MPLS Network Interconnection via IGP and EBGP Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently interconnecting multiple Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks to establish network paths and manage routing effectively, particularly in distributing resources and ensuring quality of service across these networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Internal Gateway Protocol (IGP) and External Border Gateway Protocol (EBGP) between Provider Edge (PE) and Customer Edge (CE) routers, utilizing routing logic that includes Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) and Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP) such as Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), enables efficient network summarization and control over routing, allowing for flexible management of network paths and quality of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple MPLS networks are interconnected to establish network paths and distribute resources, then network versatility and resource distribution capability are improved, but routing information overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments routing information by implementing auto-summarization that divides detailed routing tables into summarized routes. IGP protocols summarize routing information at network boundaries while EBGP maintains detailed external routing information, creating a hierarchical structure that reduces overall routing information overhead while preserving path establishment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested routing architecture where IGP routing information is nested within EBGP routing sessions. The EBGP protocol carries IGP-learned routes between MPLS networks, creating a nested structure where one routing protocol's information is contained within another, reducing redundant information transmission while maintaining comprehensive routing capability.
2Productivity
If IGP and EBGP protocols are implemented between PE and CE routers for efficient network summarization, then routing control and network summarization are improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in PE and CE routers that can simultaneously run both IGP and EBGP protocols. The same router infrastructure performs multiple routing functions: internal route summarization via IGP and external route exchange via EBGP, reducing the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining high summarization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the CE router as an intermediary between IGP and EBGP protocols. The CE router receives routing information from one protocol, processes it, and exchanges it through the other protocol, mediating between internal and external routing requirements. This intermediary approach simplifies configuration by providing a single point of integration rather than requiring direct complex interactions between multiple protocols at all interfaces.
3Reliability
If routing logic includes both LDP and IGP protocols for label distribution and routing, then network path reliability and quality of service are improved, but processing overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-distributing labels through LDP before actual data transmission occurs. Labels are assigned and cached in advance during normal routing operations, so when quality of service requirements arise, pre-established label-switched paths can be immediately activated without real-time computation, reducing processing overhead while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic protocol interaction where IGP and LDP operate in different states based on network conditions. During normal operation, IGP handles routing with minimal LDP involvement. When quality of service or path reliability requirements change, the system dynamically activates additional LDP label distribution and path computation, optimizing resource usage while maintaining reliability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a first customer edge (CE) router that is included in a customer network and is connected to a first provider edge (PE) router in a first multi-protocol label switch (MPLS) network, the first CE router configured to communicate with the first PE router using an external border gateway protocol (EBGP). The system may also include a second CE router that is included in the customer network and is connected to a second PE router in a second MPLS network. The second CE router may be configured to exchange routing information with the second PE router based on the EBGP and distribute routing information to the first CE router based on an interior gateway protocol (IGP). The system may also include a third CE router that is included in a first local network and is connected to a third PE router in the first MPLS network, the third CE router configured to exchange routing information with the third PE router.