MPLS Multicast Traffic via P2MP LSP and CCC Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP-based networks face inefficiencies in transmitting multicast traffic due to the need for multiple copies of high-bandwidth data, audio, or video streams, leading to congestion and bandwidth wastage, especially when multiple subscriber devices request the same multicast content.
Innovation Solution
Implementing point-to-multi-point (P2MP) Label Switched Paths (LSPs) within MPLS networks, utilizing circuit cross-connect (CCC) switches to transparently cross-connect Layer 2 interfaces, allowing for the encapsulation of multicast traffic as MPLS packets and eliminating the need for ingress replication, thereby reducing duplicate traffic on physical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple copies of multicast traffic are sent to each requesting subscriber device, then each device receives the multicast content, but bandwidth is wasted and network congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate unicast connections into a single shared multicast connection. Instead of establishing individual connections from the source to each subscriber device, the system creates one multicast connection that serves all requesting devices simultaneously, thereby consolidating bandwidth usage and eliminating redundant data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The multicast connection is designed to serve multiple subscriber devices simultaneously with a single data stream. The connection structure allows any number of requesting devices to subscribe to the same multicast group and receive the same content through a shared pathway, making the connection universally applicable to multiple endpoints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ingress replication is used to forward multicast traffic to multiple egress interfaces, then all requesting devices receive the traffic, but duplicate traffic burdens the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional replication approach by not creating copies at the ingress router. Instead, a single unreplicated multicast stream is sent through the network, and replication occurs at the egress router where the traffic is distributed to multiple output interfaces. This reverses the replication point from source to destination, eliminating duplicate traffic on network links.
Solution Approach 2:
The egress router acts as an intermediary that receives a single multicast stream and performs the necessary replication to multiple egress interfaces. This mediator approach centralizes the replication function at the network edge, allowing the core network to carry only single copies of multicast traffic while still supporting multiple receivers.
3Loss of energy
If Point-to-Multi-Point LSPs are implemented with CCC switches, then bandwidth efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CCC switch automatically performs the cross-connect function based on P2MP LSP signaling without requiring manual configuration for each multicast group. The system self-configures the multicast forwarding paths through automated protocol interactions, reducing the operational complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Principles of the invention relate to techniques for transmission of Layer 2 (L2) multicast traffic over a point to multi-point (P2MP) label switched path (LSP) within a multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network. The principles of the invention include configuring circuit cross-connect (CCC) switches that transparently cross-connect L2 interfaces to a P2MP LSP within an MPLS network. The transparent cross-connections allow L2 multicast traffic to be encapsulated as MPLS packets regardless of the type of payload the L2 multicast traffic is carrying. A CCC switch may be configured within an ingress router of a P2MP LSP to cross connect an L2 interface to the P2MP LSP. CCC switches may also be configured within each egress router of the P2MP LSP to cross-connect each leaf of the P2MP LSP to one or more L2 interfaces.