Selective Multicast Ethernet Tag Extension for EVPN Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Ethernet Virtual Private Network (EVPN) fabrics, multicast traffic forwarding is inefficient due to unnecessary traffic flows in the core network, as current mechanisms lack precise identification of the multicast source and receiver locations, leading to redundant data plane operations.
Innovation Solution
A method where EVPN peers exchange control plane join requests with receiver identifiers, enabling source-driven multicast routing information to be appended to data packets, allowing direct forwarding of multicast streams through the core network to the intended receivers, eliminating redundant paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional multicast forwarding is used in EVPN fabric, then multicast traffic can be distributed to multiple receivers, but unnecessary traffic flows through the core network reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the receiving EVPN peer send a control plane join request message to the source EVPN peer before multicast data packets are forwarded. This advance signaling includes embedding the egress node identifier in the join request, enabling the source peer to prepare optimal routing information that directs traffic directly to the intended receiver through the core network, preventing unnecessary traffic flows before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a control plane join request message as a mediator between the receiving EVPN peer and the source EVPN peer. This message carries the egress node identifier and enables the establishment of optimized routing paths through the core network, acting as an intermediary signaling mechanism that coordinates efficient multicast forwarding without requiring full mesh connectivity or traditional PIM protocols.
2Productivity
If source-driven multicast routing is implemented, then direct routing to receivers is achieved, but control plane signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the control plane join request message multi-functional. The same message serves multiple purposes: it signals the desire to receive multicast traffic, conveys the egress node identifier for routing purposes, and establishes the optimized path through the core network. This consolidates multiple control plane functions into a single signaling mechanism, reducing overall complexity while enabling source-driven routing.
Data Source
AI summary
A networking environment includes a first node and a second node configured as Ethernet Virtual Private Networking (EVPN) peers on an EVPN subnet that is coupled to a Layer 3 VPN over a core network. The first node receives a first multicast join request from a third node in the core network, the first multicast join request including a source address and multicast group address of a source of a multicast stream. The first node determines that the source address and the multicast group address for the source are behind the EVPN subnet at the second node. The first node sends to the second node, a control plane join request message that includes a receiver identifier that identifies the third node as a receiver of the multicast stream, the receiver identifier enabling the second node to forward the multicast stream directly into the core network to the third node.