MPLS-TP Multicast via Segmented P2P Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Point-to-MultiPoint (P2MP) service message multicast technologies based on Multiprotocol Label Switching Transport Profile (MPLS-TP) are complex and lack efficient fault detection and protection switching capabilities, and deployed MPLS-TP equipment cannot be easily upgraded.

Innovation Solution

A service message multicast method and device that utilize a Point-to-Point (P2P) path for replicating and forwarding service messages, enabling fast fault detection and protection switching, and are applicable to MPLS-TP-based devices, by establishing working and protection paths between root and leaf nodes in a packet transport network (PTN) using a centralized routing algorithm system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If P2MP multicast technology based on MPLS-TP is used, then multicast service can be provided, but the technology is complex and lacks efficient fault detection and protection switching capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection and protection switching capabilityVSAvoidmulticast technology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the P2MP multicast service into multiple independent P2P service instances. Each P2P instance uses separate working and protection paths, enabling independent fault detection and protection switching for each path. This segmentation transforms the complex P2MP technology into simpler, manageable P2P components that leverage existing MPLS-TP protection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of implementing P2MP multicast directly with its inherent complexity and limited protection capabilities, the patent inverts the approach by using multiple P2P services to achieve P2MP functionality. This inversion allows the system to benefit from the mature and simple P2P protection mechanisms while achieving multicast service goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If deployed MPLS-TP equipment is used, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but the equipment cannot be easily upgraded to support P2MP multicast

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with existing MPLS-TP equipmentVSAvoidupgradeability of deployed equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing P2P MPLS-TP equipment perform multiple functions by configuring it to handle both unicast and multicast services through the same infrastructure. By segmenting P2MP into P2P instances, standard P2P-capable equipment can universally serve both traditional and multicast services without requiring specialized P2MP hardware upgrades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multiple copies of P2P service instances to achieve P2MP functionality. Each leaf node receives service through its own P2P instance with dedicated working and protection paths, effectively copying the P2P service model multiple times to simulate P2MP behavior without requiring native P2MP equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Speed

If P2P paths are used for multicast, then fast fault detection and protection switching are achieved, but the multicast implementation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection and protection switching speedVSAvoidmulticast implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically creates and manages multiple P2P service instances based on multicast service requirements. Each P2P instance can be independently configured with working and protection paths, allowing the system to adapt to different fault scenarios and service demands while maintaining fast protection switching capabilities through the dynamic nature of P2P path management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3340550B1Service message multicast method and device
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD
  • EP3340550B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3340550B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3340550B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The published application discloses a service message multicast method and device, realizing multicast of a service message via a peer-to-peer (P2P) path, ensuring a quick malfunction detection and protection switching, applicable to multiprotocol label switching-transport profile (MPLS-TP)-based equipment that has been deployed. The service message multicast method comprises: receiving a service message transmitted by a multicast source server, and a destination internet protocol (IP) address of the service message, wherein the destination IP address comprises a plurality of multicast client IP addresses; duplicating the service message and forwarding, according to the destination IP addresses of the service message and a peer-to-peer P2P path between nodes in a multicast packet transport network (PTN), the duplicated service messages to a plurality of multicast clients corresponding to the plurality of multicast client IP addresses.