Bidirectional MPLS Ring LSP 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 FFR, LDP FFR) are applied in ring-based access networks, then path protection can be provided, but the system becomes inefficient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the primary LSP and protection LSP into a single bidirectional LSP that traverses the entire ring. Instead of maintaining separate protection paths, the invention uses a single LSP that can automatically reverse direction upon failure detection, eliminating the need for separate RSVP-TE FFR or LDP FFR mechanisms and their associated complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional LSP serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides primary traffic carrying in one direction and automatic protection switching in the opposite direction. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized protocols with a single versatile mechanism that handles both normal operation and failure recovery
2Reliability
If separate protection paths, bypass LSPs, or detours are implemented, then path protection is provided, but the system loses scalability and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines primary and protection functions into a single bidirectional LSP, eliminating the need for separate protection paths, bypass LSPs, or detours. This merging approach maintains reliability while improving scalability by reducing the number of LSPs that need to be managed and signaled in the network
3Reliability
If bandwidth allocation is separately provisioned at LSP establishment, then QoS is ensured, but the system loses real-time adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the LSP can adjust its bandwidth requirements in real-time based on actual traffic conditions. The bidirectional nature of the LSP allows flexible bandwidth distribution between directions, enabling the system to adapt to changing traffic patterns without rigid pre-provisioning constraints
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.