Unified QoS for MPLS Traffic via Configurable Scheduler Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MPLS networks are limited in supporting multiple deployment models simultaneously, requiring separate switches for different quality of service (QoS) implementations, which leads to hardware redundancy and increased costs when business models change.
Innovation Solution
A network device capable of supporting multiple deployment models (uniform, pipe, and short-pipe) for MPLS networks, allowing flexible configuration of scheduler priority classes and QoS markings, enabling dynamic resource mapping and congestion signaling using MPLS traffic classes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a network switch is configured to support a particular deployment model for MPLS QoS, then the desired QoS can be implemented in the network, but the switch cannot support changes in QoS for different customer business models without changing the switch or hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic deployment model selection by allowing the network device to switch between uniform, pipe, and short-pipe deployment models based on customer business requirements. The system dynamically configures scheduler priority classes and QoS markings according to the selected deployment model, enabling flexibility without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the network device by introducing configurable deployment model selections and associated QoS parameter sets. Different deployment models correspond to different parameter configurations for label mapping, scheduler priority classes, and traffic handling, allowing the same hardware to adapt to varying business requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate switches are used for different deployment models, then each deployment model can be supported, but hardware redundancy and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single network device universal by enabling it to support multiple deployment models (uniform, pipe, and short-pipe) simultaneously. The device can be configured to operate in different deployment modes based on customer requirements, eliminating the need for separate specialized switches for each model and reducing hardware redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple deployment model-specific switches into a single network device. By integrating support for uniform, pipe, and short-pipe models in one device with unified QoS configuration and label switching capabilities, the system consolidates hardware resources and reduces overall equipment quantity.
3Quantity of substance
If a network device supports multiple deployment models, then hardware redundancy is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS configuration into distinct deployment model categories (uniform, pipe, short-pipe), each with its own standardized parameter sets. This segmentation allows the complex multi-model support to be organized into manageable, independently configurable modules, reducing the perceived complexity for operators while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system can provide a unified quality-of-service for multi-path label switching (MPLS) traffic. A single network device can be configured as an ingress label switch router, an egress label switch router or a label switching router for different label switching paths. The network device can support uniform deployment model, pipe deployment model or short-pipe deployment model in any configuration. A configurable scheduler priority map can be selected from multiple scheduler priority maps to generate a scheduler priority class which can be used to assign priority and resources for the packet.