Masked BMAC Addresses in Provider Backbone Bridged Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Provider networks face challenges in extending routing and switching functionality due to Ethernet encapsulation, which simplifies data transport but reduces routing capabilities, and introducing new protocols requires substantial hardware and software updates, leading to delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves masking a portion of information within Ethernet address headers in provider networks, using an address mask to free up bits for additional purposes like metadata, without increasing packet size or compromising Connectivity Fault Management, allowing for enhanced routing and management operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Ethernet encapsulation is used to simplify data transport, then data transport efficiency is improved, but routing functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds additional routing information (ECMP indices, flow path identifiers, TTL values) within the existing Ethernet MAC address header structure by utilizing unused or least significant bits of the MAC address fields. This nesting approach allows multiple functions to coexist within the same data structure without increasing packet size, thereby maintaining transport efficiency while enhancing routing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reinterprets the semantic meaning of specific bits within the Ethernet MAC address header. By designating certain bits as carrying routing metadata rather than purely addressing information, the system transforms the existing header into a multi-functional structure that supports both efficient transport and advanced routing features like ECMP and flow identification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deep packet inspection is implemented to add routing features, then routing functionality is improved, but traffic processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts routing information (ECMP indices, flow path identifiers, TTL values) from deep within the packet structure and places them in the MAC address header at the earliest possible position in the packet processing pipeline. This extraction allows routing decisions to be made based on header information alone, eliminating the need for deep packet inspection and maintaining high processing speeds.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a new routing protocol is introduced to extend functionality, then routing capabilities are improved, but hardware and software updates are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the Ethernet MAC address header multi-functional by using it not only for addressing but also for carrying routing metadata such as ECMP indices, flow path identifiers, and TTL values. This universal use of existing header space eliminates the need for protocol-specific extensions or new header formats, allowing enhanced routing capabilities without requiring hardware or software updates to the fundamental Ethernet infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques disclosed herein include features and methods that extend functionality of provider networks including Provider Backbone Bridges (PBB) networks. Techniques include using a portion of information within Ethernet address encapsulation headers for purposes other than identifying source and destination device addresses. The system limits a number of bits in an address header that should be considered by a provider network node when doing an address lookup in forwarding tables of a provider network node, such as by masking the portion of bits or otherwise disregarding that portion of bits during address lookup. The remaining bits in the address field(s) become free bits that can be used for a variety of application purposes, such as flow path selection. By using information fields that already exist in the Mac-In-Mac (MIM) encapsulation header, such Techniques provide additional information without increasing packet size or requiring new protocols.