Access Network Virtualization via MPLS Policy Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication network architectures, such as those using high-speed access methods like DSL or cable, do not facilitate shared access by multiple services or service providers, limiting the ability to offer multiple services through a common infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual networks within an access network infrastructure using Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) allows data traffic to be mapped to different logical networks based on policy decisions, such as source addresses, enabling simultaneous access to multiple services without relying on a single point-of-connection for policy filtering and maintaining local access capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-speed access architectures (DSL, cable, wireless, satellite) are implemented to provide dedicated physical connectivity to subscribers, then access speed and connectivity are improved, but the ability to share the infrastructure with multiple services and service providers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The access network infrastructure is segmented into multiple virtual networks, each serving different services or service providers. Virtual network identifiers are inserted into data packets to route them through the appropriate virtual network, enabling multiple services to coexist on the same physical infrastructure while maintaining dedicated logical paths for each service
Solution Approach 2:
The access network infrastructure is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting multiple virtual networks simultaneously. The same physical network can provide DSL services, cable services, wireless access, and satellite services through virtualization, making the infrastructure universal and adaptable to various service types
2Ease of operation
If conventional destination-based routing is used for all traffic, then routing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to apply policy-based service selection and multi-service access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual network identifiers are inserted into data packets at the ingress node before routing begins. This preliminary action enables subsequent routers to use the virtual network identifier for policy-based forwarding decisions without requiring complex destination-based routing table lookups at each hop, maintaining routing simplicity while enabling policy-based service selection
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual network identifier acts as an intermediary that bridges destination-based routing and policy-based service selection. Routers use this identifier to determine which virtual network the packet belongs to and apply appropriate forwarding policies, enabling service selection without replacing the existing destination-based routing infrastructure
3Extent of automation
If policy filtering is applied at a single point-of-connection, then centralized control is achieved, but the system becomes dependent on that single point and requires extra router hops
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized policy control function is segmented and distributed to multiple ingress nodes throughout the access network. Each ingress node independently performs policy filtering and inserts virtual network identifiers into packets, eliminating the need for all traffic to route through a single point-of-connection and reducing the number of router hops required
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method and architecture for enabling multiple services or service providers to share the facilities of an access network infrastructure that provides physical connectivity to subscribers.