OAM-Based Subnetwork Connection Protection in MPLS Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a solution for implementing Subnetwork Connection Protection (SNCP) in Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks, which is crucial for ensuring rapid traffic switching to backup paths when the working path fails.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve sending Operation, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) packets on both working and protection paths within an MPLS network, allowing nodes to determine the working status and select the appropriate path for traffic reception, thereby enabling OAM-based SNCP in T-MPLS networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SNCP is implemented in T-MPLS network, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SNCP implementation into distinct functional components: OAM packet generation at the source node, separate OAM packet reception at the destination node, working path monitoring, protection path monitoring, and protection switching decision. This segmentation allows each component to be implemented independently, reducing overall implementation complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces OAM packets as intermediary messages to monitor the status of working and protection paths. These OAM packets act as mediators that carry path status information between nodes, enabling reliable failure detection without requiring complex direct monitoring mechanisms, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
2Measurement precision
If OAM packets are sent on both working and protection paths, then path status monitoring is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously sending OAM packets on both working and protection paths before actual failure occurs. This allows the system to pre-establish monitoring mechanisms and path status knowledge, enabling rapid protection switching when failure happens without waiting for failure detection, thus reducing time loss while maintaining precise monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining continuous OAM packet transmission on both paths as part of normal operation. This continuous monitoring establishes persistent path status information without interrupting data traffic, allowing the system to always have current path status available for rapid switching decisions while minimizing time loss through constant readiness.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present invention provide a method, a system and a node for implementing Subnetwork Connection Protection (SNCP) in a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network. The method includes: sending, by a first node of a subnetwork of the MPLS network, an Operation, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) packet on a working path and a protection path of the subnetwork respectively; determining, by a second node of the subnetwork, working status of the working path and the protection path of the subnetwork according to the OAM packet on the working path and the OAM packet on the protection path, and selecting to receive traffic from one of the working path and the protection path of the subnetwork according to the working status. In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the SNCP may be implemented in the Transport Multi-Protocol Label Switching (T-MPLS) network.