Centralized Resource Controller for MPLS VPN QoS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MPLS VPN solutions fail to effectively ensure Quality of Service (QoS) due to resource competition and lack of resource awareness in the backbone network, leading to unsatisfied subscriber requirements and complexity in managing QoS across different VPNs.
Innovation Solution
A system is implemented that includes a logical bearer network with pre-configured bandwidth and centralized resource controllers to manage network resources, maintain network topology, and allocate resources dynamically, ensuring QoS by setting priority fields in label stacks and using DiffServ-aware multi-protocol label switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MPLS VPN is implemented without centralized resource control, then device complexity is reduced, but QoS assurance capability deteriorates due to resource competition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized resource controller as an intermediary component that manages network resources and coordinates QoS policies across the MPLS VPN network. This mediator resolves resource competition by centralizing control functions, thereby improving QoS assurance capability without requiring complex distributed control mechanisms at each network device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the MPLS VPN system into distinct functional components: a centralized resource controller for QoS management and the existing MPLS infrastructure for data forwarding. This segmentation allows the resource controller to handle QoS assurance independently, improving reliability without increasing the complexity of the core forwarding plane.
2Reliability
If resources are pre-configured in the backbone network for each VPN, then QoS reliability is improved, but network resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation through the centralized resource controller, which can adjust resource assignments in real-time based on actual network conditions and VPN requirements. This dynamic approach ensures QoS reliability by providing guaranteed resources when needed while allowing efficient sharing of excess resources across multiple VPNs, thereby maintaining high network resource utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of resource allocation from static pre-configuration to dynamic adjustment by the centralized controller. The controller monitors network conditions and modifies resource parameters (bandwidth, priority levels) as needed, ensuring QoS reliability while optimizing overall network resource utilization based on actual demand patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If QoS management is distributed across all VPN devices, then system adaptability is improved, but management complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized resource controller serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of QoS management centrally, while individual network devices maintain their standard forwarding functions. This approach preserves system adaptability by allowing the controller to implement diverse QoS policies for different VPNs while simplifying device-level operations and reducing management complexity.
4Speed
If label switching is used without QoS awareness, then switching speed is improved, but QoS handling capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and distributing QoS-aware label mappings from the centralized resource controller to network devices before data transmission occurs. This allows label switching to maintain high speed while incorporating QoS handling capability, as the QoS decisions are made in advance and encoded in the label information that drives the fast switching process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for ensuring quality of service (QoS) in a virtual private network and a method thereof are provided. The system includes a logical bearer network, which is formed by connecting label switch paths configured with preserving bandwidth to routers, and is dedicated to transmit QoS service data; and a bearer control network, which is used to maintain logical bearer network, allocate route, mark service priority, and route service data to opposite end. The method includes the steps of: A. constructing a logical bearer network to transmit QoS service data by configuring label switch paths with preserved bandwidth; B. providing a centralized resource controller to manage resources of the logical bearer network; C. if QoS service data is to be transmitted, marking service priority in QoS field of the routing labels of multi-protocol label switch data packets, and routing service data to the opposite end.