MLDP Multipoint Pseudo Wire Core Network Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional L2 multipoint network environments require O(N) packet replication at the source PE router and O(N^2) provisioning effort, leading to inefficient use of network resources and scalability issues due to the point-to-point nature of pseudo wires and independent signaling protocols.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Multipoint Label Distribution Protocol (MLDP) with dynamically computed multipoint pseudo wire leaf identifiers and combined PW and PSN signaling, allowing for single-source and multi-source multipoint pseudo wire creation across an MPLS network, reducing provisioning effort to O(N) and optimizing bandwidth by performing packet replication in the core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional point-to-point pseudo wires are used for multipoint L2 traffic, then the service can be provided using simple transport architecture, but the subscriber must perform O(N) packet replication which is inefficient and consumes valuable network resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary replication function in the core network routers that mediates between the simple transport architecture and efficient packet replication. The core routers perform the replication based on MLDP signaling, eliminating the need for subscriber equipment to perform O(N) replication while maintaining architectural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network infrastructure provides self-service replication capabilities through MLDP-enabled core routers that automatically perform packet replication based on signaling protocols. This eliminates the need for external subscriber equipment to perform replication, improving efficiency while maintaining simplicity.
2Loss of energy
If multicast service is provided with SP-performed replication, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but the operational complexity for the service provider increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the core network routers universal by enabling them to perform both traditional routing functions and MLDP-based replication functions. This allows the same infrastructure to provide efficient multicast services without requiring separate specialized equipment, thereby improving bandwidth efficiency while controlling operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of core routers by enabling MLDP protocol support and multipoint PW capabilities. This allows existing infrastructure to transition from simple transport to intelligent replication, achieving bandwidth efficiency without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If point-to-point pseudo wires are established from each source PE router to N target PE routers, then L2 multipoint behavior can be achieved, but the provisioning effort scales as O(N^2) which introduces scalability problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the provisioning process into two independent phases: first establishing multipoint LSP trees using P2MP/MP2MP signaling, then building multipoint PWs on top of these trees using MLDP. This segmentation reduces provisioning complexity from O(N^2) to O(N) by reusing the LSP tree infrastructure across multiple PWs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by first establishing the multipoint LSP tree infrastructure before creating individual multipoint PWs. This preliminary LSP setup serves as a reusable backbone that multiple PWs can share, significantly reducing the total provisioning effort compared to establishing separate P2P tunnels for each PW.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product for building multipoint Pseudo Wires (PWs) using Multicast Label Distribution Protocol (MLDP) is presented. A multipoint PW leaf identifier (mTAI) is configured on one or more Layer 2 (L2) leaf interface(s) of a multipoint PW. A multipoint PW root identifier identifying the root of the multipoint PW is also configured and an opaque value is computed, the opaque value used in MLDP label mapping messages that will flow upstream towards a the root of the multipoint PW. The opaque value is computed from the multipoint leaf identifier and the multipoint root identifier. The PE leaf routers direct MLDP label mapping to the root PE router via a core network.