Multicast Edge Node Cluster Design for Virtualized Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network virtualization environments, existing multicast protocols like IGMP and PIM face scaling issues due to periodic state maintenance, and IGMP does not allow multiple queriers on a LAN segment, limiting the efficient use of multiple edge nodes in clusters for receiving and sending multicast traffic.
Innovation Solution
A network system utilizing a cluster of edge nodes with a designated edge node that queries and distributes multicast membership information, allowing multiple edge nodes to receive and send multicast traffic by converting PIM joins to IGMP joins and using a look-up table for load balancing and ECMP routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple edge nodes are used in a cluster to receive and send multicast traffic, then the scalability and efficiency of multicast services are improved, but IGMP does not allow multiple queriers on a LAN segment, limiting the efficient use of multiple edge nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the querier function by designating one specific edge node as the IGMP querier for the entire cluster, while other edge nodes focus on receiving multicast traffic and converting PIM joins to IGMP joins. This segmentation resolves the conflict by allowing multiple edge nodes to participate in multicast services without requiring multiple queriers on the same LAN segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The designated edge node acts as an intermediary between the external network and the cluster of edge nodes. It receives PIM join messages from upstream routers, converts them to IGMP joins, and distributes them to the appropriate edge nodes. This intermediary role enables multiple edge nodes to efficiently receive multicast traffic without requiring each to be a querier.
2Reliability
If periodic state maintenance is performed by existing multicast protocols, then group membership management is achieved, but scaling issues occur in network virtualization environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes continuous PIM join states between edge nodes and upstream routers, eliminating the need for periodic IGMP state maintenance. By using PIM's continuous state mechanism instead of IGMP's periodic query-response model, the system achieves both reliable group membership management and improved scaling capability in virtualized environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single edge node is designated to query membership information, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but load distribution across multiple edge nodes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the workload by designating one edge node as the IGMP querier to maintain protocol compatibility, while distributing the actual multicast traffic reception and PIM join conversion tasks across multiple edge nodes. This segmentation allows the system to maintain IGMP compatibility while achieving effective load distribution through specialized roles for different edge nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A network system that uses a cluster of edge nodes to send and receive multicast traffic is provided. The network system is a network virtualization environment that includes one or more distributed routers, each distributed router implemented by virtualization software running on one or more host machines. The network system also includes a cluster of edge nodes for sending data from the one or more distributed routers to one or more uplink/upstream physical routers outside of a datacenter and for receiving data from the physical routers to the distributed routers. One of the edge nodes is a designated edge node that queries for membership information for one or more multicast groups to be received by at least two edge nodes of the cluster of edge nodes. The cluster of edge nodes forwards multicast traffic to and from the distributed routers according to the received membership information.