by each operator and translated appropriately, maintaining both information availability and operator independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9866405B2Method and system for preventing MAC addresses learning in a provider backbone network (PBBN)

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 TEJAS NETWORKS INDIA

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and system for preventing MAC address learning in Provider Backbone Bridge Network (PBBN). In one embodiment, this is accomplished by receiving data frames from at least one operator/client at the first PBB network which has to be communicating to the second PBB network, adding forward path learning information from the received data frames in the first PBB network and translating backbone MAC source address of the received data frame at the first PBB network by replacing the backbone MAC source address with a BEB backbone MAC address, thereby preventing of backbone MAC address learning of the first PBB network in the second PBB network.