MPLS Extension Label for Private Network Application Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In MPLS-based VPNs, Provider devices lack the capability to identify private network applications, and existing methods using DSCP or EXP fields for QoS prioritization can affect network quality of service.
Innovation Solution
The method involves carrying a private network application identifier in an extension label of MPLS packets, allowing Provider devices to identify private network applications without occupying priority fields, thereby maintaining QoS processing and enabling visualization of private network flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DSCP or EXP fields are used for QoS prioritization, then network quality of service is improved, but the ability to identify private network applications is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MPLS label structure into multiple parts: a standard MPLS label for QoS processing and an extended label for application identification. This segmentation allows different parts of the packet to serve different functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between maintaining QoS and identifying applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested label structure where an extended label is embedded within or alongside the standard MPLS label. The extended label contains sub-labels that provide additional information about private network applications, while the outer label maintains QoS functionality. This nesting allows both functions to coexist.
2Loss of information
If application identification is implemented in MPLS networks, then visibility of private network flows is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining label mappings between private network applications and MPLS labels at the network edge (PE devices). This pre-configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time analysis at core P devices, reducing processing complexity while maintaining application identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MPLS labels as intermediaries between private network applications and core network devices. The labels serve as a simplified representation that core devices can process without needing to understand the complex details of private network applications, thus reducing device complexity.
3Productivity
If standard MPLS labels are used for forwarding, then forwarding efficiency is improved, but extensibility for carrying application identifiers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to the MPLS label structure by introducing extended labels with multiple sub-labels. This dimensional expansion allows the label to carry both traditional forwarding information and new application identification information simultaneously, maintaining forwarding efficiency while improving extensibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal label structure that can serve multiple functions: standard MPLS labels handle traditional forwarding and QoS, while extended labels with sub-labels provide application identification. This multi-functionality allows the same label structure to support both efficient forwarding and enhanced extensibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and an apparatus for forwarding a packet in a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network are provided. Based on an example of the method, a Provider Edge (PE) device assigns a private network application identifier to a received Internet Protocol (IP) packet and sends a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) packet that is generated based on the IP packet and carries the private network application identifier in an extension label. In this way, when receiving the MPLS packet, a Provider (P) device may identify a private network application to which the MPLS packet belongs based on the private network application identifier in the extension label.