MPLS Tunnel Path Derivation from MIB and Connectivity Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
In MPLS networks, incomplete tunnel path information in Management Information Base (MIB) tables hinders network operators' ability to accurately determine tunnel routes and monitor tunnel health, making network management less effective.
Innovation Solution
Combining data from MIB tables with network connectivity information to derive complete tunnel paths, even in cases where MIB data is missing, using algorithms that query and process both the tunnel computed-hop table and actual-hop table along with Layer-2 connectivity data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If tunnel path information is stored in MIB tables, then network management and monitoring can be performed, but the path information may be incomplete or unavailable for certain tunnel types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from multiple sources including MIB tables, network connectivity information, and path computation algorithms to derive complete tunnel paths. This merging of multiple data sources resolves the incompleteness issue while distributing the complexity across existing system components rather than concentrating it in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that queries MIB tables, retrieves connectivity information, and executes path computation algorithms to bridge the gap between incomplete MIB data and complete tunnel path information. This intermediary approach prevents direct complexity in data collection while achieving complete path derivation.
2Measurement precision
If tunnel paths are configured manually by network administrators, then path information can be obtained from MIB tables, but the information may be missing for dynamically established tunnels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal path derivation mechanism that works for both manually configured tunnels and dynamically established tunnels. By implementing a multi-functional approach that queries MIB tables and executes path computation algorithms, the system adapts to different tunnel types while maintaining accurate path information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from relying solely on static MIB table parameters to dynamically computing path parameters using connectivity information and algorithms. This parameter change enables accurate path determination for various tunnel types regardless of their configuration method.
3Reliability
If complete tunnel path information is available, then network monitoring and root cause analysis are improved, but the system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the path information derivation process into distinct components: querying MIB tables, retrieving network connectivity information, and executing path computation algorithms. This segmentation improves reliability by ensuring each component can be independently verified while distributing system complexity across multiple manageable functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented is a method and system for deriving the path of a traffic engineering tunnel in a network using Multi Protocol Label Switching, MPLS, traffic engineering and a Management Information Base, MIB, describing managed objects of the network. The method comprises: obtaining node connectivity information from the MIB; obtaining network connectivity information from a network node manager; and deriving tunnel path information based on the node connectivity information and the network connectivity information.