Automated MPLS Traffic Mapping via LSP Tag Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network technologies face challenges in efficiently mapping traffic to paths within computer networks, particularly in decoupling TE LSP identification from the traffic mapping function, leading to inflexible and error-prone manual processes for traffic management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that uses a routing protocol to advertise a mapping between network flows and label switched path tags, allowing for the free association and dissociation of these tags with TE LSPs, enabling automated traffic mapping and load balancing across multiple LSPs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual traffic mapping processes are used, then TE LSP identification is tightly coupled with traffic mapping function, but this leads to inflexible and error-prone operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic mapping function from TE LSP identification by introducing an intermediary LSP tag. The routing protocol advertises mappings between network flows and LSP tags independently, while the label edge router separately maintains associations between LSP tags and TE LSPs. This decoupling allows flexible reconfiguration of traffic mappings without affecting LSP management, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an LSP tag as an intermediary element that mediates between network flows and TE LSPs. The routing protocol advertises flow-to-tag mappings, while the label edge router maintains tag-to-LSP associations. This intermediary mechanism enables independent management of traffic mapping and LSP identification, improving flexibility while reducing operational complexity through standardized tagging.
2Productivity
If automated traffic mapping is implemented using routing protocols, then network throughput and efficiency improve, but the complexity of managing tag associations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LSP tag a universal identifier that serves multiple functions: it acts as a routing protocol advertisement element for flow identification, a PCEP communication element for LSP association, and a load balancing key for multiple LSPs. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms into a single standardized tag system, improving network productivity while managing complexity through reuse rather than proliferation of separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the label edge router receives routing protocol advertisements containing LSP tag mappings, processes these through PCEP communications with the path computation element, and dynamically adjusts traffic distribution based on network conditions. The stateful PCE maintains awareness of LSP associations and provides feedback to update tag mappings, enabling automated optimization of network throughput while managing association complexity through centralized control.
3Reliability
If stateful PCE is used to maintain LSP state information, then more sophisticated path computation algorithms can be utilized, but the system requires more complex state management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the state management functions across multiple components: the stateful PCE maintains LSP state information and tag associations, the label edge router maintains local forwarding state and receives routing advertisements, and the routing protocol distributes flow-to-tag mappings. By combining these state management responsibilities into a coordinated system rather than centralizing everything in one device, the patent achieves sophisticated path computation with improved reliability while distributing complexity across multiple manageable components.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, techniques are described for automated traffic mapping for multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) networks. A network device comprising a processor and an interface card may perform the techniques. The processor may generate an advertisement that conforms to a routing protocol. The advertisement may advertise a mapping between a network flow and a label switched path (LSP) tag. The processor may also generate a communication associating the label switched path tag with an LSP. The interface card may transmit the advertisement to a head-end label edge router that admits traffic into the LSP identified by the LSP tag. The interface card may also transmit the communication to the label edge router such that the label edge router is able to process the communication in conjunction with the advertisement to map the network flow to the LSP identified by the LSP tag.