MPLS LSP Pair Fault Detection via Backup Path Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fault detection techniques in MPLS networks are not applicable to manually created LSPs and rely on end-to-end support of the draft LSP Ping protocol, which limits their effectiveness in detecting and recovering from faults, especially in ensuring reliable communication paths.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using prioritized label switch path (LSP) pairs for fault detection and recovery by communicating packets between nodes in MPLS networks, employing backup LSP pairs and multiple communication paths to ensure continuous traffic flow and verify the operational status of backup paths before switching, thereby improving fault detection and recovery processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional LSP Ping protocol is used for fault detection, then fault detection capability is provided, but it is not applicable to manually created LSPs and has limited effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal fault detection mechanism that works across both automatically provisioned and manually created LSPs. The system uses multiple communication paths including LSP echo requests/responses, IP echo requests/responses, and FIB table verification to provide adaptable fault detection that functions regardless of LSP provisioning type, thereby resolving the limitation of conventional LSP Ping protocol
2Reliability
If single LSP path is used for communication, then communication simplicity is maintained, but fault tolerance and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes multiple communication paths (LSP path, reverse path, IP path) in advance before faults occur. These redundant paths are pre-configured and can be activated immediately upon detecting a failure in the primary path, ensuring continuous communication without requiring complex real-time path computation during fault conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares backup communication mechanisms including FIB table verification and alternative routing paths before faults occur. When a fault is detected, these pre-prepared resources provide immediate cushioning to maintain communication, preventing service disruption without requiring complex on-the-fly decision-making
3Reliability
If LSP echo requests are transmitted periodically, then fault detection is enabled, but detection speed and responsiveness to failures are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring through multiple simultaneous mechanisms: LSP echo requests are sent periodically while FIB table verification and alternative path monitoring operate continuously. This multi-layered continuous monitoring ensures that faults are detected as quickly as possible through at least one mechanism, reducing overall detection time while maintaining accurate fault detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple feedback mechanisms including LSP echo responses, IP echo responses, and FIB table status checks that continuously report path health. When any feedback mechanism indicates a fault, the system immediately responds by switching to alternative paths, thereby reducing fault detection and response time while maintaining reliable operation
Data Source
AI summary
Faults are detected and recovered from in a multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) network by communicating packets between a first node and a second node in the MPLS network using a set of prioritized label switch path (LSP) pairs. A failure to receive a relatively constant rate of packets during a predetermined time interval is detected at the first node. Packets are sent from the first node to the second node using a backup LSP pair responsive to detecting the failure. Packets are then sent from the second node to the first node using a backup LSP pair responsive to receiving packets at the second node on the backup LSP pair.