MPLS Entropy Label Source Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IP/MPLS networks, it is difficult to identify the source of data streams or groups of packets, which hinders network quality control, monitoring, and billing, as existing solutions require significant modifications to routers and limited reserved labels.
Innovation Solution
The method involves reusing entropy labels in MPLS packets to carry source or stream identifiers, allowing identification without adding new labels or using reserved labels, maintaining compatibility with existing routers and preserving the entropy mechanism for load sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional MPLS labels are inserted into packets to identify source and path, then identification capability is improved, but device complexity and label stack size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the entropy label serve multiple functions: it maintains its original role in load sharing while simultaneously carrying source identification information. This allows the same label structure to perform both entropy distribution and source tracking without requiring separate identification mechanisms, thereby improving source identification capability without increasing overall label stack size or router complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter usage within the entropy label by utilizing previously unused or underutilized fields in the label structure. Specifically, it repurposes bits within the entropy label that were not actively used for their original function, allowing source identification data to be embedded without adding new label types or expanding the label format, thus avoiding increases in device complexity
2Loss of information
If reserved MPLS labels are used for source identification, then identification capability is improved, but the limited number of reserved labels is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the entropy label multi-functional by having it simultaneously perform load sharing through entropy distribution and source identification. This eliminates the need to consume reserved labels for identification purposes, preserving the limited reserved label space for its intended purposes while achieving source tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively copies the identification function into the entropy label structure rather than creating a new reserved label type. By embedding source identification information within the existing entropy label format, it avoids depleting the reserved label pool while achieving the same identification objective
3Loss of information
If new MPLS labels are added to packets, then source identification is improved, but label stack size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves source identification without increasing label stack size by making the entropy label multi-functional. The entropy label continues to serve its original purpose for load sharing while simultaneously carrying source identification information, eliminating the need to add separate identification labels that would increase the stack size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the source identification function with the existing entropy label structure. By combining identification capabilities with the entropy distribution mechanism in a single label, it avoids the need to add separate identification labels, thereby maintaining the original label stack size while achieving source tracking
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sending data packets encapsulated according to the MPLS protocol, and a sending device of an IP/MPLS network configured to implement the method. The sending method includes obtaining an identifier representative of a group of data packets having at least one data packet, inserting the identifier into at least one part of a data field associated with an entropy label of the MPLS protocol of the at least one data packet, and sending the at least one data packet in the IP/MPLS network.