MPLS-TP Packet Processing Bypassing Full Label Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MPLS-TP networks face limitations in label stack size due to lookup table size constraints and require unnecessary extraction of all labels as label keys during multi-label processing, leading to performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A packet processing method and apparatus that classifies input packets to generate or extract a packet transport layer (PTL) index through specific lookups, allowing for efficient determination of next hops and service-specific processing, thereby bypassing the need to extract all labels as label keys, especially during operations like label pop and swap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all MPLS labels are extracted as label keys regardless of label operations, then complete label information is available for processing, but processing complexity increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary top label from the MPLS label stack for lookup operations, rather than extracting all labels. This selective extraction reduces processing complexity while maintaining the reliability needed for correct packet forwarding, directly resolving the contradiction between complete label processing and processing performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lookup table size is increased to accommodate multiple label stacks, then label stack capacity increases, but device resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the label processing into two distinct phases: first extracting only the top label for initial lookup, then selectively processing additional labels based on operation type. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high label stack capacity adaptability while keeping the primary lookup table size manageable, resolving the contradiction between versatility and resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for processing a packet in a multi-protocol label switching-transport profile (MPLS-TP) network are provided. In the method of processing a packet, a packet transport layer (PTL) index and a layer stack (LS) or multiple label pop (MPOP) loopback header are used, and it is possible to remove a size limitation on lookup results of a lookup table when multiple labels are stacked, and solve the problem of having to extract all labels as label keys regardless of label operations upon an incoming label map (ILM) table lookup.