Resilient MPLS Rings Using Segment Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in configuring resilient Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) rings using segment routing, particularly in establishing reliable paths within MPLS networks that can adapt to network changes and failures without complex manual configuration.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of clockwise (CW) and anti-clockwise (AC) paths on resilient MPLS rings using segment routing, where unique segment identifiers (Ring-SIDs) are assigned to each node, allowing for automatic path establishment and failure protection through interior gateway protocols, enabling multipoint-to-point paths that can adapt to network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional MPLS ring configuration methods are used, then manual configuration and signaling are required, but this increases device complexity and configuration difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables MPLS ring nodes to automatically discover ring topology and configure protection paths without manual intervention. Each node autonomously identifies its ring neighbors, determines clockwise and anti-clockwise paths, and establishes label switched paths based on IGP advertisements of Ring-SIDs, eliminating the need for manual configuration and signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures segment routing global blocks (SRGB) and assigns unique Ring-SIDs to each node before ring operation. These preliminary configurations enable automatic path establishment when nodes join the ring, as the IGP protocols can immediately utilize the pre-assigned identifiers to set up protection paths without requiring runtime configuration decisions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic path establishment is implemented, then network adaptability improves, but path establishment reliability may be compromised without proper signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where ring nodes advertise their Ring-SIDs and path availability through IGP protocols. Other nodes receive these advertisements and use the information to automatically establish appropriate label switched paths. This feedback loop ensures that path establishment is both automatic and reliable, as nodes continuously exchange topology information to maintain accurate routing state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses IGP protocols as an intermediary mechanism to facilitate automatic path establishment. The IGP advertisements carrying Ring-SID information serve as the mediator between nodes, enabling them to automatically discover ring topology and establish protection paths without direct node-to-node signaling, thus maintaining reliability through standardized protocol interactions.
3Loss of time
If segment routing with Ring-SIDs is used, then configuration time is reduced, but processing requirements at each node increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MPLS ring configuration task by assigning unique Ring-SIDs to specific functions (clockwise path, anti-clockwise path, node identification). This segmentation allows each node to process only relevant segment information from IGP advertisements rather than entire topology datasets, reducing processing requirements while enabling rapid automatic configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SRGB and Ring-SID structures universal across all ring nodes, with each node using the same data structures and processing logic for path establishment. This universality allows nodes to efficiently process standardized IGP advertisements without requiring complex node-specific processing, reducing overall processing requirements while maintaining fast configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A ring node N belonging to a resilient MPLS ring (RMR) provisions and/or configures clockwise (CW) and anti-clockwise (AC) paths on the RMR by: (a) configuring two ring node segment identifiers (Ring-SIDs) on the ring node, wherein a first of the two Ring-SIDs (CW-Ring-SID) is to reach N in a clockwise direction on the ring and a second of the two Ring-SIDs (AC-Ring-SID) is to reach N in an anti-clockwise direction on the ring, and wherein the CW-Ring-SID and AC-Ring-SID are unique within a source packet routing in networking (SPRING) domain including the ring; (b) generating a message including the ring node's CW-Ring-SID and AC-Ring-SID; and (c) advertising the message, via an interior gateway protocol, for receipt by other ring nodes belonging to the ring such that (1) a clockwise multipoint-to-point path (CWP) is defined such that every other one of the ring nodes belonging to the ring can be an ingress for the CWP and such that only the node is an egress for the CWP, and (2) an anti-clockwise multipoint-to-point path (ACP) is defined such that every other one of the ring nodes belonging to the ring can be an ingress for the ACP and such that only the node is an egress for the ACP.