MPLS Ring Bandwidth Control for Scalable Path Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MPLS protocols are inefficient and complex for ring-based access networks, lacking flexibility and scalability, and do not effectively utilize bandwidth or provide adequate path protection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of MPLS signaling mechanisms that allow for the specification and automatic establishment of 'MPLS rings' within ring networks, enabling dynamic bandwidth allocation and built-in path protection without the need for separate protection paths or detours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional MPLS protocols (RSVP-TE, LDP) are used in ring-based access networks, then path protection mechanisms can be implemented, but the system becomes inefficient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the path protection function into the basic LSP establishment process by defining a new MPLS ring construct. Instead of implementing separate protection mechanisms like RSVP-TE FRR or LDP FRR, the ring LSP inherently provides protection by allowing traffic to flow in either direction around the ring, eliminating the need for complex separate protection protocols while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring LSP construct serves multiple functions simultaneously: it establishes traffic engineering paths, provides automatic path protection, and enables flexible bandwidth allocation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protection protocols and simplifies the overall system while maintaining robust path protection capabilities.
2Reliability
If separate protection paths or bypass LSPs are implemented, then path reliability is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the working path and protection path into a single bidirectional ring LSP. The same LSP can carry traffic in either direction depending on network conditions or failures, eliminating the need to signal and manage separate protection paths. This reduces signaling complexity while maintaining path reliability through inherent bidirectional capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If bandwidth is statically provisioned at LSP establishment, then resource allocation is simplified, but network flexibility and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation for ring LSPs, allowing bandwidth to be adjusted in real-time based on actual traffic demands and network conditions. This dynamic approach enables the network to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining simple resource allocation through automated bandwidth deduction, enhancing both flexibility and scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring LSP mechanism automatically deduces and allocates bandwidth based on traffic patterns and network state without requiring manual intervention or complex static provisioning. This self-service capability provides bandwidth flexibility while keeping resource allocation simple through automated processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If MPLS rings are implemented with automatic LSP establishment, then scalability is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines a universal MPLS ring construct that handles multiple functions including automatic LSP establishment, traffic engineering, and path protection within a single framework. This universal approach improves scalability by providing a standardized mechanism that can be deployed across diverse network configurations without requiring complex protocol variations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are described for specifying and constructing multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) rings. Routers may signal membership within MPLS rings and automatically establish ring-based label switch paths (LSPs) as components of the MPLS rings for packet transport within ring networks. In one example, a router includes a processor configured to establish an MPLS ring having a plurality of ring LSPs. Each of the ring LSPs is configured to transport MPLS packets around the ring network to a different one of the routers operating as an egress router for the respective ring LSP. Moreover, each of the ring LSPs comprises a bidirectional, multipoint-to-point (MP2P) LSP for which any of the routers can operate as an ingress to source packet traffic into the ring LSP for transport to the respective egress router for the ring LSP. Separate protection paths, bypass LSPs, detours or loop-free alternatives need not be signaled.