Central Controller MPLS Resource Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) in centrally controlled networks lack scalable and low-complexity means for coordinating and negotiating traffic engineering (TE) and label resources between the control plane and data planes, which is essential for efficient traffic routing and tunnel establishment.
Innovation Solution
A central controller is employed to collect and coordinate link resource information, using components like TE resource farm managers, constraint path computation elements, and label resource farm managers to negotiate and manage TE and label resources across the network, enabling the creation of MPLS TE label switched paths (LSPs) and tunnels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centrally controlled network is used for MPLS data communication, then network control and coordination is improved, but the complexity of resource collection and coordination between control plane and data plane increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary between the control plane and data plane nodes. This central controller collects resource information from data plane nodes and performs centralized coordination, simplifying the interaction model and reducing the complexity of direct peer-to-peer resource negotiation between multiple planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines resource collection and coordination functions into a unified central controller entity. By merging these previously distributed functions into a single coordinating entity, the system reduces the overall complexity of resource management while maintaining reliable centralized control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If distributed control is used for MPLS, then each node can independently establish tunnels, but the lack of centralized resource coordination reduces routing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network control functions into two parts: the control plane nodes retain the ability to independently establish tunnels (adaptability), while a central controller provides centralized resource coordination (efficiency). This segmentation allows both distributed autonomy and centralized optimization to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where data plane nodes report resource information to the central controller, which then uses this information to make coordinated routing decisions. This feedback loop enables the central controller to optimize routing efficiency while nodes maintain their independent tunnel establishment capabilities.
3Loss of information
If resource information is collected from all nodes, then complete network resource visibility is achieved, but the communication overhead and processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the resource information collection function from individual nodes and centralizes it in the central controller. Only the necessary resource status information is extracted and transmitted to the controller, reducing the communication overhead compared to nodes exchanging complete resource information with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The central controller acts as an intermediary that collects resource information from data plane nodes in a standardized manner. This intermediary approach reduces communication overhead by providing a single collection point rather than requiring mesh communication between all nodes, while maintaining complete resource visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
In a central controller, a method for managing resources comprising sending a request to a node in a domain controlled by the central controller, wherein the request requests at least a portion of a resource of the node, receiving a response from the node, wherein the response contains information on the availability of the portion of the resource, and storing the information on the availability of the portion of the resource for use in establishing a multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) label switched path (LSP).