MPLS IP Ethernet OAM Interworking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fault detection mechanisms in MPLS/IP networks struggle to effectively communicate and translate fault information between Ethernet OAM and pseudowire OAM protocols, leading to challenges in end-to-end service disruption diagnosis and isolation.
Innovation Solution
An interworking mechanism is introduced that maps remote failure indications from targeted LDP to CFM Alarm Indication Signals and locally detects forward defects using VCCV-BFD, while converting reverse defects notifications through LDP PW status messages, enabling seamless communication between Ethernet CFM and PW OAM protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate OAM mechanisms are used for MPLS and Ethernet domains, then fault detection capability in each domain is maintained, but end-to-end fault isolation and communication between domains are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation mechanism at the boundary between MPLS and Ethernet domains. The PE device acts as a mediator that translates CFM defect notifications into LDP PW status messages and vice versa, enabling fault information to be communicated across different protocol domains. This intermediary approach allows separate OAM mechanisms to coexist while achieving end-to-end fault isolation through standardized defect space mapping.
2Measurement precision
If protocol-specific OAM mechanisms are used, then protocol-specific fault detection precision is maintained, but interoperability and unified fault management across different protocols are achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by mapping protocol-specific defect parameters into a unified defect space. CFM defect notifications with specific parameters (defect type, location, severity) are transformed into LDP PW status messages with corresponding parameters. This parameter transformation enables precise fault detection in each protocol domain while achieving interoperability through standardized parameter mapping between CFM and LDP OAM mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a provider edge (PE) device, a transport layer status message indicative of a defect on a pseudowire (PW) running across a core of a service provider (SP) network. The status message is translated to a service layer message indicative of the defect. The service layer message is then transmitted across an access domain of the SP network.